Business

Dining

Film and Photo

What are the venue hire costs for business meetings and how do they vary by duration?

The Council Room costs £1,650 (VAT exempt) for full day hire (8:30am-5:30pm) or £980 (VAT exempt) for half day hire (either 8:30am-1pm or 2pm-5:30pm). The Manufacturing Room costs £1,310 (VAT exempt) for full day or £870 (VAT exempt) for half day. For combined Manufacturing Room and Whittle Room hire, the cost is £1,335 (VAT exempt) for half day (8:30am-1pm).

What are the capacity limits for different room layouts in business spaces?

The Council Room accommodates up to 24 guests in boardroom style, 30 in hollow square, 40 in cabaret style, or 60 in theatre style. The Manufacturing Room holds 30 guests in boardroom style, 40 in cabaret style, or 60 in theatre style. The Frank Whittle Room accommodates up to 17 in boardroom style and can serve as a lunch area when booked with the Manufacturing Room.

What AV equipment is available and what are the costs?

Available AV includes: Full Hybrid package with 85" screen, HD camera, sound and microphones (£275), 85" screen and soundbar only (£165), laptop (£66), lectern (£22), and flipchart (£22 each). All AV packages include technical support from a specialized technician on the day, and all AV prices are subject to VAT.

What catering options are provided and can external food be brought in?

All catering is provided by Company of Cooks with customizable packages and menus. Day Delegate Rates start from £38.80 plus VAT per person including arrival refreshments, mid-morning break, working lunch, and afternoon break. Guests can go off-site for food, but cannot bring external food back into the venue.

What are the standard operating hours and availability for bookings?

Standard weekday hours are 8:30am to 5:30pm, with half-day options of 8:30am-1pm or 2pm-5:30pm. Time extensions are available at additional cost. The venue is not usually open on weekends, but weekend hire is available with a minimum charge of £6,000 (VAT exempt) for 8 hours between 8:30am-10pm.

How far in advance can bookings be made and what is the booking process?

The venue takes bookings up to 12 months ahead. The booking process involves initial enquiry, provisional holds being placed on spaces, site visits available for viewing rooms, and then formal contracting. Clients can book individual rooms or multiple rooms depending on their requirements.

Are there any restrictions on event types or activities in business spaces?

The venue declines very last-minute bookings and those with low budgets. External AV suppliers must schedule site visits with OBW technicians, provide certification for current PLI & PAT testing, and complete risk assessments. The venue has minimum spending thresholds that may exclude smaller budget events.

What additional services and facilities are included with room hire?

Room hire includes natural light, air conditioning, high-speed Wi-Fi, and space for catering inside the rooms. Technical support is provided when AV equipment is hired. The venue offers on-site event management and can provide bottled mineral water at £4.00 plus VAT per 750ml bottle, with tap water available free of charge.

Can multiple rooms be booked together and what are the benefits?

Yes, multiple rooms can be booked together such as the Manufacturing Room with the Whittle Room for £1,335 (VAT exempt) for half day hire. The Whittle Room can serve as a catering area when booked alongside the Manufacturing Room, providing additional space for networking and refreshments during meetings.

What is the venue's policy on setup time and decorations for business events?

Setup time and decoration policies are handled on a case-by-case basis. The venue includes setup of chosen spaces in their hire charges and provides on-site event management. For specific decoration requirements, clients should discuss their needs directly with the venue team during the booking process.