LEICESTER MEETINGS GUIDE

FACTS AND FIGURES

According to the 2011 Census, Leicesters population stands at 329,900; with 648,700 residing in the county of Leicestershire. The largest age group in the city is the 20-24 category, making up 9.3% of the population; which is probably due to the some 30,000 students attending the two Universities in the city.

4.9% of Leicesters economically active population are unemployed, a figure which is in line with the UK average of 4.4%. Despite the fact the city is home to two popular Universities, it seems many graduates leave the city for work, as is highlighted in the fact that the employment structure leans heavily towards manual labour, with 15.5% of the population employed in process, plant and machine operatives; and 16.2% in elementary positions. The wholesale and retail trade is the largest sector in the city, employing 16.83%; closely followed by manufacturing at 14.96% and real estate at 12.97%.

TRANSPORT LINKS

Although located in the midst of rural England, Leicester is easily reached from all over the world. East Midlands airport is located just half an hour away from the city centre and serves 4.2million passengers to over 90 destinations, mostly larger European cities. Delegates wishing to reach Leicester from further afield can fly into Birmingham airport, which is the 7th busiest airport in the UK and flies to 143 destinations in many different continents. Other major airports Luton, Stansted and Manchester are all less than a two hour drive away.

Located in central England, Leicester is conveniently placed for delegates based in the UK wishing to reach the city. Although Leicesters station is relatively small, with just 4 platforms and 4.8million passengers passing through each year; it offers a direct route to London in 75 minutes, and neighbouring cities Nottingham in 30 minutes and Birmingham in 50 minutes. Delegates wishing to reach Leicester from further away such as Cardiff, Newcastle and Manchester will find that they will have to catch a connecting train at a closer city.

Once in Leicester, getting around couldnt be any easier with both First Buses and Arriva Transport offering regular routes from the city into the suburbs and neighbouring towns.  However, delegates staying in the city centre will probably find that there is no need for public transport, as all major amenities are within walking distance.

LEICESTER VENUES

Located in central England, Leicester is easily reachable by most places in the UK, making it a convenient location for corporate events. There are 101 conference venues in Leicester, 9 of which have a maximum capacity of more than 500, and 6 with space for more than 1,000; meaning companies with large parties will find they have plenty of options to choose from when picking a venue. Leicester University has a specialist conference centre able to hold up to 2,000 delegates; with conference and banqueting facilities. Smaller parties have even more choice to choose from, with 40 venues available exclusively for parties of 30 delegates or less.

The wide choice continues with the 89 hotels on offer. With 36 four star hotels, there is plenty of luxury to go around for companies wishing to splash the cash. Nevertheless, more modest budgets will still find a perfect hotel room for them, with 40 three star and 6 two star hotels to choose from.

LEISURE AND TOURISM

Set in the heart of rural England, Leicester offers many beautiful views of the countryside, with museums and manors such as Calke Abbey set back in scenic parks, something delegates who are into history and architecture will definitely be interested in! In fact, there are many historical sites in Leicester with everything from castles and heritage tours to the five 'village lock-ups' where drunkards were detained!

For a spot of retail therapy, head to the Highcross shopping centre, jam-packed with well-known high street brands, or St Martins Square for designer boutiques. The many towns surrounding Leicestershire have their own centres too, with independent shops, bakeries and markets.

Leicester has plenty to offer where eating out is concerned, from rural country pubs and chained restaurants to the Asian cuisine on offer on the "Golden Mile"; you will find that the city offers something for everyone. Delegates wishing to make more of a night out will find that they will be spoilt for choice with the sheer number of pubs located throughout the city and its surroundings. For clubs and pubs, head to Church Gate, Silver Street and High Street, with venues playing a range of music from pop, to punk and R&B, there is something to suite all tastes.

Images courtesy of Leicester Shire Promotions

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