About Manchester
Located in the North West of England, Manchester is an industrial hub with a rich history that stretches back to Roman times. It is the birthplace of the industrial revolution, and today, Manchester continues to thrive on its forward-thinking spirit. Businesses have been flocking to Manchester for years due to its highly educated workforce and thriving economy. The city’s infrastructure is well-developed which makes it ideal for corporate events such as conferences, exhibitions, and product launches. From prestigious venues like Manchester Central Convention Centre to smaller intimate spaces, there are plenty of options available for all budgets and requirements.
The exciting cityscape also provides plenty of unique office spaces for hosting events. From converted warehouses to modern skyscrapers, there are plenty of places to find an event-friendly office space that reflects both Manchester's unique history and modern innovation. Plus, with a range of mid-sized city hotels and serviced apartments suitable for delegates travelling from afar, Manchester can easily accommodate any type of corporate event you may have in mind.
There’s no denying that Manchester is an ideal destination for businesses looking to host successful events. Its location provides excellent access links throughout the UK while its history adds an extra layer of charm and distinction to any event held here—making it the perfect place for your next gathering!
Office Event Options in Manchester
- Audiovisual Equipment Rental
Renting audio-visual equipment allows you to create engaging multimedia experiences without needing expensive hardware or going through lengthy setup processes beforehand. Whether you need state-of-the-art speakers and high-definition projectors or just a basic microphone, several companies in Manchester offer rental services to make sure your presentation looks professional and gets the most out of its audience.
- Photographers/Videographers
Having a photographer or videographer present at your event is essential if you are looking to capture the moment and produce stunning visuals. They can help by capturing stills of the occasion and creating corporate videos to create high-quality content that will make your events even more successful. This adds another dimension to any event, helping to enhance its atmosphere while providing people with lasting mementoes of their experiences.
- Barista Services
If you are looking to add a touch of luxury to your event, consider hiring a barista. They can serve quality espresso-based drinks and provide expert advice on all types of beverages so that both coffee and tea lovers are catered for. These professionals will be able to provide delicious refreshments throughout the day and bring a bit of flair and flavour to your event.
- Furniture Hire
Finding the right furniture to match your event's theme is an important part of creating a successful corporate gathering. From ergonomic office chairs to contemporary tables and lounges, Manchester has everything you need to make sure your guests are comfortable and that your event goes off without a hitch. Many companies in the city provide comprehensive furniture hire services, so you don't need to worry about sourcing the right pieces.
Office Event Vendors in Manchester
- Baristaroo
Baristaroo is a professional mobile catering, event planning, and staff hiring company based in Manchester with coverage throughout the UK. They offer outdoor and indoor mobile bars equipped with high-specification equipment and their baristas and bartenders are extensively trained to provide the best quality products and service. Baristaroo caters for corporate events, weddings, film and TV productions, birthdays, and many more occasions. Their indoor stations offer coffee, alcoholic beverages, food service, snacks, and desserts for both short-term and long-term needs.
- Hire Intelligence
Hire Intelligence is a global leader in the short-term computer rental market, providing IT and AV equipment for hire to over 25,000 customers worldwide. Since 1992, the company has been providing rental options ranging from one day to one year. Hire Intelligence now offers more than 20,000 items of technology and communications equipment available to rent or purchase including video conferencing facilities and virtual reality equipment, allowing businesses to rent corporate training equipment to suit their needs. With its comprehensive service offering, Hire Intelligence continues to revolutionise the way business IT needs are met on a short-term basis.
- Decoy Media
Decoy Media is a professional photography company based in the heart of Manchester, providing its services throughout the UK and beyond. Founded in 2011, the company has a track record for providing highly creative visual content to clients of all sizes—from local start-up companies to international brands—and across a variety of projects, including corporate events, business portraits, property photography, behind-the-scenes photography, and more. With an unwavering commitment to quality, Decoy Media delivers all of its images on time and within brief with an unparalleled level of professionalism. They are happy to take last-minute bookings and can provide same-day or 24-hour edits.
Pros and Cons of Office Spaces in Manchester
Manchester is one of the largest cities in the UK, with a thriving business community. For companies planning to host an event in Manchester, renting an office space can have many benefits; however, it is important to weigh both the advantages and disadvantages before making any commitments.
Advantages
- Office spaces in Manchester offer excellent value for money; they are generally more affordable than other cities in the UK and can provide great savings on rent and related costs.
- There are plenty of different types of office spaces available in Manchester. From small meeting rooms to large corporate venues, you’ll be sure to find something perfect for your needs.
- Having an office space allows you to present a professional image whilst hosting events, giving them an air of sophistication and credibility that would otherwise be difficult to achieve with other alternatives such as home rentals or venues outdoors.
- Many offices offer visitors perks such as free parking or discounted rates on meals or drinks at nearby cafes and restaurants.
Disadvantages
- There is often limited availability when it comes to office spaces, meaning it could be hard to secure a venue if you’re booking last minute or during peak times such as Christmas or Easter holidays.
- If your event requires outdoor facilities such as barbecues or lawn games, then a traditional office may not suit your needs as these areas aren't typically provided by landlords or caterers.
- Congestion charges may apply when travelling into certain parts of the city centre at certain times, adding to the cost of travel/attending events for both you and your guests/clients.
Tips on How to Organise Office Events in Manchester
The success of any event is directly related to how well the environment is prepared and organised. Hosting an event in an office space can be a great way to showcase one's services or products in a professional setting. Here are some tips on how to ensure the success of your event:
- Think about the layout of the space: Consider the size and shape of the room, as well as what type of furniture will best accommodate the number of guests. To maximise visibility and interaction, try setting up tables and chairs in a circular formation instead of traditional rows. Additionally, if there’s available wall space, use it to display posters or other visual aids that will help facilitate discussions or activities.
- Ensure adequate lighting: Make sure all light fixtures are working correctly and, if possible, bring in table lamps for extra illumination. This goes hand in hand with making sure there is no glare from windows or overhead lights so that everyone can see each other clearly during presentations or group activities.
- Create a comfortable atmosphere: One way to ensure your guests have an enjoyable experience is by providing comfortable seating options such as couches or chairs with cushions for extra support. Additionally, adding plants, colourful artwork, or even music can create a warm ambience for those attending your event.
- Ensure sound amplification: If you’re going to be giving a presentation with audio-visual components, it’s essential to have quality speakers installed for everyone to hear clearly without distortion. Test out audio levels ahead of time so that all participants can understand what’s being said or displayed during presentations.
- Have plenty of supplies on hand: Having plenty of supplies on hand, such as paper plates and napkins for food, pens and notebooks for taking notes, cards for games, etc., can go a long way toward ensuring everyone has everything they need without any delays or inconveniences arising from a lack of materials needed for participation.
Famous Locations in Manchester
- Science and Industry Museum
The Science and Industry Museum in Manchester showcases the incredible impact of ideas and innovation on the world from the Industrial Revolution to the present day. Located in the historic Liverpool Street station grounds, visitors can explore Manchester's rich industrial legacy through a large collection of steam engines, locomotives and original factory machinery. From the sewers up, the museum tells the story of Northern England as integral to the development of transportation and industry, while also looking forward to the future with cutting-edge technology exhibits.
- Godlee Observatory
The Godlee Observatory, donated to the University of Manchester in 1902, remains a testament to the early days of astronomy. Perched atop a gothic building on campus, this tiny observatory constructed of wood and paper-mâché has withstood the test of time, weather, and neglect. Despite its simplicity, the observatory was even able to assist in the American moon landing and has remained in operation for over a century. Its upkeep is now overseen by the Manchester Astronomical Society, which offers tours of this quaint piece of astronomical history.
- Bee in the City
Although not a location, The Manchester Bee is a beloved symbol that can be found adorning numerous surfaces throughout the bustling metropolis. During England's Industrial Revolution, a worker bee came to represent the hardworking citizens of Manchester and the city's thriving manufacturing industry, becoming increasingly important. This popularity led to its inclusion on the city crest in 1842. Over time, bees began appearing on various surfaces across the city centre, such as the iconic clock face of the Refuge Assurance clock tower. Catching sight of the bee is a reminder of Manchester's international links and enduring status.