This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
Glasgow Business . 35 www.glasgowchamberofcommerce.com PLACE TO MEET FIND THE RIGHT


Avoiding distractions is just one reason to look to off-site venues for crucial meetings B


oard meetings, conferences and training events are a time- consuming, but


essential, part of business life today, so it’s only right you plan them with precision. Staging a meeting in your


on-site boardroom is fine, but when it comes to selling your service to a new customer, or wanting to forge a good relationship with existing clients/employees, relocating to another venue may sometimes be the beter option. Besides, selecting the right


meeting venue may be the difference between a deal going ahead, or not. One reason for this relates to improved performance and concentration when staging a meeting or conference at an off-site venue. Yvonne Fleming, Sales


Executive at Te Arthouse Hotel in Glasgow, explained: “Companies were holding


meetings in-house, but we’re finding delegates were losing focus when hosting a meeting on-site. “Oſten you are distracted by


what’s going on in the office. Out of the building at an off-site venue, you cannot be called on as quickly and it makes you feel more focused and productive.” Fortunately, many of


Glasgow’s best known buildings have conference facilities now, so there are a number of venues to choose from depending on what atmosphere you wish to create and for what purpose. In the city centre, modern


office blocks have panoramic views across the River Clyde and rooſtops. Tis offers the perfect backdrop for striking up a deal and maintaining a lasting working relationship with business associates. Outside the city, there are a number of alternative venues with unique surroundings. Planning an effective meeting


off-site requires certain considerations. Whether it is a meeting with one or one hundred-plus delegates, you must ensure all are catered for. Have you considered meeting


clients in an out-of-town venue with good transport links and nearby motorway access? Or have you thought about


hiring a room in one of the city’s more traditional buildings, such as an iconic landmark or a converted stable? Will anyone be travelling from


further afield? Perhaps it’s worth considering a venue near a train station or airport? And will the venue offer airport


pick-ups for important delegates and VIPs? Wherever your clients are


coming from, location and good transport links are key considerations. One venue that prides itself on location is the city centre-based


Arthouse Hotel, part of Abode. Equidistant to Central and Queen Street stations, it is on the doorstep of most city businesses and it is also a popular choice for west-enders given that it is just a 20-minute walk away. Inside its A-listed exterior on


Bath Street, Te Arthouse markets itself as a “stylish townhouse with a boutique vibe” with its original tiles, quirky cage liſt, and marble flooring. Its Arthouse Lounge restaurant


allows you to stage a small-to- medium-sized meeting for two to 70-plus delegates. But there’s far more to this


building than its aesthetics and prime location, as Yvonne explained: “Customer service is also our big focus, you really will be looked aſter. Whether you’re booking our assembly room for a one-to-one or arranging a


Continued on page 36> >


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52