By Bev Fearis, published 9/09/20

Exclusive Collection has created dedicated ‘meeting pods’ or ‘bubbles’ across its six event locations, which include Surrey’s Pennyhill Park Hotel & Spa, South Lodge Hotel & Spa in Sussex and The Royal Berkshire, Ascot.

These are dedicated areas of the hotels which can be exclusively allocated, limiting access to just one company meeting or event.

Dedicated service staff will be assigned to each event, while companies can also reserve sections of bedrooms off a single corridor to work hand in hand with conference rooms.

The group says with restrictions beginning to ease, it has seen consistent demand from businesses looking to bring their teams together.

Stephanie Hall, Group Director of Sales and Marketing, said: “We’ve implemented far reaching health and safety procedures across our six event locations to ensure the safety of our guests and staff, and we hope the creation of our new ‘meeting pods’ or ‘bubbles’ will add an extra layer of reassurance that we are doing our upmost to keep everyone safe, and confident to meet face to face, as we navigate life post Covid-19.”

Exclusive Collection said it would try to ensure meeting spaces are left empty for at least 24 hours before use where possible. It is also implementing a high touch point cleaning programme and enhanced housekeeping regime, which includes the use of disinfectant fog before arrival.

The group’s other event venues are Lainston House, Winchester, The Manor House Hotel & Golf Club, Wiltshire, and Fanhams Hall Hertfordshire (which opens on September 23).

At the recently re-opened Royal Berkshire, the group has created a new informal meeting concept, Homespace, which is centred around the kitchen table to reflect today’s working from home norms.

It hopes the space will strike a chord of familiarity with those who use it, helping to break down barriers and encourage collaboration after months of remote working.