It’s all too easy and predictable to host key business meetings, training and team building at the office, despite the fact that the benefits of moving to a carefully chosen off-site venue are well documented. A change of location can encourage fresh perspective, not to mention a small dose of excitement – a liberating combination that can facilitate focus, improved communication and creativity.
“I found the change of scene re-invigorated the team. They felt rewarded by the stunning surroundings and attentive service, which translated into redoubled effort and an absolute commitment to the outcomes of the day.” Simon Wadsworth, Managing Partner at Igniyte *
With a wide variety of hotels and restaurants now offering meeting and corporate events facilities, it is worth considering carefully what your department or SME specifically needs and wants from their investment of time and money. Flexibility, comfort and great food and refreshments from a trusted provider is of course vital – but selecting from a suite of other inspirational elements can give a special event the engaging edge it needs.
Alexander’s in Skipton, which opened in July 2017, is already becoming renowned for its diverse business and corporate events offer. Based at the head of Skipton high street and overlooking the Leeds Liverpool canal, it offers a selection of spaces which can be tailored to accommodate everything from private meetings for 20 to parties for 200 – with avant-garde entertainment, inspirational speakers and big name performers to boot.
“Not only does Alexander’s have the wow factor in terms of its décor, ambience, facilities and range of food and refreshments,” explains Catherine Duffy, the general manager of Alexander’s. “But since it is owned by Yorkshire based Peel Entertainment, it means that it has access to some of the best singers, DJs, performers and speakers in the UK, and creative out of the box thinking is standard.
“We’ve already hosted two White Party style celebrations with a BBQ, fire artistes, stilt walkers and a roving iPad caricaturist for clients, plus on November 22 our festive Off Piste returns – perfect for winter meetings, festive get-togethers or team building with a difference! The cosy pop up Alpine ski chalet offers the full Après Ski experience for parties up to 30, with a range of packages which include fondue, smorgasbords and other culinary treats.”
Alexander’s also offers traditional business facilities in the form of The Lawrence, its private board room with bar which accommodates up to 30 people round one big table or in theatre style. Their 50 seat restaurant, 15 seat parlour and range of heated outdoor areas – seating up to 80, are perfect for everything from small syndicate groups to large exclusive-use corporate celebrations and product launches. Alexander’s also offers free Wi-Fi and blue tooth capability, along with state of the art audio visuals.
Skipton itself benefits from its own railway station and is just 40 minutes from Leeds Bradford Airport and all the major motorway routes, with several carparks close by.
*Testimonial from Simon Wadsworth, Managing Partner at Igniyte – an Alexander’s corporate client.