When specialist equine supplies company Bedmax needed a venue to carry out sales training they wanted a venue with no hurdles.

So they chose Ellingham Hall and managers were so impressed with their first visit they have vowed they will be back.

Bedmax, which produces horse bedding from its manufacturing facility in north Northumberland, needed somewhere with easy access for its UK sales team to carry out training.
As well as having use of a meeting room, the management team were delighted that they had exclusive use of the hall and the grounds for their staff.

Tilly Fuller, Head Office and HR Manager at Bedmax, emailed us to say: “Bedmax would like to express our sincere thanks to Lynn and the team at Ellingham Hall for hosting our sales training day.

“The location of the venue is stunning with fabulous décor to match. Our meeting room was perfect and it was lovely to have exclusive use of the additional reception rooms. Parking was plentiful and the staff very friendly and accommodating.

“Ellingham Hall offers a wonderful, competitively priced venue. We will be back!”

As well as the serious side of the business, which includes discussing strategy and planning for the year ahead, the team always make time during their stay for fun and celebrations too.

The event saw senior managers from Connect Health also enjoy a Christmas party on the evening before staying on overnight to enjoy fun team-building activities the following morning.

Chief People Officer Lisa Davidson explains:

“We use Ellingham as it’s the perfect, exclusive setting for strategy planning for our senior team and it’s a lovely relaxed environment to host our Christmas party too. On the second day we organised a murder mystery fun day before departure.”

“We were working in teams and had two ‘deaths’ to investigate. There were lots of clues to work out whodunnit! It’s a great team-building activity across functions so it means you’re working with people on the mystery that you may not normally work with closely on a day-to-day basis.”

Lisa said that the rural, private location and warm hospitality from everyone here at Ellingham was a big deciding factor in returning for the second year.

“We were so well looked after the first time. The team here catered for our needs and the food and hospitality is great. The location is also perfect as we’re based in the North East so it’s not far to travel and need to get everyone together in one venue with suitable high-quality accommodation. We’ve had the same warm welcome and efficiency this time and we’re delighted with this year’s event.”

The thorough planning that takes place between Connect Health’s team and Ellingham Hall, helped managers decide to return for the second time.

And it was such a success, it looks like the senior management team from Connect Health will be heading our way again for Christmas 2020!

We were honoured to welcome the volunteers and supporters of a very special Northumberland charity last month.

Managers at Bell View, Belford, decided to treat volunteers and supporters after the charity was given the prestigious Queen’s Award in the summer for its care work with older people.

The award is the highest a voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to the MBE. Bell View was the only voluntary organisation in Northumberland to be given the award in 2019.

To mark the occasion, Bell View managers wanted to do something different by hosting a celebration at very special place to echo the significance of the award.

Paul Harrison, Centre Operations Manager, said: “We decided we needed to celebrate it in a special way with volunteers and supporters. One of our trustees had already been here for another event and recommended it. It looked a good place to celebrate our award. It’s close to where our volunteers and supporters live, so they didn’t have to travel too far.”

Bell View offers a range of health, well-being and social activities from its resource centre in Belford. It also provides day care and support to people in their own home, with 50 volunteers involved.

It was formed in 1998 when the community stepped in after the County Council decided to close Bell View residential care home and remove its services. Remarkably, Ellingham Hall’s owner, Aidan, was one of those who took an integral part in saving the centre by being on the first board of directors. He later stepped down in 2001.

The volunteers and supporters were treated to fine food and entertainment and Deputy Lieutenant of Northumberland, John Lovett, made a short speech to congratulate everyone for their achievement.

Mr Harrison added that he was delighted with Ellingham Hall and thought the venue was the perfect setting. He commented: “The food was fantastic. It was a lovely place to treat our volunteers and supporters. It was the right place to come because it is different to the type of place we would normally go, and the right size for us. We had a lovely and memorable time.”

Do you need a venue for your charity? We offer great value rates and tailor packages to suit your budget, ensuring you get what you need from our venue, without breaking the bank.

With delicious catering options starting from only £10 per person, space for up to 140 guests in the Hall as well as 8 acres of stunning grounds, we’ll help you to create a Charity event to remember!

To discuss your requirements, contact our friendly team on 01665 568118 or email info@ellingham-hall.co.uk.

How long have you been in corporate hospitality?

I had worked in the hospitality industry for 7 years, from 2005 to 2012 after completing my degree at Northumbria University. I was a supplier to most venues in the North East, rather than working at a single venue. But I learned a lot about what goes on behind the scenes during that time.

What drew you to corporate hospitality?

To be honest, I fell into the sector by chance. I took a job with an events company and was tasked with providing a linen hire service to all hotels and venues within the region. I quickly developed excellent relationships with the venues and began supplying them with our full event services (not just linen). It is a very friendly and sociable industry, which I enjoyed, and it gave me great job satisfaction knowing that both my clients and the venues were impressed.

What is the first thing you’d advise anyone who is thinking of putting on a business event?

Planning is key! Allow enough time to properly plan the event and cover all bases. Also, factor in a contingency plan, as things don’t always run perfectly. You need to be clear on both the objectives of the event and what you want to get out of it.

There is also a need to have an event budget. This will help you to make certain decisions about the event and what you can afford to include.

Finally, think about timings! This will help you determine a structure and who you may need to involve to help make the event a success. Put yourself in the shoes of your guests and imagine what their expectations would be if attending.

What made you decide to work for Ellingham Hall?

I worked with Ellingham Hall previously supplying event planning services for weddings and events. I developed very good relationships with the team and had a good knowledge of the venue. I had great memories and that, coupled with my love for the venue and great working relationship, encouraged me to go join Ellingham when I was offered the post. I had been out of the industry for 6 years, but during that time I had gained more transferrable skills, particularly in corporate sales development.

What is your favourite room at Ellingham?

This is a difficult one because I’ve seen significant improvements to the venue since returning last year. However, I think I would say the Chapel because this I feel is the biggest major change. Not only does the restored chapel still retain the major historic features, but it now has a modern look and feel, which makes it more appealing to prospective clients. It is clever how the team made the best use of this space by adding a quirky mezzanine level, which leads out onto a rooftop terrace with stunning views. You could not access that area before the renovation and its added two extra spaces perfect for use for all occasions.

What do you like about working at Ellingham Hall?

It has to be the happy, relaxed working environment, which is key to getting the best out of people. The team constantly strives to improve the venue and the service levels offered. You can’t ask for more! You get a feeling that you’re a very important part of the team, no matter which position you have.

If you are searching for a corporate event venue, Ellingham Hall has a range of event spaces and offers exclusive use. Contact the team today to discuss your requirements.

Last month, around 90 delegates were welcomed to Ellingham Hall for an informative seminar, discussing intergenerational wealth and personal finance.

Sage Wealth Management along with Warcup Law Firm organised this joint event. The seminar highlighted the importance of making wills and powers of attorney. All this to help their delegates plan how to pass on their wealth to future generations and plan for long term care.

Michael Sage, Director of Sage Wealth Management, was delighted at the comments from delegates and said: “The hall catered for everything we needed, from the luxury entrance rooms, to the grounds outside, which we used to talk with clients in more detail afterwards. It was exactly what we wanted to allow us to host a presentation of this size.

Guests were welcomed with a selection of drinks and canapés in the entrance hall and then again on departure.

The seminar itself took place in the Chapel, while the dining room and drawing room provided the perfect spaces for relaxing.

Mark Warcup, principal and owner of Warcup Law Firm said “I believe some guests may have chosen to come along to experience one of our events at Ellingham Hall. The grounds here are really lovely and its nice to give those local to the venue a chance to enjoy them.”

Ellingham Hall are able to cater for a range of exclusive, corporate events of all sizes. If you are planning something for your business, then contact a member of the Events team to find out how we can make your event a success too.

If you think we’re all about formal events, then think again!

We opened our doors to welcome the team from Everything Different  just before Christmas, and they had a fun-filled time here! We were chosen for their staff Christmas party and team building day because we’re not only different, we’re just a 45-minute drive from Newcastle, where the agency’s office is based.

The guys were here for a full afternoon and evening to celebrate the festive season and to take part in team building activities – and they packed a lot into their time!

There was clearly a bit of a competitive edge as the team was split into three groups that took part in laser clay pigeon shooting, crazy golf and treasure hunting. Out on the front lawn, there was laughter (and a bit of frustration for some) as the laser clay pigeon shooting took place.

Our dining room was transformed into a small one-hole crazy golf course!

There were some hijinks and loud cheers as one or two people managed to achieve the illusive hole in one!

As well as experiencing new activities or honing skills, the team also tested their mettle and observation as part of a treasure hunt, which took part in our extensive grounds and rooms of our beautiful mansion.

Each activity was interspersed with teas, coffees and food in the kitchen before the evening activities began.

After the fresh air and activities of the day, the evening started with a quiz in the chapel before dinner which, despite it being a chilly December day, was a barbecue!

The Everything Different team also chose a Gatsby theme, which blended perfectly with the setting here at Ellingham Hall.

According to Everything Different Group Chief Executive Ben Quigley, we were the perfect venue for the event. He said: “We like to do something different, and Ellingham Hall is certainly out of the ordinary. We had a fantastic time here.

“The activities were fantastic and enabled us to get our teams mixed up and get everybody bonding and having a good time together in an amazing environment.”

Mark James, who is Managing Director of the company’s Differentology – specialist research and insight division, added Ellingham Hall was a great place for business.

“It’s not too far from Newcastle and it’s lovely to get somewhere a little different and out of the hustle and bustle of the city,” he said.

If you are looking for a team building venue or are looking for an unusual place for business events, come and speak to us about what you want to do and we’ll help you achieve your goals.

Images provided by India Jackson Photography.

Upon relaunching Ellingham Hall as a destination for corporate events, it was our pleasure to welcome over 30 business owners to a corporate showcase!

North East Chamber of Commerce members, as well as exclusive local guests, were invited to explore our luxurious rooms and sample some delicious food! Additionally, there was a chance to be entertained by a troupe of incredible dancers who were certainly a spectacle!

Several guests commented that hotels don’t allow you full access, but that’s what we’re all about!

Whether it’s a corporate event or a wedding, you should feel relaxed and at home. Indeed, the fact we were happy to let our guests explore the Hall left many of them in awe.

Lindsay Benton, who owns her own business, Northumberland Nutrition said this: “Ellingham Hall is amazing. I’d never been before, but after being able to look around at the all the rooms, including the kitchen, I’d say it is one of the best events venues in the region. The facilities are amazing and it’s a beautiful place. I have to say, the food was very good!”

Meanwhile, Clare McCabe, from the North East Chamber of Commerce, said the Hall had been a perfect venue!

“The Hall has such a lovely feeling and having our meeting at the same time as the corporate showcase was perfect because there was music and entertainment too, which gave a very different feel to what we usually have. It’s somewhere we’d certainly come back to.”

Like so many others who visited, David Kirkland, from North East Times magazine, had never been to Ellingham Hall before.

“I have heard of the hall before and knew about it hosting weddings, but I’d never been. We arrange events across the region and it would be a perfect place for events. We like to get away from the office for some production meetings, and it’s a place that would be perfect for those meetings. It is a very surprising place; particularly how big it is. I was very impressed. I have to say I was also impressed with the members of staff. They were all very polite.”

We undoubtedly couldn’t have put on such an amazing launch without our supporters:

Instore Radio, The Whole Shc-Bang, Paul Slattery Caricatures, Corporate Illusion, Clear & Loud AV, Pure Entertainment Group, Prime Entertainment, Phil Smith Photography and North East Chamber of Commerce.

If you haven’t been to explore Ellingham Hall, or haven’t thought about us as a corporate venue, why not arrange to come and have a look?

Images provided by Phil Smith Photography.