About Manchester

Vibrant, fun and has something for everyone, Manchester is one of the UK’s most loved cities. Surrounded by gorgeous landscapes and stunning architecture, visitors will be spoilt for choice when it comes to great food, entertainment and beautiful nature.

Manchester is approximately a four-hour drive from London or about two hours by train. If you want to get to Manchester quicker, you can get there via one of the many great connections it offers. From the airport, it is an easy bus ride, train ride or drive into Manchester city centre.

To the untrained tourist, it may seem that Manchester is all about football. And while for die-hard fans this is correct, there is more to see and do in this city than football. Manchester is home to some of the best art galleries and exhibitions in the UK, including a new showcase of works by Andy Warhol. In fact, those who frequent the scene say that Manchester is better for art than London!

Meeting Space Options in Manchester

Meetings do not have to be stuffy and boring; you can liven them up with great food and team-building activities, to name a few. So check out the businesses in Manchester that can help bring your meeting to life.

• Caterers
  With so many choices and styles available in Manchester and the surrounding area, you will be able to find catering for your meeting that will suit everyone's needs. Whether you only need morning or afternoon tea or a full-service buffet for a multi-day conference, there are many caterers in Manchester that can assist with menu planning as well as waiting tables included in their catering packages.
  
  
• Equipment Hire and Entertainment
  No matter the style or duration of the meeting, you still need basic equipment. With many event hire companies available in the Manchester area that pick up and deliver, you can find someone to provide the basic sound and screen requirements for presentations and speeches. If you are after a more elaborate spectacle for your meeting or require entertainment for multi-day events, then check out the large number of entertainment companies that can assist with entertainment and fun memento-style activities such as photo booths and photo props.
  
  
• Printing Services
  If you require training material or handouts for your upcoming meeting in Manchester, then you will be able to select from many experienced businesses around the city. With some being able to offer a 24-hour turnaround, you can leave your printing requirements until the last RSVP comes in. You will even be able to find services that allow you to upload your documents online and then collect them in store or get the products delivered to your meeting venue. This is especially handy for those who are hosting a meeting in Manchester but are from out of town.
  
  
• Team-Building Activities
  Are you and your team coming in from out of town? Then organise a fun team bonding activity in the city of Manchester. Why not try a MasterChef-style cook-off if you need an activity indoors or that can come to your hire venue? Or get in contact with the many businesses that can arrange a city-wide event of an evening or weekend, like an Amazing Race-style event or treasure hunt.

Meeting Space Companies in Manchester

With so many great meeting spaces to choose from in Manchester, you will need a local company to help you make your meeting perfect.

• Funktion Events
  Funktion Events are your go-to company in Manchester for your team-building activities as well as equipment hire, both in the venue and out. They can assist you with adding fun to meeting in the form of magicians, mobile bar hire, caricaturists and even fairground ride!
  
  
• Impact Catering
  From morning and afternoon tea and cake plates to full-service buffets, Impact Catering can ensure your guests are well looked-after. With over 40 years of experience, you can host a breakfast meeting or a full weekend conference and know that your guests will head home with full bellies.

Pros and Cons of Meeting Spaces in Manchester

In a city that has everything, Manchester does have some great advantages and disadvantages to using a meeting space here.

Advantages

• It is a great city for a getaway.
  This bustling city has something for everyone, from great breakfast coffee to late live music. In case your meeting guests plan to stay a little longer in the city to explore, they will not run out of options!
  
  
• You are surrounded by beauty.
  Manchester is surrounded by gorgeous countryside and wonderful nature to explore, not far from the cafes and shops that are set in buildings showing off stunning architecture. This makes sightseeing after the meeting very worth your while!
  
  
• It has everything you need.
  Manchester is a great place to host a meeting due to the abundance of suppliers and businesses here that can help make your meeting successful from the get-go. From venue and catering to equipment and furniture hire, there are plenty of options in the city that will suit your requirements.
  
  
• It is easy to get to.
  Connected by road, rail and sky, Manchester is one of the easiest cities in the UK to get to. In case you have attendees coming from out of town, then they will have no difficulty getting to the city.
  
  
• There is great nightlife.
  Fine dining to live music and everything in between is waiting for you in Manchester in the evening. This can be a fantastic way for you and your meeting attendees to unwind after talking business!

Disadvantages

• It can be quite gloomy.
  Manchester's maritime climate makes it unpredictable, grey and depressing. Prepare by bringing your rain gear with you and advise your meeting attendees to do the same.
  
  
• Driving around the city is horrible.
  Locals state that the roads are rubbish and in need of a good fixing. Add in heavy city traffic and you're better off checking out the public transport options. Make sure to leave plenty of time ahead so that you don't arrive late to your meeting space!
  
  
• It can be quite expensive for visitors.
  Manchester is a cheap city to live in; however, accommodation for visitors isn’t leaning towards the budget end. In case your meeting will last for days, and you or your guests are planning to stay in the city overnight, be prepared and plan ahead to avoid the steep prices.

Famous Locations in Manchester

• MediaCity UK (transformed into the streets of Manchester in the studio)
  While football makes Manchester a household name, the streets of Manchester are also familiar to fans of the longest running TV soap opera, Coronation Street, which has been running for over 60 years. Check out the studios where the majority of the show is now filmed.
  
  
• St Mary's Church in Prestwich
  The much-loved church of the Greater Manchester area is a common site in the 60-year-old show as well. With stunning architecture both inside and out, this church is well worth seeing.
  
  
• Stockport Town Hall
  This beautiful historical building with its striking clock tower, along with the Stockport Plaza, is featured in the cult show Peaky Blinders. The Town Hall hosts events such as ballroom dancing, awards shows and concerts by the Stockport Symphony Orchestra, so make sure to check these out for a lovely evening.