About Oxford
Oxford is prestigiously known for its top universities and scholars coming out of the city. The University of Oxford is over 900 years old and is known as the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the second-oldest operating university in the world. Many widely known published authors have come out of Oxford, such as J.R.R. Tolkien, who wrote The Lord of the Rings; Lewis Carroll, who wrote Alice in Wonderland; C.S. Lewis, who wrote The Chronicles of Narnia; and Mark Hadden, who wrote The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest libraries in Europe and is known to have over 13 million books. Amongst the people who have studied in the Bodleian Library include Nobel Peace Prize winners, monarchs, and prime ministers. Next door to the famous Bodleian Library is the world's largest book shop, Blackwell's Bookshop. Blackwell's Bookshop is known to have over 150,000 books. It’s safe to say if you’re in search of a book, one of these spots is sure to have it!
Corporate Event Options in Oxford
- Furniture Hire
When finding the perfect spot for your corporate event, you may stumble across a blank space hire that you like. With a blank space hire, you will need to find a furniture hire company next. Many furniture hires can adapt to your needs and have different types of furniture from relaxed, comfy couches and funky, unique tables and chairs to more sophisticated furniture. The choice is yours!
- Event Planner
Some of us are just not blessed with the event management and planning genes, and that's okay! If you feel under pressure while juggling corporate event planning and your personal life, that's fine. Many event planners and managers can take over for you and do all of the work to ensure your corporate event is pulled off in time.
- Decor
Planning a corporate event comes with many different aspects to the job, one of which is the decor for your event. Having a few simple touches around the room can bring life into the space. Whether you go for table decor or just a few banners and signs to harbour the theme, people will feel a pleasing atmosphere through the scenery.
- Catering
Catering is a very multifaceted and important option to consider for a corporate event. Once you determine the length of your event, you can consider what type of catering you would like. If your event is more than a couple of hours, hiring a full-course meal or buffet table is the better option; however, if your event is only one to two hours long, some finger foods or canapés would be a suitable addition to the event.
Corporate Event Companies in Oxford
- Greens Catering
The director and owner of Greens Catering is Mike Green. Mike has been in the catering business for over 30 years and has a plethora of experience with a 5-star rating. Greens Catering has had many highly esteemed guests, such as the Royal Family, PWC, Samsung, Coca-Cola and more. Greens Catering specializes in weddings, receptions, hog roasts and corporate events. Greens Catering works with you to create a bespoke menu suitable for your event.
- Alfresco Trends
Alfresco Trends is a well-known furniture hire business for luxury events and parties. They have many different types of furniture to hire, such as lounge and bar-style tables. Alfresco Trends also has themed decor including 'black and gold', 'white party' or 'winter wonderland'.
- Sarah Eaton Event Management
Sarah Eaton Event Management is based in Oxford. Working to ensure high-quality corporate events, Sarah Eaton Event Management has over 20 years of experience in the game and is ready to take on your corporate event!
Pros and Cons of Corporate Events in Oxford
Pros
- Dry
Oxford is located in the drier parts of England. Here you have an excellent opportunity to have an outdoor corporate event with a minor chance of rain ruining the day or night. In comparison to other wetter parts of England, Oxford is the place to take advantage of for holding events outside.
- Transportation
Oxford is very well-connected with buses and trains. If you have a place to go and do not own a car, this little city has excellent options for commuting.
- Small
Oxford is a very walkable city and is not met with the hustle and bustle of larger cities such as Manchester, Birmingham or Leeds. This is a tremendous advantage while throwing a corporate party, as your to-do list can get done without delays.
- Beautiful
Oxford is known as the 'city of dreaming Spires', a term used by Victorian poet Matthew Arnold to describe the beautiful skyline of the old Oxford schools. Oxford is a very dreamy place between the architecture, the skyline, and the well-kept city.
Cons
- No parking
If you own a car and are driving in Oxford, you may be quick to realize there are no parking spaces where you will not accumulate a ticket. As accessible as driving yourself around is, it’s best to stick with public transit here.
Famous Corporate Event Venues in Oxford
- The Sadler Venue
Private, bright and modern are a few adjectives to describe this space. The Sadler Venue is a blank space hire, so you are absolutely free to decorate and transform its bones into anything you please. The Sadler Venue can hold up to 200 guests, and it offers views of the outdoor fountain, lake and wildlife surrounding the building.
- Large Event Space with Terrace Access in Oxford
This event space is located on the ground floor, has a wealth of natural daylight and air-conditioning and has access to a beautiful outdoor terrace. The room can hold up to 260 guests, perfect for larger meetings or corporate gatherings.
- Small Private Room in Oxford
This corporate event space is much smaller, holding up to eight guests and overlooking a beautiful courtyard outside. The room is a versatile space and is perfect for small, intimate corporate events, on-on-one interviews or business meetings.