The Chancellor of the Exchequer has visited Birmingham’s largest residential events venue, Conference Aston.
Rishi Sunak launched the Government’s Help to Grow: Management Scheme, joining a class taking part in the programme at Aston Business School.
Sunak was welcomed to Conference Aston, which is home to a 163-bedroom hotel, over 30 conference, training and meeting rooms, as well as a 400-cover restaurant. The ministerial visit marks a key milestone for the Birmingham venue as it increases operations following the disruption of Covid-19, with Conference Aston reporting an uplift in bookings.
Conference Aston has continued to provide accommodation and meeting facilities for key workers throughout the pandemic. The venue has now returned to normal operations and is hosting regular events.
Samantha Brown, head of Conference Aston, said: “It was a privilege to host the Chancellor at Conference Aston and support the launch of the Help to Grow scheme. Small businesses are playing a critical role in the UK’s recovery from Covid-19. As a venue, we are playing our part, both in helping mark the start of this new scheme, but also through our own ambitious plans for the future.
“As Birmingham’s largest residential events venue, we are committed to providing a safe and high-quality experience. Our doors are open and we are looking forward to welcoming both existing and new guests back to the venue.”
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, said: “Small businesses are key to our innovation and economy and will therefore be an essential part to our recovery from the pandemic, which is why we are levelling up their skills through the Help to Grow schemes. I want to bring some of the best bits of management training from around the world to help boost productivity here in the UK.
“Help to Grow: Management will ensure our brilliant SMEs seize every opportunity to grow, fuelling our Plan for Jobs by boosting productivity in all corners of the UK.”
