VisitEngland praises Telford’s ambitious investment

Simon Gidman, Head of Business Visits and Events at VisitEngland, praised the new Convention Quarter which is part of the heart of Telford’s new Southwater development, saying: “Telford is an excellent example of a destination, that with superb facilities, easy access and a targeted approach to attracting events that complement its priority economic sectors, can attract prestigious national and international events not only driving high spend tourism to the town but also helping to stimulate new investment, attract new talent and showcase the towns expertise in a number of fields.”

Hosted by the official convention bureau for the region, Meet Telford & Shropshire, the tour showcased the destination’s thriving conference and events offer, with stops at flagship venues including The International Centre, Telford, and the event suites at Cineworld IMAX, Southwater One, and Enginuity in the Ironbridge UNESCO World Heritage site.

Sarah Bird, Business Tourism Manager for Meet Telford & Shropshire, said: “We’re absolutely delighted with the commendation from such a respected national figurehead in the UK business tourism sector, not only recognising Telford’s investment, but also citing it as a thriving convention hub and leading conference and events destination nationally.”

The mammoth investment in Telford has created a multi faceted Convention Quarter and has cemented the reputation of Telford as a destination made for events, helping it to grow its share of the very competitive events sector.

Sarah continued: “The huge investment in our region has really increased our capacity to win and host large-scale events and helped reposition us as a leading UK events arena. It has also been a real catalyst for new and retained business, with the rising popularity of Telford and Shropshire as a go-to destination. But it is in the Association sector where we have seen the most significant growth, with Telford winning more and more large-scale conventions and exhibitions thanks to its perfect combination of a great location, great facilities, and outstanding value.”

As part of the tour, VisitEngland’s Simon Gidman met with the award winning team at The International Centre, Telford which sits at the very heart of the new Convention Quarter. Tom Gray, CEO at the Southwater Event Group, which owns and runs The International Centre, Telford, said: “The new Southwater development is already having a real impact on business, with a number of leading national organisations choosing to host their events here specifically because of the enhanced offer the new Convention Quarter brings. It complements our already strong offer of purpose-built event space, on-site accommodation and first-class service, and being now able to offer delegates somewhere to explore, entertain and relax.”

VisitEngland is the official body responsible for promoting England's outstanding Business Visits and Events products. VisitEngland Business Visits & Events targets both domestic UK and international event and incentives organisers through a series events, online and offline marketing initiatives, familiarisation trips and trade shows.