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!
Keep calm and carry on…
For us Brits, we’re renowned worldwide for having a “stiff upper lip” approach to life. Though, this might not always be the case… It’s natural to feel overwhelmed and experience stress, trust us, we work in the events industry! On a brighter note, stress isn’t malicious, it’s our bodily and mental reaction to a given situation and for prehistoric man, it would’ve saved their cotton socks. Without stress induced flight or fight mode… we may not be here…
Let your hair down…
Life is such a rush, especially with our constant use of computers, laptops, tablets and smart phones. With everything being so stimulating, it can be quite hard to switch off and unwind. Thankfully there is a cure! So, step away from your smart phone and give those eyes a well-deserved rest. Changing your view and giving yourself some much-needed head space really helps. Think back to what you really love to do and indulge in it!
We can help…
Feeling the pressure? Give our punch bag a few swings! Feeling frustrated? Take it out on our foosball table! We’ve got a few things dotted around our venues to help offer you a new perspective that are a bit of fun! It is said you can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation… don’t pass up on our building on our Lego wall. Psst, if you love colouring in, turn over our studio headed paper for a nice surprise!
Did you know Grace Marshall runs Think Productive’ Stress Less Achieve More workshops at thestudiobirmingham? If the source of your stress is an overwhelm of too much to do in too little time and a constant feeling of information overload and distraction, Grace will show you how to reduce stress by eliminating those nagging feelings of doubt, guilt and overload panic, and replace them with a focused, playful, purposeful and productive momentum.
Book onto the next one at thestudiobirmingham here: stresslessoct2018.eventbrite.co.uk
Balance…
If we’ve had the pleasure of hosting your meeting or special event, you’ll have noticed aside for our vibrant décor, we love the colour grey. So much so we incorporated it into our logo. But why grey you ask? Other than reminding you of the typical British sky’s colour, it promotes balance and complete harmony, the comfortable medium between light and dark. We’re firm believers in work hard, play harder. A work life balance is essential and thestudio team are encouraged to switch off after their days commitment. Once the team even had a masseuse visit and take a 15-minute massage within their work day!
Proof is in the pudding…
Check out the NHS online, they have some great advice on managing those dreaded stress levels. Making small changes can offer a whole new world!
We’ve got two things on our agenda today… singing along to Pharrell Williams’ Happy and reminiscing about some of the best moments in studio history as it’s International Day of Happiness!
Do you celebrate?
They say it’s important to celebrate the little victories and of course the big ones. But do you find time to congratulate yourself when you achieve your goals or do you straight away delve into a new set of goals to achieve? We understand wins can get overlooked and often forgotten… Feel inspired today and reminisce!
thestudio’s top 10 happiest moments so far…
1. 2nd first… It’s normal to sound off starting with one, thestudio with all its quirks started with two! Way back when, we were only able to offer events space on our 2nd floor. Creating some ruckus, bull dosing into the first floor, we were able to increase our meeting room spaces and offer you a brand-new floor to experience!
2. Cowley Manor will always have firm place in studio’s history, aside from being the location of the first group away day, it’s here thestudio ethos was born! Through team building activities, we defined the kind of company we were and how we would make decisions… Customer first it is 😀
3. Baby steps… wise Confucius once said – “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” Experience teaches us one thing, that we only ever truly fail when we give up trying. It was a momentous time when thestudio blew out its 3rd birthday candles… apparently this is the bench mark that an astounding 75% of new companies fail to make!
4. The Directors’ trip jet setting off to the beautiful Eindhoven in the Netherlands. Keen advocates of “if you want a new idea change the view”. And a follow up trip to Iceland sharing an elongated hot pool under a starlit sky, a perfect setting for the Northern lights and for sharing and planning big dreams.
5. Winning the pinnacle of awards “Best Independent UK venue in 2017” what an accolade, ticking every box in our company vision, where we strive for our customers to say “why would be go anywhere else!”
6. thestudio first ever profitable year independently in 2009, it felt like a massive feat!
7. There’s no feeling that quite compared to opening our 2nd venue in Manchester’s glorious Northern Quarter.
8. “Come with me, And you’ll be, In a world of, Pure imagination” Did you get the Golden Ticket? That’s right, one of our happiest memories was when we held the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory themed party. With a cluster of family, friends and special guests, it was the first time Nigel (thestudio’s co-founder) showed them what we did. To say the least, they were blown away and to top it off, it was a brilliant party night with new, past and current studio team members.
9. In 2016 the team ticked one off the bucket list… expanding into another country! Opening thestudioglasgow was an amazing achievement and added another member to our family. We’re feeling more like a seasoned business with 4 venues now.
10. A happy team is a productive team! Undoubtedly some of our happiest times are when we’re whisked away to a team weekend. Usually full of fun activities and packed full of friendly competition, they’re a great chance to catch up with each other.
Remember, remember…
Remember all your achievements and good times today, after all, it’s International Day of Happiness! Wishing you a lot more memorable days and achievements to come.
“When the moon hits your eye Like a big pizza pie, that’s amore…”
If you didn’t know already, the 9th of February is dedicated to the super cheesy, super saucy and fully loaded main. Whether fine dining or eaten the morning after, thestudio’s celebrating National Pizza Day by offering you a slice of the action: to win a pizza on us!
Take another pi-zza my heart…
Tweet @studiovenues a quick sketch of your ideal pizza. The most impressive we’ll replace it with an actual pizza… No kidding.
Do pizzas and conferencing go hand in hand? We can all agree, aside from being a faithful crowd pleaser, pizzas are simple, efficient and most importantly delicious. Reigning supreme when it comes to variety, it’s no wonder this nosh is an international star. Being food fanatics, we can’t help but liken this famed food to event perfection!
Just like a divine slice of cheesy heaven, a great venue will offer their guests a tailor-made experience with lots of opportunity to shake things up and of course, extra mozzarella. We’re definite believers in flexibility when it comes accommodating peoples’ needs… Arranging your event should be as easy as pie… pizza pie to be exact!
Wishing everyone a scrumptious day…
Let’s dust off those bag pipes and grab our kilts, tonight’s party has almost started, honouring the poetic prose of national bard: Rabbie Burns!
Viewed as a legendary writer, Rabbie Burns is best known for pioneering romanticism in Scottish literature. Is there ever a better way to reminisce and honour the life, works and birthday of national treasure than having a big ol’ supper? We agree, there isn’t! Find masses of Scottish folk coming together and tucking into traditional delectables like Haggis, Neeps and Tatties!
Curious about Scottish cuisine? Check out these fabulous recipes! Psst… thestudio cookbook is here!
Kilted at the alter…
Recently our wonderful Zoe (who you’d have been welcomed by in our Glasgow venue) tied the knot…
“The first time we went to an evening wedding, I knew I wanted to get married at Brig o’ Doon House Hotel in Ayrshire (associated with Robert Burns). It’s just a stunning venue with gorgeous grounds.
My Grandad was the ‘founder’ of the Burns Club in Stranraer. Burns has been a big part of our family and when we were younger, we would have days out visiting different places related to him. Having our wedding at Brig o Doon was special as I felt my Grandad was part of it (sadly he is no longer here).”
A toast to remember…
Traditionally or unconventionally, however you chose to spend it, thestudio wishes you all a fun filled Burns night.
With the flurries of new year’s resolutions coming in faster than UK’s snow spells, 2018 will no doubt be full of fantastic opportunities to make your wishes come true. With foresight taking centre stage, we’d like to celebrate your dreams!
I have a dream…
Martin Luther King’s timeless speech undeniably influenced change, he dreamt of a future full of equality and freedom, a future which he pursued to create a reality. Today, take inspiration from people who chase their callings. Aspiring to go after your dreams, no matter how big or small, can be illusive. It’s easy to only see the successful iceberg tip whilst overlooking what lies beneath, this perception is perfectly demonstrated by
Stephen McCraniein’s famous quote:
“the master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried.”
One thing’s for sure, with a bit of elbow grease and perseverance, dreams can come true!
Burning with passion…
Ever notice how hours can fly by when you’re immersed in something you really enjoy? It’s because you’re no longer a serial clock watcher! When we’re bored, we become insanely aware of how slow time passes. Most of our lives are spent at work, time that would be best spent doing something we love. Unsurprisingly a lot of thestudio team had a background or interest in events before getting to join the family, as you could’ve guessed we love what we do!
Grab the bull by its horns…
We encourage risk takers, free thinkers and game changers. It’s why thestudio venues are designed with all the quirks. We want to offer you a fresh environment, laden with the inspiration to get your 2018 goals ticked off. Whilst we look to the year ahead, we wish you the very best of luck in making your dream come true.
Guess what we got up to last Thursday?
If you answered with handing out one of those novelty sized cheques, then call yourself Mystic Meg as you’re 100% right!
Charity Cheque…
thestudio loves to work with and support the local communities in the cities we call home, it gives us that Friday feeling every day of the week.
Have you heard of Wood Street Mission? They’re an 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.
If you “teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”
The fisherman needs the basics before he can start to provide for himself… And that’s what Wood Street Mission supply, the necessities!
If you’ve booked thestudio’s funky, retro space The Classroom, you’ve directly helped to support local Mancunians! For every confirmed event in Classroom, thestudio makes a £10.00 contribution to Wood Street Mission!
Our Commercial Director, Julian Kettleborough, was happy to present Wood Street Mission with £1,210.
We look forward in continuing our work with Wood Street Mission and a huge thank you to our clients, you help make this possible!
Welcome…
Everyone loves feeling a part of something, having a sense of belonging and being accounted for. Life’s much more fun when everyone’s included, it’s why our meat-free buffet options are gluten free, dairy free and of course vegan friendly! #worldveganday
Unlimited vegan options…
On a health kick? Wave goodbye to boring celery sticks and hello to mouth-watering vegan dishes like chickpea and spinach masala with pilau rice or sweet & sour tofu served with stir fried veggies and rice noodles. Who ever said a plant based diet had to be boring? (Watch this space, we’ll be releasing thestudio cookbook this winter which includes some great vegan dishes! Talking about vegan dishes… click here for a surprise recipe!)
Food for thought…
Did you know veganism is more than a plant based diet? It’s a lifestyle! Their ethos of avoiding animal products for moral/health reasons influences all types of products they use from shower gel to floor cleaner, even clothing. Learn more about veganism click here… and the benefits click here…
Insider view…
One of the studio team undertook a short stint of veganism, check out her experience:
“One of my good friends is vegan and she was a real hard-core meat eater. Admittedly I didn’t eat much meat or dairy so taking on a vegan week challenge seemed achievable! It went swimmingly and I haven’t eaten meat since, a few months now, I can’t say I miss it that much, well, that is until the aroma of a bacon sandwich in the morning!”
Foodie to foodie…
Here at thestudio, we see being a foodie as a super power to make any food spectacular, enjoyable and memorable. Whether the dish is vegan or otherwise, we’ll definitely put our heart and soul into it!
Not to be confused with The Ting Tings, The Ting Thing is a prolific Birmingham based blogger! Her work encompasses topics like beauty, fashion, food and travel. So if you’re looking for some inspiration, her lifestyle blog is definitely worth a gander.
thestudio & The Ting Thing…
If you’re new to us, we’re a meetings and events venue who harness their core value of customer first in everything we do. We have 4 venues throughout the UK, with our HQ based in the heart of Birmingham’s bustling city centre.
Today, we’re happily welcoming The Ting Thing though our doors and many other Birmingham-based bloggers! In this exciting event, they’ll be looking to collaborate works, swap ideas and create something nothing short of brilliant.
If this sounds right up your street and you’d like to find out more about Birmingham Blogger UK please click here.
From thestudio…
Wishing everyone a fabulous blog together day!
In our fast paced world it’s good to slow down and place importance on that fabled ‘me’ time. Undoubtedly it’s why apps such as Headspace are such a hit! It can be difficult to set aside time to gather ourselves, so let’s draw inspiration from nature… the mascot for being seamlessly chilled, today we celebrate International Sloth Day!
Did you know…
One of our team members has travelled to the land of these strange but endearing creatures? Check out what she had to say about her experience:
“Eye opening. That would be the best way I could describe my trip. I’ve never travelled solo let alone with a group of strangers! So whilst putting my people skills to the ultimate test, I thought it would be a bright idea to challenge my fears and take part in Indiana Jones type activities like waterfall rappelling, rainforest trekking, white water rafting and riding an ATV though jungle rivers. Yes I survived!
For me, travel is the door to learning more about yourself but you can only go through it if you’re open to new experiences and stepping out of the cosy comfort zone.
Not many people can say they’ve had the pleasure of meeting a sloth in the wild, but thankfully I can. So I knew we just had to celebrate International Sloth Day! (Jyoti even has a mouse mat proclaiming ‘my patronus is a sloth’!)
Costa Rican life is very serene, they constantly pursue efforts which enrich the lives of every living being there. They live by a saying called “Pura Vida” which means pure life, to live a full life, simply put “It is a perspective to life that evokes a spirit that is carefree, laid back and optimistic.”
Just like the sloth, the people there take time to slow down and appreciate their surroundings. Costa Rica doesn’t even have an army… so you can imagine how peaceful of a people they are!”
One two toed step…
We at thestudio promote a healthy work life balance and encourage the team to take on new experiences. We’re strong believers that a change of scene can do you the world of good. So today, celebrate International Sloth Day and take a breather!
