In a world where so many interactions take place remotely, it's easy to forget the importance of face-to-face connections.
And yet for businesses it is something to ignore at your peril, as the opportunity to meet and mix with colleagues and clients has real value.
The highly respected international Forbes magazine claimed that attending events is a “timeless marketing strategy” which is “absolutely crucial for sustainable business growth.”
A recent article added that “hosting and attending events should be an integral part of a growth marketing strategy because they can elevate your brand, foster connections, and drive tangible results.”
It’s something that one of the North East’s leisure organisations is well aware of – and why it has a whole host of options which appeal to the business community along with the public at large.
Ramside Estates owns some of the most prestigious properties in the region including Ramside Hall Hotel Golf and Spa and Hardwick Hall Hotel.
And these both offer some very real – and exciting -opportunities for savvy businesses to engage with potential new clients, cement existing relationships and promote their own offering.
This autumn Hardwick Hall will once again be hosting an event which has become a highlight of the North East’s events calendar- it’s annual Oyster Festival.
Returning for the 23rd year, this unique daytime experience brings together a huge name performer as headliner, combined with the finest seafood – and of course the opportunity to eat an abundance of oysters.
Held on 25 September in the giant marquee at Hardwick, guests will be entertained by Scouting for Girls, along with Britain’s Got Talent comedian Cal Halbert, Irish music favourites Emerald Thieves, JJ Galway Band and DJ Brandon Block, with Steve Walls hosting the day.
The day kicks off with Champagne on arrival, followed by a three-course fruits de mer lunch. Fresh oyster stalls and complimentary lager, beer and wine are served throughout the event, which runs from 11.30am to 6pm.
Tickets for the Oyster Festival cost £220 each and are available by calling 01740 620253 or emailing helen.attley@hardwickhallhotel.co.uk with the event set to follow in the footsteps of previous years and be a complete sellout.
For businesses who also see the value in creating their own corporate event, the latest addition to Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa also offers a range of exciting opportunities.
Since it opened its doors in September last year, The Pin has been a huge success – attracting not only thousands of leisure visitors but also bringing in companies in their droves.
The purpose-built venue proves that you can be all things to all people, with spaces for entertaining clients, hosting networking events, delivering team meetings and conferences and incentivising and rewarding staff.
The Pin has a range of exciting facilities including a 43 bay, two tier Toptracer driving range, a six lane bowling alley and interactive darts and shuffleboard.
At the same time it has a range of private spaces – including a mezzanine level which overlooks the vast bar and food area to the Cathedral Suite which overlooks the 18th hole of Cathedral golf course.
The VIP bay on the driving range not only has a private seating area, a screen and a small kitchen area but also included bottomless Prosecco and Heineken for those who book it.
The sheer numbers of people who have already visited The Pin also means that it’s a great opportunity for businesses to also promote their offering.
A huge 18 metre curved video wall takes pride of place at the venue – a great way for companies to advertise their products or services.
John Adamson, head of Ramside Estates, believes the organisation has some of the strongest options for corporates across the region and beyond.
“We have always had the go-to venues for companies to host their own events or to use our imaginative programme to entertain clients or reward staff or loyal customers,” he said.
“And the good news is that it’s not just about a great day – or night – out, it absolutely makes great business sense.”
Anyone wanting to find out more about opportunities at The Pin should contact: cheryl.flowers@ramsideestates.co.uk