[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/gd.events” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”visit Gray Dawes Events” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”button – visit GD Events” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”22px” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#E83851″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”10px” button_letter_spacing=”3px” button_icon=”%%151%%” button_icon_color=”#ffffff” animation_style=”flip” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ locked=”off”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ admin_label=”centre divider ” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.8.1″][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Main Text” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Well\u2026 what a very strange and unusual time its been for us all over the past 14 months!<\/p>\n
The events industry, like many others, has been hit hard during the pandemic, but the Gray Dawes Events Team and I have kept going\u2026 meeting each new challenge with enthusiasm, determination and innovation.<\/p>\n
As you can imagine, we\u2019ve had to do things rather differently over the past year.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve also had to deal with unusual requests:<\/p>\n
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- such as providing refrigerated vans for the transportation of blood<\/li>\n
- ensuring the training of key workers went ahead smoothly whilst confirming Covid guidelines were adhered to<\/li>\n
- organising extra supplies to put guests\u2019 minds at ease when it comes to sanitisation and catering offerings.<\/li>\n
- We\u2019ve advised event delegates of the changes to hotel protocol and provided individual transport to and from the venue.<\/li>\n
- As a consequence, we\u2019ve even ensured enough parking was available for the individual to drive themselves \u2013 such is the level of detail we go to.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/meetings-300x200.jpg\")
That\u2019s for the events we have been able to run. Of course, we\u2019ve also had to postpone and move many events to later in the year and into 2022. In almost every instance, we\u2019ve been able to achieve this at no additional cost to our clients – such is our negotiating skills and the support of our suppliers who understand what a predicament we\u2019ve all been in.<\/p>\nBut now, as Lockdown restrictions continue to ease, I\u2019m thrilled to finally see some meaningful light at the end of the tunnel\u2026 though, yes, for corporate events it is still a pretty long tunnel!<\/p>\n
Recently we have seen outdoor hospitality areas and attractions open up, along with the much needed hairdressers and gyms! And the \u00a0great news is that as of 17\u00a0May further lockdown restrictions have now been lifted, but what does that mean for Meetings and Events?<\/p>\n
Well, you can hold events inside for up to 1000 people, with a full food and beverage option available. So your conferences, staff or client meetings can go ahead.<\/p>\n
All being well, there will be a complete lifting of all limits on social distancing on 21\u00a0June.<\/p>\n
I, for one, cannot wait!<\/p>\n
So, what does this mean for the events industry and what can we do at Gray Dawes Events to help you, your staff, your guests and your clients ensure you are well looked after within a safe and legal environment at your next corporate event?<\/p>\n
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- Firstly, we completely understand that there are many people who are still cautious about attending a live event and will remain so for quite some time. Since the very first Lockdown back in March 2020, we\u2019ve ensured only Covid-safe venues have been used.<\/li>\n
- We check that all policies and safety guidelines are in place and accredited by a reputable governing body.<\/li>\n
- And we speak to you<\/strong>, the bookers, to understand your own company guidelines. This means we\u2019re able to match you and your delegates with the right venue, while our ideas and proposals are designed to meet your event objectives perfectly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Of course, where to hold an event has an impact on what you can or can\u2019t do at this current time.<\/p>\n
![\"business](\"https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Travellers-boarding-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>\nTravel, for instance, is a big part of the incentive events we organise. We have recently seen the \u00a0launch of the government\u2019s traffic light system, which advises on which countries can be travelled to and from. Whilst this list is short, we do envisage continuous changes \u00a0in the coming months. Incidentally, this is where our Traveller Toolkit comes in handy \u2013 just one of the many benefits of being part of the Gray Dawes Group!<\/p>\n
If, like me, you dream of attending an event overseas, it may be best to wait until later in the year or even into 2022. However, I do recommend you start thinking about that now, as good venue availability is already reducing.<\/p>\n
But if you want to run an incentive in the UK, there are so many marvellous places to do so. My advice is still to plan early! Just like overseas destinations, availability is getting scarcer by the day. Advance planning not only gives you a far wider variety of venues to choose from, it also allows us to negotiate the best rates and contract terms for you.<\/p>\n
To alleviate those potential delegate concerns I mentioned earlier, you may also consider a mix of live and virtual elements for your next event. The HYBRID event is becoming a really popular solution which gives your attendees the choice of whether to travel to an event or to join from the comfort (and safety) of their laptop.<\/p>\n
Whatever you want to achieve from holding an event – whether it\u2019s a team meeting on a roof top bar, a mad treasure hunt dash around a city centre, a relaxing all-encompassing luxury event or a simple but effective meeting to welcome your clients or staff back to business, we are here to help you!<\/p>\n
My knowledgeable, creative and enthusiastic team can\u2019t wait to help you deliver a memorable experience for your audience.<\/p>\n
And remember \u2013 when it comes to corporate events, experience is everything<\/em><\/strong>\u2026 yours and ours!<\/p>\n
For more information, ideas and to get in touch, please visit our website at GD.EVENTS<\/strong><\/a>. And be sure to check out our NEWS section for all the very latest corporate event blogs, opinion and guidance.<\/p>\n
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[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Gray Dawes Events promo module” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ collapsed=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row admin_label=”divider” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ custom_margin=”-50px|auto|7px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|true|false” use_custom_width=”on” locked=”off” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_divider admin_label=”Divider” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ min_height=”26px” custom_margin=”50px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||27px|||”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”Outro & CTA” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ custom_padding=”55px|0px|55px|0px|true|false” use_custom_width=”on” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/GD_EVENTS_logo_00-300×222.jpg” alt=”Gray Dawes Consulting logo” title_text=”GD_EVENTS_logo_00″ url=”https:\/\/gd.events\/who\/” url_new_window=”on” align=”center” admin_label=”image – EVENTS logo” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”85%”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.8.2″]<\/p>\n
Whether it\u2019s finding the perfect meeting space for your next sales team get-together, creating the wow factor for your company conference or everything in between, you\u2019re in the right place.<\/p>\n
With a wealth of experience, we know what works, which venues to consider and all the elements needed to deliver the perfect event.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ admin_label=”CTA button” _builder_version=”4.6.1″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.6.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.6.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/gd.events\/who\/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”visit Gray Dawes Events” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”button – visit GHD Consulting” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#E83851″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”8px” button_icon=”%%151%%” button_icon_color=”#ffffff” animation_style=”flip” box_shadow_style=”preset3″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.6.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”sign off and cta” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ custom_padding=”25px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” border_color_all=”rgba(255,186,96,0.6)” border_width_right=”8vw” border_color_right=”#5b8cb1″ global_module=”9836″ locked=”off” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_row admin_label=”divider” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ custom_margin=”|auto|7px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|true|false” use_custom_width=”on” locked=”off” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_divider admin_label=”Divider” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ min_height=”68px” custom_margin=”50px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||27px|||”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ admin_label=”CTA” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|true|false” use_custom_width=”on” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Traveller-Toolkit-Original-Image.jpg” url=”http:\/\/toolkit.gdg.travel” _builder_version=”4.4.2″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=”http:\/\/toolkit.gdg.travel” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”visit the TRAVELLER TOOLKIT” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”button: Traveller Toolkit” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#5b8cb1″ button_border_width=”0px” button_icon=”%%126%%” button_icon_color=”#ffffff” background_layout=”dark” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” box_shadow_style=”preset3″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”text CTA” _builder_version=”4.4.2″]<\/p>\n
To help you navigate the changes of business travel, we\u2019ve created the brand-new Traveller Toolkit<\/strong><\/a>. This invaluable online resource is packed full of easy-to-use guides and checklists for every stage of every journey. We detail exactly what you need to know and do before, during and after your trip.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll also find innovative and interactive virtual trips<\/a><\/strong>, which walk you through each step of\u00a0 being at the airport, on the train and in the hotel. You can even check the travel restrictions and health status of your destination with our comprehensive COVID-19 Country Tracker, updated five times daily to ensure you have the very latest information to help keep you and your travellers safe.<\/p>\n
Travel is changing. But with common sense and a good TMC behind you, travellers should have the confidence to once again take to the skies. It\u2019ll soon be business<\/strong><\/em><\/a> as (un)usual.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”back button” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ custom_margin=”-50px||100px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|true|false” use_custom_width=”on” locked=”off” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_divider admin_label=”Divider” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ min_height=”68px” custom_margin=”50px||0px||false|false”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_button button_url=”\/back-to-business\/” button_text=”back to Back to Business… Travel” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”button: back to Working From Home” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#5b8cb1″ button_border_width=”0px” button_icon=”%%23%%” button_icon_color=”#ffffff” button_icon_placement=”left” background_layout=”dark” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” box_shadow_style=”preset3″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Footer” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ background_color=”#414042″ background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” background_image=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Train-Doors-Open-Start-Your-Journey.jpg” parallax=”on” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” z_index_tablet=”500″ saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” admin_label=”Footer Row” module_id=”footer” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ background_enable_image=”off” width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”0|0px|0|0px|false|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”1800ms” z_index_tablet=”500″ make_fullwidth=”on” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″ background_color=”rgba(65,64,66,0.75)” custom_padding=”100px|10%|100px|10%” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ header_2_font=”|||on|||||” z_index_tablet=”500″ locked=”off”]<\/p>\n
START YOUR NEW\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
JOURNEY NOW …\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
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\u00a0<\/h4>\n
WE ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE<\/span><\/h3>\n
24 hours a day, 7 Days a week!<\/span><\/p>\n
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27 Middleborough<\/span><\/p>\n
Colchester, CO1 1TG<\/span><\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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0844 855 3700<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n