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Conferences and exhibitions will be permitted from 1 October
Conferences and exhibitions will be permitted to go ahead from 1 October 2020
Boris Johnson said the final decision would depend on infection data and that local authorities would have powers to close events if there was a danger to the public. There will be a series of pilot events ahead of the reopening.
Lex Butler, Chair, HBAA commented on the Prime Minister’s announcement said: “At long last, finally we have a date to work to and the uncertainty is over, after all the hard work in lobbying and making preparations to ensure the safety of delegates and staff.
“It’s great news, but we’re reserving our celebrations until we see the small print.”
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New Manchester Hotel plan submitted
A planning application for a new commercial scheme that will form part of the major £1bn Mayfield Masterplan in Manchester has just been submitted to Manchester City Council.
Mayfield is a 30-acre site behind Manchester Piccadilly station that has been largely derelict for years. Plans would see the creation of around 215,000 sq-ft of commercial office space plus a 170,000 sq-ft hotel. Subject to planning approval a start on site is anticipated in the second quarter of 2021.
The Mayfield site encompasses the River Medlock, Mancunian Way and the abandoned Mayfield train station. The site will encompass1,500 new homes, office space and an improved public realm across the 24-acre site in central Manchester. It is set to feature nearly seven acres park land nearly half of which will include riverside habitat alongside the River Medlock.
If planning approval is granted the developers aim to start construction in early summer next year.
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Solihull Hotel planning expansion
Strawberry Bank Hotel in Solihull is planning an expansion of its bedroom stock. Currently Strawberry Bank Hotel has 55 bedrooms. A further 30 bedrooms are planned at the rear of the building
Strawberry Bank Hotel is a Grade II-listed building which benefits from one of the most desirable and accessible business locations in the UK.
Conference and events facilities at Strawberry Bank Hotel include the main Meriden Suite accommodating up to 100 delegates theatre style with a small boardroom in support.
Location-wise Strawberry Bank Hotel is three miles from the M42 at the centre of the UK motorway network, five miles from Birmingham International Airport, four miles from the NEC and LG Arena and under five miles from Birmingham International Station and the planned new HS2 station on the high speed Birmingham/London rail link.
Solihull Metropolitan District Council is expected to make a final decision on the application in the coming months.
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Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow Airport Hotel completes refurb
Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow Airport Hotel has just completed its major £4million refurbishment programme.
All 364 bedrooms at the hotel have been refurbished with 159 rooms upgraded to Deluxe King Rooms and the balance completing a light refurbishment.
Other areas of the hotel which have been revamped include the reception, restaurant, bar and gym.
Four meeting rooms located in the pavilion conferencing area in the gardens of the Hilton Garden Inn have been refurbished. An additional three meeting rooms have been created in the main building bringing the total number of meeting and events rooms to ten, accommodating up to 300 delegates.
A new shop area has also been completed offering grab & go food, freshly brewed coffee, cold drinks and convenient amenity travel items.
Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow Airport Hotel is around a five-minute walk from Hatton Cross Tube Station, with easy access to all Heathrow Terminals.
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Two New Hotels planned
Plans for two new hotels have reached the planning stage. The first is a new hotel planned at Bridlington Links Golf Course in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
Plans have been submitted to build an 84-bedroom hotel at a golf course in Bridlington complete with conference and events facilities. The new hotel would be located in close proximity to the existing clubhouse providing easy access for the guests to use the additional leisure facilities offered.
Bedrooms at the rear of the hotel would also have walk-out balconies allowing guests “expansive” sea views.
Meanwhile further inland in Shropshire, brewing group, Marstons, are planning to build a new pub and hotel in Shrewsbury. The new hotel would have 39 bedrooms and will also feature a 180-cover pub/restaurant. It would be located in Oteley Road in Shrewsbury.
Shropshire Council's planning committee is currently considering the application.
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HBAA report on Coronavirus and its impact on business
Over 30 per cent of employees working in business events, accommodation and meetings agencies are at risk of redundancy from this month (July 2020) according to a report published by the HBAA (Hotel Booking Agents Association).
The Association, which is demanding additional financial support, said that a lack of a clear independent identity has left the industry fighting for its life after being ignored and unappreciated by government.
Lex Butler, Chair of the HBAA said: “It’s been clear since March that the business events, accommodation and meetings sector would be decimated by the consequences of lockdown and would be one of last to re-open, potentially not fully until Q2 2021. It was also clear that special ongoing financial government support was essential and needed immediately”
“The news we desperately need is a start date for meetings and events. Although hotels have re-opened they are unable to host meetings and many conference centres and event venues remain closed. Many restaurants also rely on corporate groups, so the hospitality industry is only really half open and barely able to operate profitably due to the lack of business from the events, and meetings sector.”
HBAA and other industry associations working with Business Visits and Events Partnership (BVEP) have lobbied government energetically throughout this period and have supported their members in asking for this support – a task made more difficult by the fact that the government doesn’t recognize the sector as an entity in its records, only as part of hospitality and tourism.
HBAA’s " Business Events, Accommodation and Meetings - the need for special financial support and a clear identity" report was published to coincide with a debate in the House of Commons.
The report highlights a HBAA survey which found that 81 per cent of the 102 companies who responded anticipated making redundancies, and that 30.6 per cent of the workforce are likely to be made redundant in the next three months.
The report also highlights research by DCMS and You Gov (DCMS Business Survey’ published 10 June) which showed that 77.6 per cent of 357 events and exhibition companies surveyed in May had no revenue after March and 61.0 per cent had furloughed at least 75 per cent of staff.
HBAA is the trade association for the agency, apartment and venue community, with more than 300-member organisations including over 95 agency and 225 venue members.