Hats off to bustling Birmingham, the home of studio HQ, for being one of the happiest cities in the U.K to live and work in! Inspired by our beautiful city, we crafted this little thought provoking piece on happiness, as you can tell, we do like to get our thinking caps on.
“Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” Aristotle
Which couldn’t ring more true, we naturally shy away from things that will cause us unnecessary pain and will joyfully take part in indulgence. The human race is a hedonistic bunch, but with our gift of reason, we learn that gluttony comes at the expense of our health… Luckily the odd occasion won’t hurt! Whether it’s putting your feet up after a hard day in the office, finally reaching that 10km mark or just digging into that freshly baked apple pie; happiness is everywhere to be seen and found. The circumstances could be simple or complex, one thing’s for sure, we all love to feel happy.
If You’re Happy and You Know It…
Of course never forget to clap those hands. Our mood has a significant part to play in our overall mental attitude and perceptions, not to mention productivity! Be kind to yourself and those around you. We spend a lot of our time at work, loving what you do plays an important role in your overall well-being! Have a little read of our last blog “What Makes You, You“. (more…)
This may be your first encounter with thestudio or you could have the venue on speed dial for all your meeting and event needs. There may still be a few things you didn’t know about us! Read on and be enlightened. 🙂
1 – Hot drinks and wifi…
Nestled at the heart of the second city: thestudio Birmingham has quite a few quirks up its street. The largest of all current venues this setting truly offers something more… Open to the public, our business lounge is a retreat for like-minded professionals looking for that special place to get the job done. With a bar menu to hand, unlimited hot drinks and wifi for £5, what more would you need to help fuel you throughout the day? When the time comes for a much needed break, refresh yourself on our roof terrace, it’s beautiful in all seasons.
2 – Away we go…
Is your team bogged down and in need of some revitalization? If the good old days seem to be buried in the past, it’s time to “shake your groove thing, shake your groove thing baby” with an away day. Mix things up with Rum, Lime & Sugar’s cocktail making classes or better yet compose a team anthem with Dan Whitehouse. These are just a couple of our away day alternatives, if this has peaked your interest shuffle onto our website. You may even be inspired by some of thestudio teams’ away weekends. (more…)
Do you remember when internet was everything but wireless? Now we have powerhouses of 4G in our back pockets. How times have changed!
When we look to the past, our ancestors fashioned tools to become more efficient hunter-gatherers. Today we can see the impact and implications of technology, much like the spear of the past; it innovates and drives us forward, pushing to create new possibilities, enabling us to constantly imagine, invent and innovate, turning thoughts into reality.
Tidy desk, tidy mind…
Like an artist who is stirred by a beautiful landscape, new spaces can rouse a whole host of emotions, yes, even a work desk can be inspirational! Funnily enough, we @studiovenues strongly believe that if you want a new idea, it’s best to change the view… Hence why spread out across the UK (Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds) thestudio venues pursue the ultimate goals of being customer driven and providing light, innovative spaces, perfect places for your bright ideas. (more…)
Britain is accustomed to the odd watery spell or downpour that seemingly last for months on end, blending every season into an indistinguishable monsoon. Unlike anything we’ve ever experienced, the media has been rife with warnings that we, Great Britain, were going to experience our first hurricane!
Battering its way through America and dominating over beautiful Bermuda, Hurricane Joaquin bellowed its way towards Britain. But before you grab your wellies and begin boarding up your house (the most efficient way across the pond to saving you windows; and selves), Joaquin made a ‘turn for the best’ and has decided against visiting the Isles.
Though we expect and anticipate the UK’s notorious wet weather, more often than we’d like to admit, we do get caught out! Forgotten your brollie? Not to worry, as a guest @ thestudio, we endeavour to keep your head high and dry with our complimentary umbrellas! Ensuring your spirits aren’t dampened.
With the remnants of the British summer slowly dying away, it won’t be long till the luscious green hues of spring and summer fade into a pile of crispy leaves. It’s almost time to dig out the cosy jumpers, gloves and boots! As appealing as that sounds you’d be forgiven for feeling like 2015 is nearly done and dusted. Thankfully there are some great things yet to come before we bid farewell to 2015!
There are quite a few exciting events still in this year’s pipeline and one of which seems to be edging closer and closer is our third venues’ grand opening in Leeds.
Speaking of grand openings, Grand Central – Birmingham’s newest retail destination will launch on 24th September perfectly timed to co-incide with the Birmingham Weekender Event taking place in key locations around the city. If you’re thinking about steaming ahead with your Christmas shopping you can enjoy the exciting arrival of the largest John Lewis outside of London.
With Autumn approaching thoughts turn to “back to school” and from the 1st Sept onwards we’ll be making a £10.00 contribution to Wood Street Mission for every booking made in Classroom, one of the 10 vibrant event spaces we have in our Manchester venue, for more details on Classroom take a look here.
Like us, we bet you’ve got some great memories of school; we hope all children feel as though they are able to have the same opportunities and can create some smashing memories like we all did. The proceedings will enable Wood Street Mission to gear our next generation with supplies and resources to encourage a brighter future, with everything from P.E kits to stationary. Now that’s what we call a great start to the academic year! (more…)
Onwards and Upwards!
thestudio are moving up in the world! Up north to be precise, further afield then Manchester, we have now set up camp in Leeds!
What is this place you speak of?!
If you were given a map of the UK, would you be able to point out a City called Loidis? It’s a bit of a trick question but if you know where Loiners come from, you’d know we’re talking about Leeds! In 731, our new place of settlement was formerly known as Loidis which then became (more recognisably) Ledes. Sooner or later it unscrambled to make the name we know it as today.
Silver Screen Stardom…
Did you know the first moving picture was shot in Leeds? We didn’t either! Apparently in 1888, French inventor Louise Le Prince recorded scenes in Roundhay Garden and of Leeds Bridge. From silver screens to going for gold, Roundhay Park holds the top spot on Tripadvisor’s top 30 things to do in Leeds list. (more…)
“This thing all things devours: Birds, beasts, trees, flowers; Gnaws iron, bites steel; Grinds hard stones to meal; Slays king, ruins town, And beats high mountain down.”
If you’re a fan of The Hobbit, you’ll most likely already know the answer: time.
The consumer of all things and one of the very few things that cannot be bought in this world, time can either be a friend or foe… Luckily for us at thestudio, we seem to be on his kind side! Hopefully we haven’t spoken too soon, but with plans of building a bigger future roaring ahead, as they say, only time will tell!
In today’s modern, fast paced life, it easy to admire the beauty of a finished piece and lose sight of the intricacies and dedication of the process. Much like how an artist’s completed work is always admired and adorned in galleries; the perceiver may miss the difficulties and enjoyment experienced when creating a “Chef-d’oeuvre”. (more…)
Interested in a great migration? Well, Birmingham is experiencing an influx of Giant Owls! Perching all over the city, from the centre to the outskirts, these vibrant birds will definitely catch your eye. Running from the 20th July – 27th September, these feathery friends will be on display to help raise awareness for the Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Your last chance at birdwatching will be from 10th-11th October, they’ll be flying the nest soon after as they are being auctioned off in order to raise funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital… what an ingenious way to support a great cause!
Hoot your favourite owl design @studiovenues #thebighoot2015
Walk this way…
In total there are 200 wise owls dotted about Birmingham, the Ozzy Owl being the wisest of course (rock on). This exhibition is in perfect timing with both the school holidays and the lovely British summer, so if you fancy a fun, free, day out why not trek through the concrete jungle on The Big Hoot Trail! thestudio team have managed to snap up quite a few… as you can tell! (more…)
Ever heard of Pitchfest? No, not Pitch Perfect, Pitchfest! This is a collaborative event spear headed by Aston, Birmingham and Warwick Universities to deliver a day at the NEC brimming with opportunity for businesses and investors. Over 80 West Midlands companies attended, allowing businesses to compete, network and learn more about local industries. With such an event so close to home, of course thestudio were eager to enter.
Only 15 businesses got to the final and studio were delighted to be in the final 5 for the growth category. These finalists went on to present or better put “pitch” their plans for the future to a board full of potential investors and a room full of other businesses and potential new clients.
Our Director Emma Jennings commented: “Reaching the finals of Pitchfest is a great way to end another fantastic year of growth at thestudio. After recent expansion in Birmingham, Pitchfest provided an excellent opportunity to meet with several investors to talk through future plans for thestudio and its plans to grow into other major UK cities and any opportunity to showcase to new customers is always a winner!” (more…)
Just watched The Secret Life of Lego on CH4 the other day and whether you’re loony for Lego or yet to discover your “love for the brick”, this documentary will shock, intrigue and draw you in.
From shrouded tall tales of a 1997 lost LEGO shipment gracing the shores of Cornwall with ‘treasure’ to surreal buildings which transform at the touch of a button, this documentary offers a curious insight into one of the worlds’ largest toy companies.
Missed it? Try 4OD! Tweet your views @studiovenues #secretlifeoflego
Whatcha talking ‘bout…
Apart from being a great watch, you may be wondering what all this has to do with thestudio. Well we’ll happily reveal our similarities! As you know, thestudio ethos of driving a customer focused mentality and developing a family culture within the team are paramount, for us it’s not just about getting talented people, but getting the ‘right people’, better put studio people. We like to think that our team is much like a jigsaw puzzle; everyone brings something different to the table but fits well together to make the bigger picture. Unsurprisingly LEGO feel the same, an international company having shared philosophy that runs throughout the ranks is definitely a win. (more…)
