UK' s leading independent providers of meeting, training and event space, etc.venues continue their impressive growth with the opening of its first national venue, Maple House based in the heart of Birmingham .

etc.venues report an increase in sales of 35% to £7.05 million for the six months to December 31st 2007 compared to the same period in 2006 as a result of strong trading at all of its venues and the successful opening of its newest venue Dexter House in September 2007. Commenting on the results Alastair Stewart, Managing Director comments “We continue to benefit from our investment in quality at our venues and from clients increasingly switching away from residential training to non-residential training.  We remain optimistic about maintaining this level of growth in our second half.’’ 

Having declared their intention to expand outside of the Capital etc.venues announce that Birmingham has been selected as the city of choice after a comprehensive analysis of the UK’s leading city business locations.

Situated in the heart of Birmingham's central business district, Maple House will be the pioneer for the national roll-out programme. This venue will provide high quality facilities for training, meetings and conferences and will be opening in June 2008 following a £1.5 million fit-out.

Alastair Stewart, Managing Director of etc.venues comments: ‘’The demand for non-residential training venues is growing at a fast rate as companies move away from residential training in part due to a drive to cut down on accommodation costs and ensure venues can be easily reached by public transport. Our clients have continuously suggested Birmingham as a major business destination and an area where there is a shortage of high quality dedicated venues.”

“The venue itself will stand out for its bespoke design, with the signature etc.venues touches of an abundance of natural light, theatre kitchens, contemporary artwork, environmentally friendly approaches to recycling, and the use of public transport.”

The Maple House site specification comprises the following: -

  • 13 training and meeting rooms (the largest seating 150) over two floors
  • Natural light in all rooms
  • Independently controlled air conditioning
  • High quality audio-visual equipment
  • Extensive breakout areas
  • Dedicated restaurant for up to 200 with our own kitchens
  • Executive Board room / Private dining room
  • Chic and stylish café areas that include our innovative and high quality coffee machines providing cappuccinos and lattes on tap all day
  • Great proximity to bothNew Street and Snow Hill train stations
  • All-inclusive day delegate packages – no hidden extras

For more information on the launch of Maple House and the etc.venues portfolio of venues (Avonmouth House, SE1; Bonhill House, EC2; CBI Conference Centre, WC1; The Hatton, EC1; Prospero House, SE1; Dexter House EC3) please contact Laura Sinclair on 020 7105 6079 or email LSinclair@etcvenues.co.uk

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For further details, images or comment, please contact Laura Sinclair at etc.venues. Tel: +44 (0) 20 7105 6079 or email:

LSinclair@etcvenues.co.uk