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
We appreciate finding the perfect match is a challenge, we appreciate a helping hand never goes a miss… With that in mind, here are our best tips for finding your dream venue.
The bare necessities…
Before we go off on a delightful tangent and start singing The Jungle Books’ classic song, let’s think about what you need from your venue. It could be anything from super-fast Wi-Fi connection, an outdoor environment or a stylised exhibition space. Jotting down a few key things about your event needs really helps to hone in your search results!
Are we there yet …?
Whether you’re dreaming about a coastline view, a cityscape or somewhere out in the sticks, location is everything when it comes to planning. A few thoughtful questions to help steer you in the right direction: how easy is the prospective venue to find? Will the bulk of your guest be travelling by car or using public transport? Is there accommodation at the venue or nearby? All these aspects will have a profound affect in your pursuit for your perfect match!
Show me the money…
Whether you’re tightening the purse strings or letting loose with your spending, budget plays a massive role in organising your event. If you’re conscious about splurging, arranging your event to fall on Monday, Friday or school holidays might help you save a pretty penny.
Free venue finding services…
New to the meetings and events game? Don’t worry, everyone starts somewhere! Luckily, there’s an abundance of lovely people who’ll be happy to help you on your mission. Free venue finding services are a way to go, they provide you support, search for and offer a variety of viable options. With a list of all your specs and event info, they’ll do all they leg work. Sounds like a dream doesn’t it?
Go with your gut…
Always visit the venue! Even though you’ll have copious amounts of images, detailed specifications and virtual tours of the location, nothing will speak louder than your first impression. You’ll be able to get a feel for the service, the team and most importantly the environment. Trust your intuition. Also check out all the venues social media pages, this will give you a great insight into their business personality and also it acts as a great way to see what other customer’s might be twittering on about!
That’s a wrap…
All in all, finding your perfect match is a doddle! We hope that our tips served you well in your search and if you ever need anything meetings and events, we’ll always be happy to help 😊
Written by: Jyoti Banga
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…
- 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
- 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.
- 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!
“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!
“A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.” Phyllis Diller
Say Cheese…
Smiles are a wonderful thing, they’re a lovely sign to ourselves and others that we’re feelin’ fine. We think everyone looks their best when they show off their pearly whites, you could even say they offer an instant makeover!
Tweet @studiovenues what makes you grin
What makes thestudio smile?
YOU!
It might sound cheesy, but we just can’t help it! We’re self-proclaimed feedback fanatics as without the good, the bad and the ugly, we wouldn’t know how to put a smile on your face.
There is another reason why we’re grinning from ear to ear… recently thestudioglasgow was chosen to host Children in Scotland’s young person’s question & answer session with Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon!
This charity event was aired on Scotland Tonight and can be caught on youtube! (Just click here if you’re curious ‘Scotland Tonight FMQT:Next Generation‘.)
Event Organiser Erin Butler from Children in Scotland shared some lovely words about her experience with us –
‘The young people on the design team for FMQT Next Generation were keen to find a venue that was relaxed, fun and flexible and The Studio ticked all of those boxes. We knew from experience that the staff are always so accommodating and true to form, nothing ever felt like too much trouble even when responding to the demands of the three different organisations involved with this project. I can’t speak highly enough of both the sales team in Birmingham and the operations team in Glasgow. I literally couldn’t fault them and we can’t wait to come back!’
So we’re celebrating world smile day with positive thoughts! P.S a cheeky grin is contagious, so the next time you see some give them your best as you never know… it could travel the world!
It’s time to raise that pinky and dust off those delicately decorated tiered dishes as this week we’re celebrating Afternoon Tea. A week dedicated to possibly the most British customs, it would be a sin not to get involved with some fun facts and the possibility of winning scones!
Tweet us your first choice finger food pic @studiovenues… The best pic could win complimentary scones to go with their next event!
3 things you might not have known…
1. Just what the Duchess ordered. Afternoon tea came about as a royal “pick me up”, in the 1800’s it was common for people to survive off only two meals a day! No wonder the Duchess of Bedford introduced bite size delights to her daily routine. We couldn’t imagine eating only twice a day, could you?
2. Low tea or high tea? Thankfully neither involves stilts or retreating to the basement! Both teas reveal social status, the time they’re eaten and, funnily enough, the table height! In the past, low tea was a commonly set up on coffee tables as a pre-dinner indulgence enjoyed by the high class. Unlike the middle class who’d enjoy it as a substitute for dinner and was commonly served at the dinner table… We like to think food as a gateway to building relationships. A cheeky afternoon tea is a brilliant way to break up the day and of course connect with those around you…
3. Intruder scones! That’s right, scones crashed the party, they weren’t part of the traditional selection of bites but were introduced during the 20th century. Now there’s only one question left to ask… a dollop of cream or jam first?
So much selection…
Bursting with sweet and savoury options, afternoon tea is a winner when it comes to social gatherings. Break the ice and start circulating, food is always a great conversation starter… Who knows it might end up with a new business venture! Luckily you don’t have to search far and wide for a great selection, we’re happy to host! Or you can do as thestudio team are doing… enjoying it throughout the week! Happy afternoon teaing from thestudio.
We’ve all experienced it. Gone to a disappointing BBQ where there were no welcome drinks, blackened burgers easily mistaken for coal and baps soggier than the British weather…
Thankfully we’re here to make sure, come rain or shine, that your BBQ’s are the best on the block! Be warned, intoxicated passers-by might want an invite!
Rock your grill with our top 5 sure-fire ways to organise and host the best BBQ ever…
1. Imagine being welcomed into a party where there was a fancy drinks station covering options from water to punch and another table filled with mouth-watering dips, crisps, crackers and only the best crudities… sounds dreamy. Having a drinks and nibbles station is the way to go in making a great first impression. Plus, it helps ease the pressure off having to slave away on the barbie straight away.
2. Sleep on it! Create out of this world flavours by marinating your fan favourite meats and veggies then leaving them to soak in the night before = winner.(As long as you don’t burn them of course!). Tease and tantalise your guests taste buds with adventurous spice blends. We’ve got a few in our cookbook, have you had a thumb through yet?
3. Finishing touches… compliment fiery, sweet and smoky barbecue flavours with sensationally seasoned salads and side dishes. These can be prepared in advance and assembled at the last minute to give you the ultimate title of being The Host with the Most!
4. Have the element of surprise by wowing your guests with sweet treats. Ever tried flame grilled pineapple kebabs? Delicious! How about a hot banana Sunday? The possibilities are endless…
5. Mood maker… set the feel of your event and say no to awkward silences by playing fun background music, it’s a brilliant ice breaker. Remember atmosphere is everything!
Bonus tip from our Grill Master Richard Holden:
“Use the lid and master the art of grilling vs. roasting on your barbecue. Closing the lid will surround your food with heat and cook it quicker than on an open grill. Start foods over the heat to achieve those gorgeous caramelisation marks before moving to an area of roasting heat to cook through thoroughly. I always use a digital thermometer to check my food is safely cooked before serving to guests and my golden rule is “75 – Stayin’ Alive!” The core of your food should be 75c in order that it’s safe to eat.”
Now you’re on the road to becoming a barbecue master! Interested in having an expert Richard Holden show you a thing or two? Feel free to ask our team or click here…
Happy hosting from thestudio, you’ll most likely catch us basking on our roof terraces!
What’s that sound?
The melody of excited whistling kettles and the magical chiming of swirling spoons fills the air… It’s time to make some music… Let’s stick on a brew and make a song & dance about Tea! That’s right, it’s National Tea Day.
Hi Chai…
Us Brits are well known for being avid tea drinkers, whether it’s enjoying an afternoon filled with cakes and bite sized sandwiches or nuzzling into a fluffy blanket on a cold day, everything seems so much brighter accompanied by a good cuppa.
We’ve been drinking tea for centuries! Did you know the earliest record of sipping this humble leaf originated in 3rd century China? It’s no wonder this lovely leaf has achieved, quite frankly, world domination. With almost an infinite variety of blends, infusions and combinations, this once mainly medicinal potion has expanded its branches and planted obsession into hearts all over the world.
Hot or cold, this delicious drink comes with a whole heap of impressive health benefits: antioxidants, bone protection, boosting your immune system… just to name a few!
Milk and two sugars…
Making tea is a serious business. It’s the ultimate challenge in timing and ratio skills, a touch too much milk or leaving the bag in can really dictate if the mug you made with love gets left untouched… To make absolutely certain this never happens, thestudio team have a tea chart in their office highlighting acceptable shades of tea!
Can’t tell your tea cups to your tea pots? Help is at hand! Get your skills up to scratch by clicking here… A sure fire way to win the hearts of everyone in the office. (p.s don’t forget to bring some cake to sweeten the deal).
Mug to glug…
@thestudio nothing can beat a good cuppa. Whether you’re a health enthusiast or just need a morning ‘pick me up’, from energetic green tea, a good ol’ Tetley or a soothing Earl Grey… we’ll have your tea needs covered!
Imagine if you could help the local community whilst attending your teams’ yearly round up or weekly meet up. Sound impossible? Not quite! Here at thestudio, we like to bring innovative ideas to the table and make them the centre piece of everything we do. We’ve achieved just that with thestudiomanchester’s alternative, collaborative, self-contained events space: The Classroom.
Every day’s a school day…
How does booking The Classroom help the local community? Let’s fill you in… thestudiomanchester is partnered up with incredible children’s charity: Wood Street Mission. With each get-together The Classroom hosts, a £10 donation goes towards Wood Street Mission’s fantastic work. They believe all children should live a poverty free life, encourage children to value education and offering practical guidance so families can raise themselves out of poverty. Knowing that you’ve helped a budding young mind have confidence in their brilliance and supporting them in having the best start in life will make the unlimited retro snacks even sweeter.
Saved by the bell…
Children are our future engineers, doctors, writers, architects… we believe they all deserve the opportunity to shine bright. With the £10 going directly to Wood Street Mission‘s SmartStart initiative, we’ll be able to support a child in need’s first steps into education by supplying them with essential school clothes and equipment!
From thestudio team, we thank everyone who has helped us improve the lives of many Greater Manchester families through using The Classroom. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Wood Street Mission and of course working with you!
