As our industry starts to see the green shoots of recovery we are delighted to report an 88% increase in confirmed business since the Prime Ministers roadmap out of lockdown announcement in February.

studio

We’ve been working hard over the past few months to ensure we have solutions available to allow our clients to take the bold step back into events and we’re pleased that confidence is growing and confirmed bookings are falling into our diary.

“We have been pleased to be open to support with critical training throughout this latest lockdown, however as enquiry levels grow and a return to regular events comes into view, the news of an increase in confirmed business signals the next step in a long-awaited recovery, which is exciting not just for us, but for the industry as a whole” says our Commercial Director Julian Kettleborough

“We have been working hard to build our offer and continue to increase the flexibility we are able to give our clients including virtual and hybrid options. We want everyone to feel confident that they have our full support when making the bold step back into holding their events. We are really pleased that this work, coupled with a positive announcement from the Government, has meant we are experiencing an increase in enquiries and more importantly firm commitments from our clients.”

“Whilst the end is sight we still have a lot of work to do both as a business and as part of the industry and we certainly don’t want to sit still. We will continue to work closely with our clients, listening and being flexible to their needs to ensure they have the confidence to book their events for the coming months.”

Whether you are looking for a totally live event, hybrid or virtual options, if you want to Boldy GO speak to us today or have a take a look at how we can support you here.

Some people say it’s mystical, a magic potion that ignites your mornings with promise and opportunity… We call it coffee! There’s no denying a great cup of morning pick me up really can make you feel invincible.

The way you start your day really matters to us, that’s why we’ve joined forces with Redber coffee roasters and upgraded all the coffee and machines in our venues, ensuring you start your day off perfectly!

We have introduced new bean to cup Esprecious machines as well as new filter Aurora machines across all locations. Whether your daily grind calls for a latte, mocha, or a simple unadulterated cup of the pure stuff, we have it all brewing for you …

Our new blend…

Coffee beans grown in the nutrient dense volcanic soils of Honduras and the high altitude of the Cachoeira farm combine to make our delicious “studio blend”. This offers a smooth, aromatic taste experience with chocolatey/nutty undertones.

Redber buy directly from source, starting with a delicate green bean which is then roasted to order for us and delivered the next day. This means you’ll always have a fresh coffee experience.

We cannot tell you how excited we are to be offering such a great product with a fantastic new coffee partner. The buzz around the venues (not only from the caffeine!) is just wonderful. Great taste, ethical sourcing, happy customers… what more could we ask for?!

Fun fact…

Did you know coffee is a fruit? The bean which we use grows inside a coffee cherry! Though we wouldn’t go as far to say it counts towards one of your five a day.

Something for everyone….

Not a coffee drinker? Watch this space, we’ll soon be introducing a new range of teas… They are eco-friendly and biodegradable! Find out more about Birchall teas by clicking the link below:

https://birchalltea.co.uk/ 

We’re excited for all the developments 2020 will bring and from everyone @thestudio, we wish you your best year yet!

Today is World Homeless Day… How can a day ever be enough for this enormous crisis we witness on our streets EVERY day? However today is the day we can try to raise awareness for those of us who are less fortunate suffering from homelessness, to not just highlight the persistent predicament, but to share ways in which we, as a community, can invoke a positive response in providing opportunities, help and support.

It’s saddening to know that we reached the highest record of homelessness in January 2018 and it continues to grow, but there is much we can do to help. Click here to find out more and don’t forget show your support #WorldHomelessDay @homelessday

thestudio deeply values and cherishes the communities it calls home. We feel strongly about our local communities, so we’ve teamed up with local charities and not for profit organisations to try a do a little bit…

Who we are working with…?

Wood Street Mission…

This amazing children’s charity which helps and supports local families in Manchester & Salford. At their core, they believe all children should live a poverty free life, encouraging them to value education and offering practical guidance so families can raise themselves out of poverty.

For every booking in our alternative, self-contained events space: The Classroom we offer a £10 donation towards Wood Street Mission’s remarkable work. Enjoy retro snacks whist gathering your team to motivate and inspire whilst supporting some locals.

Find out more about Wood Street Mission by clicking here…

Foodinate…

Foodinate Fancy Cakes are a fantastic way to support our local communities. Grab a slice of feel good by adding “Foodinate Fancy Cakes” to an event with us. Whilst enjoying a selection of delicious gluten free mini cakes, Foodinate will provide a hot nourishing meal to a local person in need.

Find out more about Foodinate by clicking here…

Let’s Feed Brum…

A brilliant Birmingham based charity who focuses on providing “food, drink, essential supplies and friendship” to those living on our streets. We’ve teamed up with Let’s Feed Brum to help get these Brummies back on their feet, every day our chefs and catering team package up any extras, providing nutritious meals to be served up and offered in the soup kitchen. Just by booking lunch with us, you may be contributing to the bigger picture.
Last December our team even cooked and helped serve a Christmas lunch for 300 homeless souls in the Cathedral, quite a feat and one we were all proud to be involved with.

Find out more about Let’s Feed Brum by clicking here…

Crisis…

This inspiring organisation pools all its efforts to help ease homelessness throughout the UK. Through recognising the needs of those on the street, they empower these individuals to stir up real positive change in their lives. Annually, thestudio joins hands with Crisis @ Christmas, hosting their guests with delicious festive themed treats and a space to provide services like health checks, mindfulness, creativity, hair and well-being sessions.

Find out more about Crisis by clicking here…

We’d love to help more and are open to your great ideas and suggestions. Please feel free to DM us on twitter @studiovenues with your thoughts on how we can help build a better future for us all.

Ever notice how people who are admired, radiate a positive and friendly aura? Whether you’re looking to secure agreements, network or become someone’s go to person, body language has a meaningful impact on the connections we attempt to create. We are frequently told “actions speak louder than words”, so join us as we delve into the world of body language!

What is this body language you speak of?

Body language in a nutshell is how we consciously and unconsciously hold ourselves. It’s a form of nonverbal communication which gives clues into our frame of mind or attitude. From posture to a welcoming handshake, every gesture we make is subconsciously noted in the minds of our audiences. It has the power to convey how we really feel, without even saying a word! “Research says that our communication consists of 35% verbal communication and 65% non-verbal communication.”

Positivity is infectious!

First time presenting or have an important client catch up? A positive body language can help captivate, influence and draw in your audience/guests to the pivotal message of your meeting. We’ve done some digging and here are a few ways you’ll give off the best impression:

1. Chillin’ is winning – having a relaxed posture, breathing and open arms/palms are all signs of a calm demeanour. Making you seem approachable, friendly and pleasant.

2. It’s all in the eyes – eye contact is important; it shows that you are confident and comfortable in a given situation/environment. It’s said that eye contact when teaching improves learning, attention and makes the audience feel more engaged. It even expresses interest…just remember not to stare!

3. Nodding helps to emphasise key points and makes them more memorable.

4. Show off your pearly whites – smiling and using humour encourages people to feel more at ease and makes it easier to develop a warm personal relationship.

Everything in moderation…

Positive body language should be used sparingly, it’s a fine line as consistent exaggerated gestures can come off more negative than positive!

After thought…

Body language can be consciously applied to any given situation, so we hope that you’ve found this insightful. Why not give it a whirl and try out our positive body language tips!

Written by: Jyoti Banga

It’s finally here, the British summer has decided to make an appearance halfway through the year. Better late than never we say! Before we strut our stuff in shorts and add cocktail umbrellas to all our cold drinks, there is one hurdle to jump…

We spend a good portion of our lives dedicated to our careers which usually means business attire! Whilst presentation is everything, being suited and booted often leads us to feeling hot under the collar. Despite retiring your blazer to your chair back, heat can be a problem.

So how would you keep your guests from falling asleep in your events? Read on for our top tips for keeping your team cool and engaged this summer!

1 – Feel that breeze! Let’s be honest, no one wants to be confined to an office space for the whole day. Not much has changed from those long hot schooldays spent peering out the window wishing you were outside. That’s why it’s important to have the best of both worlds. Choose an event venue that offers an outdoor area where guests can stretch their legs and get that all important dose of vitamin D. It’ll make a huge difference to their outlook and concentration.

2 – Avoid stuffy rooms… Open the windows! General ventilation is a blessing in hot weather conditions. Making sure there is a flow of air will have a significant effect on your guests’ comfort. How to make sure the venue offers exactly what you need? Getting a first-hand perspective of what you’ve booked really helps, book in to visit the event space you’ve booked!

3 – Ice cream! Everyone loves surprises, especially ones involving food. Refresh your guests by treating them to ice cream. It’s a great trick that’ll offer some refuge from the heat and a much-needed sugar boost! Rest assured ice cream isn’t the only option, how about: cool fruit kebabs, individual pots of sorbet, smoothies, jugs of iced tea or even hire in a Slushie machine! The possibilities are endless… Check with your events space what they could offer.

4 – Engage your guests… Visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic, keeping different types of learners engaged in the baking heat is a challenge to say the least! Our solution? Try having ice breaker style activities dotted throughout your event. Three short 5 minute activities will help refocus your guests. Using lightly competitive games, quizzes or puzzles alongside your event topic will make the information more memorable. Alternatively, you could book an external company through your venue who offer fun team building exercises!

5 – Hydration breaks… We all respond to heat differently, some of us relish in the inferno whilst others recoil at the thought of being hot. One sure fire way to douse that flame is to incorporate hydration breaks into your event. These little breathers will help the day keep pace and allows each individual to regulate their own body temperature. After-all, water is the elixir of life!

We hope our summer suggestions will help you in your events. Tweet us your cool ideas @studiovenues.

Written by: Jyoti Banga

It feels as though the long-awaited British summer has abandoned us and now businesses are already advertising for Christmas?! We understand the injustice, it might seem unthinkably soon to entertain the thought, so here’s a few reasons why it’s a brilliant idea to get cracking on the planning…

Get bookin’ good lookin’…

“Eat a live frog every morning, and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” – Mark Twain. Thankfully you don’t have to make frog eating part of your morning routine, instead, banish procrastination by doing your least loved task first. Booking a Christmas party venue might be at the top of this list! So… get cracking, tick it off and sit back and enjoy that summer we are all waiting for!

Thoughtful questions…

As you can imagine, there’s a whole heap of aspects to take into consideration when looking at potential venues. What your team needs and what the venue offers should be paramount. Here’s a few questions for consideration to help guide your thought processes:
– Getting there… Does the chosen venue offer a variety of transport links to suit all budgets?
– Classic or quirky? The style of your chosen venue says a lot about your brand and your team, does your choice tick all the boxes?
– Do you want to be part of a joiner party night or would you like exclusive use of the venue?
– What other events are going on in the venue on the same date, will it impact your party?
– Will the venue offer event security for peace of mind?
– Food for thought… It’s really important to take into consideration the catering of the event. People come in all different shapes and sizes, and so do diets! Allergies, religious or preference… can the venue support all these requirements?
– Check out the bar prices in advance so the drinks are affordable and in line with what your guests would expect as high street prices
– Does the venue have all the appropriate licences; liquor, entertainment, music, etc
– Does your package include merrymaking essentials like DJ and decorations?
– Storage… Would you need to store items before or after the party?
– Weigh up if you’d implement a “drink voucher” system so everyone gets their fair share. It comes in handy when you’re budget conscious!
– Is the venue fully accessible and able to welcome all of your guests?
– Will some of the team need accommodation? Is there a good range of options nearby?

Party time…

Let’s be honest, it’s always great to have something to look forward to, and what better than a party pencilled in for December. Remember your end of year festivities are in celebration of all your achievements. You may not be counting down the days just yet but before you’ll know it, it’ll be time to go out with a bang!

The run down…

In a nutshell, there are perks of arranging your Christmas shin dig now: avoid both stress and fully booked venues with something to look forward to. Hopefully we’ve inspired you to take hold of the sleigh reins and start jotting some ideas down.

Here @thestudio we like to make a difference. That’s why we’ve replaced our business cards with our “Give us a buzz” wildflower seed packs! Completely biodegradable, our give us a buzz cards give you more than just our contact details, you also get a handful of magic to grow.

It’s a sobering thought to realise that if the bee disappeared off the face of the earth, man would only have four year left to live (Maurice Maeterlink, The Life of Bee) so, help us do our bit and sow thestudio seeds this spring.

The best thing about our bee and butterfly seed blend is that they can be grown anywhere. You don’t have to be green fingered to get our little seedlings going! Whether you’re looking for a lovely sprig of spring to brighten up your garden or a pot of pretty flowers to adorn your window sill.

Simple as 1, 2, 3, handy tips to help get you started…

  1. Now the frost of a very long British winter has thawed out, it’s time to help the bees by sowing some seeds! Chose the ideal location by assessing sunlight and moisture sprinkle directly onto the ground or pot
  2. Water really is the elixir of life, so don’t forget to give the little buds a boost with a little shower every now and then.
  3. Everyone loves compliments, even plants! Kind words might help encourage you flowers to grow… So let’s get chatting.

Don’t forget to show us your progress… Tag your plant progression #GiveUsABuzz @studiovenues on twitter or Instagram. If you’d like a seed pack just let us know 😊

Happy Gardening!

Here at thestudio, we aim to keep all of our fascinating facts and exciting changes at the forefront for our customers to stay in the loop with us!

We are beginning to install our Good to Know About chalkboards in our refreshment areas in all of our venues across to inform and keep you up to date about our latest fun facts, and all the important work we do behind the scenes every step of the way.

Here are some of our eight must know facts…

1. Around the world in 19 ways…
thestudio team between them speak an incredible 19 different languages! They all travel as far across the world from German, Polish and Yoruba, right up to Farsi, Japanese and Zulu – to name just a few!

2. thestudio and the city…
We have four fantastic and bright and bubbly venues throughout UK in vibrant major cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Leeds, plans are afoot for further expansion … where would you like to see the next studio?

3. Food glorious food…
Did you know that our customers can also join in some of our delicious food taster days and this summer we will be hosting a food innovation day with all of our location chefs, join our studiofamily database to receive your invite. Also good to know that in Birmingham our largest location any food wastage is donated daily to Lets Feed Brum to support with food stations and shelters for those in need.

4. Finding the right BALANCE…
We have our very own not for profit cookbook with all of our favourite recipes called BALANCE. It caters to specialised diets from vegan to gluten free; we even provide nutritional information from energy to protein.

5. Keeping it in the family…
thestudio is an independent and privately owned by a board of four directors who all still work in the business as its continued to expand throughout the UK.

6. Let them eat cake…
For every Foodinate cake added to your event, you can provide a warm and nutritious meal for a person in the local community. Take a look at www.foodinate.co.uk.

7. Coffee for two…
All of our coffee throughout thestudio venues is supplied by Groundhouse Coffee. They not only source their ingredients from co-operatively owned and sustainable plantations, but they also continue to give back to their local communities as a result.

8. It all starts in the Classroom…
For every booking that takes places in the Classroom thestudio donate £10.00 to the Wood Street Mission. They are children’s charity helping families living on low incomes in Manchester and Salford. Through their SmartStart initiative, this helps struggling families have access to non-branded school uniforms, coats, shoes, sports kit and stationery throughout the school year.

We’d love for you to stay in thestudio loop with us so give us a follow on Twitter, or tweet @studiovenues for any burning questions about our must-know facts to find out more.

Written by: Leah Mahon

Edited by: Emma Jennings

Have you overcome your fear of old photos? Well, now’s the time! Most of us cringe at the thought of sharing selfies from what seems like a happily forgotten past of wardrobe horrors, yet today, we’re relishing in the #10yearchallenge. Instead of burning unforgivable pics, we’re given the opportunity to be proud of who we were and present the world with who we are. Change is something to be celebrated and with that in mind, we just had to get in on the fun… Here’s thestudio’s #10yearchallenge!

Who would’ve thought it…?

Let’s set the scene, in 2009 thestudio would have only been three! In our modest beginnings, thestudio consisted of one venue: Birmingham. Our humble headquarters, fondly referred to Mission Control could welcome you to just 10 meeting spaces… At this moment in time, our sights were firmly set on Manchester and establishing a second home… Where were you in 2009?

Fast forward to 2019…

A lot has happened since 2009, some of which as a fellow studio goer you might already know! Count how many studio facts you knew and wow us by tweeting the number @studiovenues…

What’s the plan Stan? 2019 – 10 years on…

The New Year brings with it a call of reinvention, a time to applaud past achievements and another chance to dream big!

As always we ask you to stick with us and watch this space because this is going to be an exciting year! p.s we hope you enjoyed our #10yearchallenge!

“It’s all about you! And it’s all about laughter, positivity and fun!” – Body Confidence

Confidence is a thing of beauty, it’s that inner driving force which makes you shine in everything you do. It’s the deciding factor whether we choose to take the bull by its horns or shy away from the opportunity. Being sure of yourself isn’t just about taking things in your graceful stride, it’s all about how you feel. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is key but knowing yourself is most important.

Here @thestudio we appreciate people come in all shapes, sizes and confidence levels! Recently we had the brilliant opportunity to host Body Confidence Live’s inspirational event. A positive gathering all about body confidence, well-being and self-esteem. Dust off a new you by embracing an alternative perspective.

Lindsay Reid from Body Confidence had this to say about the event – “The event was great. We set out to have a positive and fun day and we really seemed to achieve that with amazing feedback about the way we’d helped make people feel which was everything we wanted. Our speakers were amazing, the venue was great, and our audience left feeling positive and uplifted.”

I’ve got the power…
We encourage our team to be confident by allowing them to be themselves and to interact with guests in the way they instinctively feel is right rather than following a script. We think this helps contribute to the family feel we’ve created across our spaces!