Top Five Business Meeting Venues in the U.K. This Summer

If you’re seeking to hold a conference or meeting anywhere in the UK this summer, Leonardo Hotels are here to provide solid and helpful advice! As a result of added congestion to the capital this year, we’ve noted that many companies are thinking “outside the box” and are choosing meeting venues outside of London for corporate conferences and business gatherings. A number of other UK cities offer outstanding accommodations and meeting venues suitable for all types of business meetings. Here are our five best business alternatives to London, according to our survey.

Ranked number one for business travel this summer, Birmingham has much to recommend it. Known as England's Second City, Birmingham boasts the largest urban population outside of London and is home to the National Exhibition Centre and the International Convention Centre. These venues are ideal for large-scale gatherings and public exhibitions. After the conference, visit the Hippodrome for Ballet, Music and Opera events, or check out the Birmingham Comedy Club for laughs from Britain’s finest.Getting back to your hotel is easy, as the world-class accommodations available at Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham are centrally located for easy access to all the attractions Birmingham has on offer.

Scenic and historic, Brighton is a coastal town with its eye on the future, so it’s no surprise that it’s becoming the meeting venue of choice for businesspeople. A centre for digital media services, Brighton also offers a wide range of venues and accommodations designed to make any stay more pleasant, not to mention the array of entertainment and festivals that take place here throughout the year. It’s the ideal location for the weekend-long conference, offering plenty of action to help blow off steam after a hard day of networking. In terms of access, Brighton is located within easy driving distance of London and also has its own train line.

Much of Scotland's proud history is still on display in Edinburgh; the beautiful Edinburgh Castle looms large as a relic of that historic legacy, which also includes over 4,500 listed buildings within the city limits. Tourism isn’t the only draw to this city however. Edinburgh is home to the International Conference Centre and hosts numerous festivals each year, making it the ideal location for combining business with pleasure in a unique and appealing environment. Check out our Edinburgh hotel section to learn more about the city.

While perhaps best known for its sporting events and football teams, Manchester has a lot to offer business travellers. The Manchester Central Convention Complex can seat up to 9,000 guests and includes classroom space and an auditorium capable of seating over 800 people. Manchester is rich in history and architecture, and provides plenty of sightseeing, shopping and entertainment options for visitors to this cosmopolitan city. For the perfect post-meeting distraction, take your colleagues for a tour of the Manchester United Museum and Old Trafford Stadium.

With weekend meeting breaks becoming more popular, take the opportunity to hop across the water to Belfast. Along with the Grand Opera House, this beautiful and unique city offers a number of smaller business venues suitable for conference and small group meetings. Belfast is noted as a centre for the arts and business in Ireland, and is currently renovating the Titanic Belfast area as an exclusive tourist destination that’s not to be missed. Delegates can enjoy a wide range of activities and accommodations, all close to the heart of the action.

Leonardo Hotels offers exceptional accommodation for business travel throughout the UK. Conference space and small group meeting rooms are available to provide even more flexibility for companies looking for meeting venues outside of London this summer. Click here to read more about the top meeting venues outside of London.