New Forest National Park Authority have given permission for a major expansion of the iconic Balmer Lawn Hotel in Brockenhurst. The plan includes an extra 38 state of the art bedrooms, 22 new jobs, staff accommodation, a doubling of function room capacity up to 240, new Spa & Leisure facilities and substantial environmental mitigation including…
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The business meeting and events sector has been completely knocked off of its feet and decimated by the impacts of COVID-19. Huge financial losses, which are largely uncovered by insurance, have been endured by the industry, and while events now being permitted for up to 30 people in COVID-Secure venues, we are yet to see the green…
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With small events for up to 30 people currently allowed to go ahead at Covid Secure venues, the big question remains, what will large events and conferences be like when they are allowed to go ahead from October 1? Events stopped at the beginning of the lock-down in March 2020 and it seems likely the…
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The events sector urgently needs more support to survive the Covid-19 crisis. On 11th August the industry came together to peacefully request more support from the government. Lit in red, the Southampton O2 Guildhall was a display of support for colleagues in the event industry within our great city. A city which hosts many major…
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Subject to pilot events and final government and Public Health England the events industry can re-start from 1st October 2020. “This news is very welcome and subject to final approval we will be encouraging our clients to start hosting their meetings and events again, with covid safety measures in place.” Shirley Wynne-Jones, Director of Destination…
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Chief Executive of the MIA, Jane Longhurst has written on behalf of association members to Boris Johnson warning of the consequences of not re-opening the UK conference and event industry which is worth £70bn to the economy each year. Many venues and exhibition halls remain empty, and despite the PM advising we would have a timeline…
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This morning a virtual ‘thank you’ was shared between Southampton hotels and charity, FareShare. In February 2020 the Southampton & Region Hoteliers Association held their second Hospitality Awards night sponsored by Cab My Ride, recognising the hard work of those in the Southampton hospitality industry. The non-profit event raised and donated a fantastic £3,000 to…
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The Corona Virus as put events across the world on hold. It’s a tough time for everyone working in this sector and there is no clear end to the current national lockdown however the message coming from industry professionals is “keep moving and don’t be afraid to lock in dates”. Tips from Association Meetings International…
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Solent Conference Centre hosted the first Annual Apprenticeship Awards and Gala Dinner this month, which saw over 100 industry professionals attend from across Hampshire. The event was hosted in our awe-inspiring Spark Atrium, which was transformed for a 3 course dinner and drinks. The Apprenticeship Awards were conceived to celebrate excellence in our apprentices and…
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The second Hospitality Awards, organised by The Southampton Region Hoteliers Association celebrated the high achievers and teams that amplify the best hospitality has to offer in the city region on 7th February. Attended by 140 delegates, those in attendance at the awards event held on 7th February at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Southampton, were treated…
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