Business Design Centre London – Complete Guide 

Awarded as one of the most significant conference and exposition centres in the United Kingdom, the Business Design Centre is located in London. There are hundreds of events held here each year, so many of you may have been inside and seen the vast open spaces, auditorium and dozens of smaller rooms utilised as office space that are available for rental by the public.

The former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher inaugurated it in 1987 following a huge repair effort by industrialist Sam Morris (whose bust may be seen within), who took a break from shutting down other things. It had been over two decades since the building had been abandoned and ignored, so he was eager to restore it to its former beauty.

It was reported to have been inspired by the creation of the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park for the Great Exhibition in 1851 when it first opened its doors in 1862. The Royal Agricultural Hall, as it was originally named, was built to host the annual Smithfield Show, which took place there. The first agricultural festival held here drew 135 thousand visitors, and every year since then, more than 100,000 people have come to see the latest agricultural advances, equipment, and animal husbandry.

It was also the site of the Royal Tournament, which took place every year from 1880 until 1920 and was the most important military event of the year.

Despite the overwhelming success of the agricultural fair, there were inevitable fallow intervals, which were filled with some more unexpected happenings.

20,000 spectators attended the first six-day walking race here in 1877. 

Speaking of worldwide events, the city of Birmingham hosted the first official competition of what is now the world’s most renowned dog show, Crufts, in 1891. When Charles Cruft, a local dog biscuit vendor, came up with the idea, it rapidly drew European aristocracy and royalty from all over the continent. There were 2000 canines registered, including six owned by Queen Victoria, who, unsurprisingly, took home equal top place! Some have referred to it as ‘brutal’ justice.

Despite being utilised as a package depot during World War II, by 1970, it had become vacant and disused, save for occasional events and the usage of a bingo hall for the local community.

Even Stella McCartney’s first graduating fashion presentation took place there in 1996, and the BAFTA Awards, where Live Flesh was nominated for an Oscar foreign-language film, were hosted there in 1999. Thora Hird won the award for best television actress, which was rather appropriate given the city’s agricultural past. 

Since its inception, the BDC has hosted a dizzying array of different activities. We can help you with anything from conferences and awards ceremonies to product launches and fundraising events of all kinds. There are a variety of shows that have become well-established throughout time, like the London Art Fair, The Country Living Fairs, and New Designers, which are all organised by the firm that is now known as Immediate Media, among others. A great number of people from all around the country and the globe come to see spectacular multi-day shows, which last several days. 

Since its inception, the Business Design Centre has served as a meeting place and growth opportunity for members of the design industry. Numerous exhibitions and conferences, such as the Surface Design Show, HIX – the Hotel Design event of the year, and the Workspace Design Show, amongst many others, have contributed to the revitalization of the original idea. As a result, technology has emerged as a prominent theme in the facility’s conference portfolio, which includes the large-scale Devoxx UK and Droidcon events, which have been held at the venue on an annual basis for some years. 

Different Venue Spaces In Business Design Centre London

Whether your event is huge or small, London’s business design centre has the perfect venue for you. 

1. Mezzanine

This renowned place never fails to wow those who enter it. It’s big and airy, with more than 2,000m2 under the famed 16-meter-high roof, making it ideal for exhibits and conferences of all kinds.

Organizing a meeting or any other event at the BDC Mezzanine couldn’t be simpler, thanks to the abundance of technology available, as well as cloakrooms, an organiser’s office, and breakout spaces. Additionally, you will have access to twenty-four Gallery Bays on the level above the Mezzanine, in addition to the ground floor area. It may be used for additional display booths or even as a VIP section. Finally, your visitors will be unable to resist climbing to the observation deck to get a bird’s eye perspective of the whole centre area. 

2. Gallery Hall and Atrium

They have many event rooms, but Gallery Hall is one of the most adaptable. It boasts 890m2 of floor space, which is more than enough space to make your show a success. With all of the technology, you could possibly need, as well as a cloakroom and administrative space, hosting an event at the Gallery Hall is hassle-free and straightforward. It’s also a great addition to an event on the Mezzanine if you need a little more room.

The Atrium, which is 550m2 in size and overlooks the Gallery Hall, is a great place to relax. However, your visitors will be unable to resist the temptation to climb to the observation deck for a panoramic view.

3. Executive Centre

With the ability to accommodate groups of up to 90 people, this event room is excellent. However, like with all of our spaces at the BDC, it is entirely up to you and what you want to accomplish with your time.

Construct your own demonstration theatre in our lobby, or use the wide boardroom table as a food area and a breakout place for small meetings. Your next event will dazzle in our Executive Center, which has a state-of-the-art plasma screen and dependable connection for your laptop. 

4. Auditorium

Located inside the Business Design Centre, the auditorium is yet another multi-purpose and adaptable venue. It is the ideal venue for your product launch, fashion show, or film screening since it can accommodate over 500 seated attendees and 268 in tiered seating.

Your visitors will be blown away by your audio-visual setup, which will make use of the available area. You may also make use of our motorised ceiling rig, which is equipped with cutting-edge lighting and sound technology.

5. Room A

When no two events are alike, Room A is a flexible venue that can be customised to meet your specific needs and specifications.

When it comes to conferences with up to 250 attendees, the BDC’s Room A is the best option. It’s a place that puts you in command – you can construct barriers and pathways, personalise the area for further effect, and connect it with Room B or the Gallery Hall to create a unique experience. Whatever you decide to do, you will undoubtedly create an occasion that your visitors will remember. 

6. Rooms B – H

Each of these seven rooms has a capacity ranging from 60 to 90 persons. However, if you want more room, you may adjust the partition walls to suit your needs. These rooms are perfect for use as breakout rooms, conference rooms, and classrooms. When hosting an event in one of our bigger venues, they also make for a beautiful add-on space.

Rooms B-H are adaptable, multi-purpose event rooms that may be configured to fit any task assigned to them.

From tests to cocktail-making workshops to the VIP lounge at the Brides exhibition, everything is possible if you have the will to work hard and be creative.

Showrooms and Offices at Business Design Center 

Business Design Centre, situated in the heart of Islington, London, is an attraction in and of itself. It offers a variety of services and facilities. The structure is completely accessible, and it offers guests on-site parking as well as bike parking and shower facilities. There’s plenty of space for your company to connect and expand at the BDC, which includes two eateries and conference spaces available for rental. You will also have access to our 24-hour concierge desk, on-site technical support, and events designed to help you get the most out of the BDC community, as well as the Hilton hotel and Pure Gym, which also are situated just across the street from the BDC office building.

The Business Design Centre was conceived as a result of an idea to bring together industry-leading design events and forward-thinking designers under one roof. As a result, companies have introduced game-changing goods, developed notable brands, and collaborated at the site for more than 35 years, both during events and from showrooms that are permanently housed at the venue, among other things. Given the facility’s diverse portfolio of events and inhabitants, it is now attracting the attention of a wide range of different businesses, which are benefiting from this unique form of cooperation at the venue.

Accommodation at Business Design Center 

The neighbourhood around the BDC is densely packed with excellent places to stay, ranging from tiny apartments to 5-star hotels. 

Here is the list of hotels that you can consider: 

• Doubletree by Hilton London Angel Kings Cross
• Hilton London Angel Islington
• Citadines Islington London
• Nhow London
• Kings Cross Inn Hotel
• Great Northern Hotel
• The Melville Hotel Kings Cross 

Event Types at Business Design Center 

1. Conferences

You will not find a more refined venue for your next conference than the BDC. Inside a gorgeous Grade 2 listed building, we provide all of the space and amenities you could possibly need for a successful event. With the aid of our professional staff, you can design the places you need for your event to be a success, including world-class AV equipment and special branding areas for your company. 

2. Exhibitions

The Business Design Centre is one of London’s most spectacular exposition spaces, and it is located in the heart of the city.

You will not find a finer venue for your next show than the BDC. Inside a gorgeous Grade 2 listed building, we provide all of the space and amenities you could possibly need for a successful event.

Our knowledgeable staff can assist you with making effective use of the BDC’s flexible spaces to design a plan that works for you. 

And whether you’re looking for world-class AV systems or creative branding spaces, we have everything you need.

3. Awards Ceremonies

As London’s most unique events venue – and the appropriate setting for your awards ceremony – the Business Design Centre is a perfect choice.

Our adaptable rooms are excellent for award ceremonies of any size or complexity. We’ll work with you to design a visually stunning branded arena. Of course, we have all of the audio-visual equipment you might possibly need.

Our in-house catering staff consists of award-winning chefs in their own right. 

Food And Drink At Business Design Center London 

1. Jack’s Restaurant

You may find a quick cup of coffee or a filling meal at Jack’s Restaurant & Bar.

At 8 a.m., Jack’s serves a cooked breakfast to order and handmade bircher muesli pots and other snacks. So why not try a handcrafted wood-fired pizza or something else from the always-changing menu for lunch? Alternatively, if you just want to relax with an illy coffee and a bit of cake, Jack’s is the appropriate location. 

2. Skinny Kitchen

Skinny Kitchen is the place to go if you’re looking for cuisine that’s clean, inventive, nutritious, and above all, tasty.

Skinny Kitchen began as Ibiza’s first healthy food hotspot, serving only organic and locally sourced ingredients. You can now find it right here in London, at the British Development Corporation! Skinny Kitchen has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a full yet nutritious breakfast or brunch or a protein-packed lunch. Make sure to try a slim burger while you’re there!

Skinny Kitchen is conveniently located near the Business Design Centre’s main entrance. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Wrapping Up 

After reading the guide on Business Design Center London, we hope that you will organise your events at this magnificent centre.