Warwickshire firm's £1.5m investment paying off

A Warwickshire firm’s investment into a new conference, meetings and events space is paying dividends after securing a string of new bookings just weeks after its launch.

Stockton House on Rugby Road, in Stockton, has been transformed thanks to a major £1.5 million investment project from property and development company The Wigley Group.

A new two-storey extension has created a flexible conference and events space which can cater for 80 people seated or 120 standing, and can also be reconfigured to hold smaller meetings of 10 in a boardroom layout, with a breakout area in between.

Set in a discreet and convenient location in the heart of rural Warwickshire, near Rugby, the venue is surrounded by five acres of grounds which can also be used as an extension to meetings and corporate events.

Since launching at the end of February, it has taken bookings for a variety of events including a corporate Ascot Day and C&W Chamber of Commerce's Quarterly Economic Breakfast, and is also set to host a visit from Member of Parliament for Kenilworth and Southam Jeremy Wright.

Katie Wigley, Group Communications Manager at The Wigley Group, who is part of Stockton House’s events team, said: “Stockton House is in such a unique rural Warwickshire location, offering some calm away from the hustle and bustle of the

Flagship Hotel

Coventry’s flagship Telegraph Hotel is reaping the benefits of the city’s investment in tourism, resulting in bumper sales over the past 12 months.

The team at the hotel says that the recent investment in heritage and cultural attractions combined with better and coordinated promotion of the city by Destination Coventry is having a real impact on visitors, filling rooms at the weekends.

Coventry has, historically, enjoyed a strong business and corporate market with high levels of hotel room demand mid-week, but has suffered from lower demand at weekends which impacts on hotel viability.

Guests at the boutique hotel are now coming from across the UK and all around the world to use it as their base to spend time in the city and the wider region. On top of that, Coventry’s central location and transport links mean the Telegraph Hotel is proving to be a great place for people to meet when they live at different ends of the country.

The hotel is also proving to be a hit with local visitors looking for ‘treat’ stays and it has all led to more than 26,000 room sales over the past year.

Amy Windsor, General Manager of the Telegraph Hotel, said: “For many people this is their first visit to Coventry and the overwhelming feedback we have had is that people really like the city.

“The mid-century style and high level of service of the four-star hotel impresses our guests as well as our affordable prices when compared to other weekend break destinations.

“The focus on the city’s cultural offer and its heritage buildings is really paying dividends. Many of the city’s heritage buildings have been restored by Historic Coventry Trust and we’re looking forward to increased visitor numbers now that Charterhouse is open.

outside world. That makes it perfect for a private and discreet business meeting, or a large corporate event such as a company away day which makes use of the glorious grounds outside as well as the generous spaces and breakout areas inside.

“The flexibility of our spaces means that we are able to offer a bespoke service, ensuring each event not only meets but exceeds the standards of our guests. We have already taken a number of bookings for the venue and have received some really positive feedback, so we are looking forward to taking on more bookings in the future.”

The former stately home was acquired by The Wigley Group in December 2018, and has since undergone extensive but sympathetic refurbishment and expansion, recapturing its original glory.

The new two-storey extension is named The John Wigley Suite – after The Wigley Group’s founder – and can be transformed to suit each event, from a large board meeting or conference to a banquet or intimate dinner.

A purpose-built state-of-the-art conference and events facility, it is married to the original 19th century country house by a new timber-framed enclosed cloister, providing an internal courtyard with planting and seating areas. For more information, visit www.stockton-house.co.uk or email info@stockton-house.co.uk

“Similarly, the Herbert Gallery and Museum is a big draw, especially now that Dippy the Dinosaur has taken up residence and St Mary’s Guildhall is a major new asset. The Belgrade Theatre, newly restored, is popular and located directly opposite the hotel. The Wave is also proving to be a major attraction for family visits.

“We are a real example of how that investment is providing a boost to the local economy.

“As the hotel approaches the end of its second year of operation, we are really pleased with the feedback we are receiving from guests.

“The Telegraph Hotel is not just a place to stay, it is an experience which keeps bringing people back. We are proud that, two years on, it still feels fresh and exciting for the team that work here and for the visitors who come through the door.”