Business Profile
Imagine holding a business event where King Charles I dodged a bullet in the Civil War, where generations of powerful people have dealt with pressing matters since the 16th century, within one of the finest Elizabethan mansions in the country, at Shaw House, Newbury.
However, the weight of history is borne lightly and since this historic Grade I listed building, which is owned by West Berkshire Council, was restored in a £6m restoration project, it has become an increasingly popular venue for businesses and other organisations.
Having been carefully adapted for use in the 21st century, the historic rooms are now used for seminars, meetings and training sessions organised by West Berkshire Council and other public bodies and organisations.
Shaw House is unique among local venues as it simply does not charge delegate rates, preferring instead to offer an all-inclusive hourly room hire charge, with public sector bodies and community groups paying only £29.75 per hour (excluding VAT) and commercial and private users just £44.50 per hour (excluding VAT).
The marketing and tourism manager for West Berkshire Council, Lucy Finch, explained: “We have room capacities for two to 100 people, depending on the furniture lay-out required. The technical cabinets incorporate video/DVD, LCD projector and audio equipment in addition to projector screen, TV, power and data connection.
“We can also provide display boards, flipchart with paper and pens, interactive whiteboard and pens, all of which are included in the room hire charge.
“There are nine stunning rooms for hire, all with their own unique character, plenty of natural daylight, adjustable lighting and a restful ambience.
“We can provide tea and coffee breaks throughout your meeting accompanied by biscuits, pastries or delicious homemade cakes. Our tempting lunch menus range from £7.20 to £11 a head and feature delicious sandwiches with various accompaniments available.
“We passionately believe that Shaw House should be used, not abused, so we cap the number of users here at any one time, which in turn also benefits those who are using the venue.”
It is little wonder both local and national businesses are choosing Shaw House, which is ideally situated in a tranquil setting on the north edge of Newbury, yet is within an hour's reach of London, Bristol, Oxford and the south coast.
Tourism South East, which recently held a meeting of local authority tourism managers from across the region said: “Shaw House was a great venue for our regional destination managers’ forum. Our delegates were all happy and the feedback was positive. The staff were helpful and made us all welcome. We will certainly recommend it to anyone who might be looking for a meeting venue in Berkshire in the future.”
Shaw House is also open to the general public on specific days and is also home to West Berkshire Registration Service for births, deaths and ceremonies.
Shaw House
Tel: (01635) 519804 (booking office) (01635) 279279 (public enquiries)
Fax: (01635) 519811
Web: www.shawhouse.org.uk
E-mail: shawhouse@westberks.gov.uk
Shaw House is hosting a preview event on Monday, June 22, from 10am to 6pm and offers the chance to explore hosting an event at the venue. Tea and coffee will be served throughout the day and a sandwich lunch will be available.
Do check out the King Charles Room, where a brass plaque marks the bullet hole where, legend has it, a Roundhead narrowly missed shooting King Charles I, when Shaw House was besieged in 1644.
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