Team Building Venues: The Grand, Brighton

As you may have gathered from our Venue Profile series, we're pretty passionate about great venues here at CCC HQ. We love to keep up-to-date on all the best places to hold our team building events, wherever in the UK they may be, so that we can best advise our clients through our free venue-finding service. So when we received an email from the lovely folks at De Vere, titled simply 'The Grand Dame Rises', a prickle of excitement ran through us as we knew it could only mean one thing: the jewel in our home town's crown is back to her former glory.

The Grand, Brighton

At a Glance

• Recent multi-million-pound refurbishment, transforming bedrooms, dining and conference areas
• 13 meeting rooms, with the largest catering for up to 900 delegates
• Complimentary Wi-Fi in all public areas and meeting rooms
• Brand new spa, perfect for unwinding after your team building event
• Stunning sea views, sure to relax your delegates and get ideas and creativity flowing
• Fast, frequent train service from Brighton to Gatwick and Victoria

Why We Love It

We can be pretty biased when it comes to talking about our amazing home town of Brighton, but in this instance, it's entirely justified. Since beginning the refurbishment last year, De Vere have transformed this iconic piece of British history into a luxurious, opulent establishment that straddles the line between traditional and modern perfectly. The large, airy conference rooms are perfect for indoor team building events, and Brighton itself is the perfect backdrop for a corporate treasure hunt.

You may be visiting for business rather than pleasure, but The Grand allows you to blur the line between the two. Take advantage of the second-to-none business amenities that De Vere venues do so well, before relaxing in the spa or taking a stroll along the seafront - after all, why should the tourists have all the fun?

"The Grand has always been a CCC favourite, but the refurbishment has blown us all away - we'll be producing several team building events there this summer and we can't wait!"  - Ann Elcock, CCC Venue Co-ordinator

So you've got the perfect venue, but which team building event to choose? Check out the plethora of options available on our website or call 0845 006 06 06 to find out what's right for you and your team.

Team Building Venues: Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh

If your company organises a lot of corporate events, one conferencing venue can begin to look much like another after a while. But if you're after something a little bit different, somewhere that will impress your clients and make your team feel really valued, then read on! CCC Events has a huge wealth of experience when it comes to the perfect venue, as we've been producing events all over the UK and in Europe for over twenty years. Here on our blog we profile some of our favourites, and today we're looking at the dramatic and imposing Edinburgh Castle - the perfect venue for a grand, high-impact corporate event.

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

At a Glance

• Amazing setting, steeped in history
• Fantastic views over the Edinburgh skyline
• 25 minutes from Edinburgh Airport by car
• Meeting rooms situated in the heart of the castle itself
• AV equipment included in your day delegate rate

Why We Love It

Nowadays, many historical listed buildings are forced to build separate conference centres in the grounds, as the original rooms just aren't suitable - but we love the fact that at Edinburgh Castle, this isn't the case. Our favourite private function space, The Queen Anne Building, is situated in the heart of the castle and your colleagues will be blown away by the breathtaking views and grandiose atmosphere. Being here is inspiring to say the least, so your team will be flowing with constructive ideas on how to push your company forward, and everyone will be talking about it for months to come.

"Edinburgh is one of my favourite cities - it's the perfect balance between historical and cosmopolitan. The Castle is an amazing venue, and as one of the most haunted places in the world, it's the ideal setting for a Murder Mystery" - Mike Horner, CCC Event Manager

Team Building Venues: Twickenham Stadium, London

If you've been given the daunting task of sourcing a venue for your company's conference or team building event, then you've come to the right place. With over twenty years' experience in corporate team building and entertainment, CCC Events has worked at literally thousands of venues across the UK and Europe.  We offer a free venue finding service to all of our clients, and here on the blog we profile some of our favourite places to produce team building events.

Twickenham Stadium, London

At a Glance

• A modern, unique venue with great history and character
• 5,000 square metres of dedicated conference and exhibition space
• 150 pitch side suites holding up to 26 people - amazing for small meetings and breakout rooms
• 25 large conference spaces, with the largest catering for up to 1,180 delegates
• Fantastic transport links and the on-site Marriott Hotel make it ideal for team building events in London, no matter where you are based

Why We Love It

Twickenham Stadium is a venue with personality - even on non-match days, it's hard to escape the exciting atmosphere that comes with being in the largest dedicated rugby union venue in the world. Holding your conference or team building event at Twickenham will impress your clients and make your staff feel valued - it's a real treat to spend time here, so no one will feel like it's just another working day. We recommend spending the morning in conference, then brushing off the cobwebs with a lunchtime Twickenham Stadium Tour. Your team will be so motivated from walking in the footsteps of their heroes (you even get to see the England dressing room) that they'll be in the perfect state of mind for your afternoon team building event.

"The best event I have ever managed at Twickenham Stadium was held in the Member's Lounge, which has a spectacular view of the pitch and its own bar. After lunch, we brought in Sir Clive Woodward, who gave a fantastic motivational speech on teamwork and leadership, which was the perfect prelude to our afternoon team building event . By the end of the afternoon, the energy in the room was incredible."

Dave Hall, CCC Event Manager

Are you considering holding your team building event in London? Call 0845 006 06 06 to discuss our range of venue options, including Twickenham Stadium. Alternatively, visit our website to take a peek at the team building events we offer.

Team Building Venues: The Windsor Hotel in Windsor, Berkshire

If you've been checking out our website, you're probably already full of ideas on the type of team building event you'd like us to run for you. But where should you hold it? A nice country hotel? Somewhere more city-based? Or even a private residence available to rent? Trying to decide may seem daunting, but there's no need to worry - we offer a free venue-finding service to all of our clients, and with over 20 years' experience in running team building events all over the UK and in Europe, we like to think we know our stuff when it comes to recommending great venues. Here on the blog, we share our insider knowledge by profiling some of our favourite venues for team building events, meetings and conferences.

The Windsor Hotel, Windsor

At A Glance

• Situated in the heart of Windsor, just two minutes walk from Windsor Castle
• 15 minutes from Heathrow airport
• Free WiFi access throughout
• Onsite car parking
• A range of meeting and conference rooms, with the largest catering for up to 150 delegates

Why We Love It

The Windsor Hotel straddles the line between modern and classic perfectly. It's only a couple of years old, so it's fully equipped with all the latest mod-cons - we love the fact that the meeting rooms have iPod docks built in to the walls, so if you want to create a relaxed atmosphere while your group brainstorms, you can just plug in your iPhone and set the tone with music. The smart yet tranquil atmosphere and impeccable service hark back to the 'golden age' of hotels and will make you feel more like you're on holiday than at work. It also boasts a fantastic location - there's something special about being in the heart of Windsor; with it's amazing history, quaint buildings and relaxed, elegant vibe, being here always makes us feel extremely proud to be British. There's plenty to see, and The Windsor Hotel provides the perfect base for exploring - make the most of the hotel's central location by using at as the starting point for a Windsor Adventure, which is a great way to see the sights and boost team motivation. If you'd prefer something indoors, relax after a long day of meetings with a World of Wine team build before dinner in the hotel itself.

"Being a MacDonald venue, The Windsor Hotel is second-to-none when it comes to hosting your team building event. I love the fact that you can even watch the changing of the guards from the comfort of the hotel lobby" - Kye Harman, CCC Event Manager

Team Building Venues: The Palace Hotel, Manchester

Struggling to find the perfect venue for your team building event in Manchester? CCC are here to help! Over the past 20 years, we have run events at literally thousands of venues across the UK and offer a free venue finding service to all of our clients. Our Venue Profiles series takes a look at some of our favourites.

The Palace Hotel, Manchester

At A Glance

• Situated in the centre of Manchester
• 19 meeting and training rooms, with the largest seating up to 1000 delegates
• Purpose-built business centre with full business support
• 252 Bedrooms
• Recent £7 million refurbishment

Why We Love It

The Palace Hotel boasts the largest hotel conference space in Manchester - at a huge 2,500m², the aptly-named Grand Room seats up to 1000 delegates theatre-style, or 850 banquet style, with The Buckingham Suite and The Whitworth Suite also offering ample space. As well as being perfect for conferences, gala dinners and awards ceremonies, huge rooms such as these are also the answer to your team building prayers. Practically any team building event that is usually run outdoors (such as our Cryptic Challenge or the fabulous Monte Carlo or Bust) can be run in these spaces, meaning that you don't need to leave the city, your team will stay warm and dry, and the stylish hotel bar is nearby for post-team building drinks!

If you're not deterred by the great outdoors and want to explore your surroundings, The Palace Hotel's central Manchester location means that it is perfect for a Treasure Hunt, which is a great way to brush off the cobwebs and take in Manchester's most popular landmarks after a morning of meetings.

"My favourite ever team building event in Manchester has to be the Enigma Challenge we ran for the Team GB Water Polo guys before the Olympics. They had so much energy and the Palace Hotel's huge Buckingham Suite was the perfect space for them to let off some steam!" - Zoe Taylor, CCC Event Manager

Team Building Venues: The Grosvenor, Central London

Choosing the perfect venue for your team building event can be a daunting task - but CCC are here to help! As a mobile company, we have produced events at thousands of venues across the UK and Europe and offer a free venue finding service to all of our clients. This week we are profiling The Grosvenor, an ideal venue for team building events in London.

The Grosvenor, London

At a Glance

• Central London location near Victoria Station
• Nine meeting and event rooms, with the largest catering for up to 150 delegates 
• Free super-fast Wi-Fi throughout
• Recent multi-million-pound refrubishment

Why We Love It

If you are looking to treat your delegates to something a little special, the recently-refurbished Grosvenor would be the perfect location for your team building event. A spectacular blend of period features and modern luxury, this 4-star, Grade II listed hotel is the ideal way to 'wow' your team or your clients.

The jewel in The Grosvenor's conferencing crown is undoubtedly The Orient Suite. With its dramatic marble pillars and glittering chandeliers, your conference or team building event will be laced with a large dose of glamour. The atmospheric space would be perfect for a Murder Mystery evening - you'll feel transported back in time to an age of sophistication and grandeur.

If you're after a more intimate setting for a smaller group, The Grosvenor also boasts another eight meeting rooms in which you can dine, hold meetings or entertain clients. The central London location (it's walking distance from Buckingham Palace) means that these rooms would also be the perfect base for a Treasure Hunt. After a morning of meetings at The Grosvenor, use a Treasure Hunt to boost motivation, get outside and explore London, or simply show off our capital city to your international delegates.

"The Grosvenor is the epitome of elegance and luxury -  a perfect oasis in the hubbub of the capital. Guoman venues are always brilliant for meetings and team building events, and The Grosvenor is no exception" - Tamara Nasser, CCC Event Manager

To find out more about team building in Central London, call 0845 006 06 06 or visit our website.

Team Building Venues: New Place, Southampton

Choosing the perfect venue for your team building event can be a daunting task - but CCC are here to help! As a mobile team building company, we have produced events at thousands of venues across the UK  and Europe and offer a free venue finding service to all of our clients. We'll be profiling a range of venues to provide an at-a-glance guide to what's on offer.

New Place, Southampton

At a Glance

• 40 meeting and training rooms, with the largest catering for up to 110 delegates
• 110 bedrooms with the latest mod cons
• Free WiFi and internet access throughout
• Refreshment stations with free-flowing coffee, tea and snacks
• 32 acres of outdoor space and parkland, including a motorised vehicle circuit

Why We Love It

New Place's ample outdoor space means that we've enjoyed many a sunny summer's day running Cryptic Challenges and Time Trackers in their grounds, while the Grade I listed manor house at the heart of the venue is the perfect setting for a Murder Mystery. The free-flowing coffee stations are brilliant because it means that our clients can extend their meetings and events at leisure, without having to comply to set 'refreshment break' time slots. The meeting rooms are light and airy and more often than not, groups will stay for a few days, incorporating conferences, team building and leisure time in the pool, steam room and sauna.

"Being a De Vere venue, New Place is fully geared towards meetings, conferences and team building events. My favourite event to run there would have to be an Activity Day as their motorised vehicle circuit is perfect for our quad bikes and rage buggies" - Zoe Taylor, Senior Event Manager

To find out more about team building in Southampton, call 0845 006 06 06 to speak to our  lovely team.

Team Building Venues: Horwood House, Buckinghamshire

As part of our day to day job we travel all around the country and see a lot of beautiful venues. They might be in city centres, by motorway junctions or in the middle of the countryside, but they each have something that marks them out from the others. In this new series of posts we want to take a look at some of our favourites - venues that due to location, history, staff, facilities, grounds, décor or something entirely different are the best of the best.

First up...

Horwood House, Buckinghamshire

10 miles from Milton Keynes and just outside the small village of Little Horwood, Horwood House is operated by Principal Hayley, predominantly as a conference venue. It has 35 meeting rooms with all the options you would expect from a top rate venue, and can seat up to 220 delegates in their Cook Suite.

The building itself is a beautiful Grade II listed building, built in 1912. It boasts 182 en suite rooms and is perfect for longer conferences - or just when you want to turn that away-day into an away-day-and-night!

It is set in 38 acres of land, much of which is lovingly landscaped, and this is what we particularly love about it. There are almost no events that we can't run at this venue!

Venue Finder Annie had this to say about Horwood House:

"It's a lovely venue and they have a great team there which is why we keep coming back year after year. The sheer size and variety of the beautiful grounds means it's perfect for a whole variety of events".

Give us a call on 0845 006 06 06 to discuss the venue possibilities for your next event.

Team Building at Wotton House in Surrey

The sun stayed out and made for a great day yesterday at the beautiful Wotton House Hotel in Dorking, Surrey.

Event Manager Kate Packham was running our action packed outdoor team building event, the Cryptic Challenge, for 160 delegates and had this to say on the day:

"A little bit of rain doesn't damage outdoor events, and can sometimes even add to the enjoyment. That said, you'll never hear me complain when we get glorious sunshine like this! The clients had a great time and, as ever with a Cryptic Challenge, the finale was nail-biting and hilarious!"

The Cryptic Challenge sees teams compete head to head in a series of devious games, testing their mental and physical agility - and also their ability to work as a team! Imagine if the Krypton Factor and the Crystal Maze had a child together - we like to think it would look a bit like the Cryptic Challenge!

Give us a call on 0845 006 06 06 to discover how we can make your next event truly memorable.