About Cardiff
Situated on Wales’ south coast, you’ll find the lively city of Cardiff. Famous for its many castles, arcades and parks, Cardiff is a popular location with domestic and international tourists. The city is a great place to visit if you’re interested in history, sport or nature, as long as you’re prepared for the inevitable rain showers!
Cardiff is the ideal location for a corporate event thanks to the quick rail links between the city and other major UK cities, including Bristol, London and Birmingham. Additionally, the city has several venues for hire which are suitable for a range of corporate events.
Corporate Event Options in Cardiff
- Branded Items
If you want to create some buzz about your brand at the corporate event, you should consider giving out free branded items to attendees. Who doesn’t love a freebie? Choose from various items, including pens, mouse mats, clothing, USB drives and much more!
- Catering
Another crucial element of your corporate event to consider is food. In many cases, buffets are best suited to corporate events as attendees can pick and choose the food they fancy and mingle with other guests in the process. However, suppose your event is on a relatively tight schedule. In that case, you may want to consider a more regimented sit-down meal with wait staff service.
- Mobile Bar
A mobile bar might not be appropriate for all corporate events, but if you’re hosting a Christmas or launch party, you may want to consider hiring one. Having an experienced, professional team to take care of the drinks gives you more time to focus on your esteemed guests. Hiring options typically include cash, subsidised, prepaid or dry bars.
Corporate Event Vendors in Cardiff
- EMC Advertising Gifts
If you’re looking for a fun way to promote your brand, or you’d like to unite your team under your company, why not get some branded freebies created? EMC Advertising Gifts offers a range of items, including pens, speakers, water bottles, bags, headphones, fidget spinners, keyrings, sweets and highlighters. All items are fully customisable, meaning you can add your logo to increase brand buzz.
- Benons Catering
Family-run Benons Catering offers corporate event catering services to businesses in Cardiff and the surrounding areas. Focusing on culinary excellence, the company has gained a strong client base among companies and private individuals. Catering options include hot and cold fork buffets, BBQs, hog roasts, afternoon tea, canapes, and desserts—the choice is entirely up to you!
- Bar Brothers
Bar Brothers is one of Cardiff’s leading mobile bartending services, offering delicious drinks, award-winning bartending staff and many years of event planning under its belt. Your guests can choose from a wide variety of delightful tipples, including cocktails, wine, gin, beer, lager, cider and delicious mocktails for those staying off the alcohol. Having a mobile bar at your corporate event will transform it for the better, so don't hesitate to reach out to Bar Brothers!
Pros and Cons of Corporate Events in Cardiff
Advantages
- Nature
Wales is known for its spectacular scenery, and Cardiff is no different. There are almost 400 green spaces to choose from in the compact city, including playing fields, parks and public gardens. Additionally, Cardiff sits on the coast, meaning you can easily access several beautiful beaches, including Barry, Porthcawl, Spolott and Penarth. If you stay a little longer in the city after the party, fancy a walk around these natural attractions!
- Affordable
The cost of living in Cardiff is relatively low compared to other major UK cities, almost half of London's prices. This means you're getting the best out of your budget when planning for your corporate event, as shop and vendor prices are cheaper than the UK average.
- Events
Regardless of your interests, there’s always a suitable event happening in Cardiff. The city has it all: live music, football or rugby matches, ice hockey games, theatre performances and art exhibitions! You and your guests have plenty to do and enjoy after the corporate event!
Disadvantages
- Traffic
Cardiff has some of the worst traffic congestion in the entire United Kingdom. In fact, drivers spend approximately 32 hours each year stuck in traffic jams in the city! It's good to let your event guests know about this so they can plan their travel time accordingly.
- Transportation
Transportation in Cardiff can be a lot better. Some residents claim to be waiting for the bus for hours, especially in the city centre. Because the city is small, however, your guests can choose to walk to your destination instead.
Famous Locations in Cardiff
- Caerphilly Castle
Situated just over nine miles from Cardiff city centre, Caerphilly Castle is a spectacular mediaeval castle. The magnificent castle was completed in 1290 and was once one of the biggest fortresses in Europe. Admission to the castle costs just £9 for adults and £6.30 for juniors, making it the perfect place for a day out. After a few hours of exploring the interior and exterior of the castle, why not visit the coffee shop and have a hot drink, or perhaps wander over to the gift shop to buy some souvenirs?
- Bute Park and Arboretum
A short walk from Cardiff city centre, you’ll find Bute Park. The attraction offers a wide variety of things to do, including walking through the lush gardens, sculpture spotting and wildlife trails. Once you’ve spent some time exploring all the park has to offer, head over to one of the park’s many eateries to recharge your batteries with a drink and a bite to eat. Choose from Pettigrew Tea Rooms, the Summerhouse Cafe, the Secret Garden Cafe or the Handlebar Barista, all of which offer a variety of delicious food, drinks and sweet treats.
- Barry Island
Made famous by the television series Gavin and Stacey, Barry Island is a great place to spend a sunny day. Located just ten miles from Cardiff city centre, the resort has a lot to offer tourists. Enjoy the sun on Barry Beach, or get an adrenaline rush on the many rides at Barry Island Pleasure Park. Alternatively, if you’re a big fan of Gavin and Stacey, why not take a tour of the show’s many filming locations? It’s an absolute must-see for fans of the iconic show!
