Businesses need a venue that adapts to varied demands and offers robust technical requirements. The Business Design Centre in Islington (near King’s Cross St Pancras International) merges historic charm with advanced facilities.
Being a successful self storage business in the area, we know about the value of this centre firsthand. In this article, we highlight how your business can harness its potential for conferences, exhibitions, and more.
Let's dive in!
Historical overview
Originally established in the 19th century as the Royal Agricultural Hall, this impressive building became known for large-scale exhibitions of livestock and machinery.
Over time, it transitioned into the Business Design Centre, preserving iconic architectural elements like its grand roof and mezzanine, all while integrating modern upgrades to meet the demands of exhibition and corporate events.
Venue capabilities
Event spaces - The Business Design Centre provides ample exhibition space across its Ground Floor, Gallery Hall, and upper Mezzanine. Organisers can display everything from product launches to industry showcases, making it a top choice among exhibition venues. With on-site support and suppliers nearby, companies can set up stands, demonstration areas, and more without hassle.
Conference facilities - Functioning as a Conference Centre, the Design Centre hosts conferences of all sizes, catering to people from different industries. Auditorium seating, breakout rooms, and integrated screen setups ensure each event runs smoothly. Its flexible spaces and modern equipment make it a popular conference spot in Central London.
Exhibition areas - As one of London’s premier exhibition venues, the centre can accommodate large crowds and multiple stands simultaneously. Being a short walk from Angel Station, with easy access to King’s Cross St Pancras International, allows national and international visitors to arrive conveniently.
This forms a dynamic environment where companies can effectively host trade fairs, product expos, and B2B meetings.
Business ecosystem
- Types of events hosted - From tech showcases to fashion fairs, the Business Design Centre is renowned for exhibition events, conferences, and networking sessions. Companies across tech, retail, and service sectors all come here to share new ideas and cultivate partnerships. This diverse site fosters collaboration, making it easy to explore potential relationships with suppliers and organisers from around the world.
- Networking opportunities – Due to its central location in Islington, the Business Design Centre draws a variety of professionals looking to expand their networks. Attendees can benefit from the bustling local area for after-event gatherings in restaurants and bars. This ecosystem encourages deeper connections and offers insight into emerging industry trends.
- Business support services - The centre’s team can provide support with catering, logistics, and technical requirements. Companies also gain access to on-site facilities like printing, along with external specialists for stand design or marketing materials. Plus, the local business community in Islington is thriving, offering further expertise and solutions for event success.
Location advantages
- Islington's business landscape - Located in the heart of the City and Central London, Islington is known for its entrepreneurial vibe and properties for sale that suit different budgets. It’s a living district full of commercial opportunities, creative agencies, and corporate offices. This synergy makes it an ideal area for business development.
- Transport links - Accessibility is a major benefit. The Business Design Centre is located near Angel Tube Station on the Northern Line, just a short walk away. Proximity to King’s Cross St Pancras International puts European links within easy reach, while Heathrow and London City Airport ensure global connections. Travelling delegates will find the journey straightforward, minimising travel stress.
- Surrounding amenities - Restaurants, hotels, and cultural attractions abound in Islington. You’ll find plenty of options for evening entertainment and dining, useful for organisers wanting to engage guests outside the venue. Whether it’s a quick bite or a formal dinner, the local scene provides convenient solutions for different tastes.
- Accessibility - Because it’s in the Congestion Charge Zone, visitors may want to use public transport or nearby car parks for driving. The centre itself is outfitted with ramps, lifts, and wheelchair-friendly paths. Getting to ExCeL London for additional events is also feasible with a tube change, making the Business Design Centre an all-around convenient solution.
Practical information
Visitor details
- Opening hours – The Business Design Centre is generally open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 5pm at weekends. During events, hours may vary, so check the organiser’s schedule or the Events Calendar for specifics.
- On-site amenities – You’ll find coffee stands, cafés, and a variety of bars and restaurants nearby. Free Wi-Fi is available in the communal areas. For official events, the organiser often arranges dedicated Wi-Fi access.
- Parking – An on-site car park (250 spaces) is available, though consider the Congestion Charge Zone. Using public transport from Angel Tube Station or King’s Cross St Pancras International is recommended.
- Accessibility – The venue is fully DDA compliant with level or ramped access throughout. Lifts operate to every floor, and accessible toilets are provided.
Booking procedures and securing a post
- Booking event space – To book a multi purpose space for conferences or exhibitions, visit the Business Design Centre website. You can check availability, discuss technical requirements, and view floorplans. Payment of a deposit and confirmation of dates usually finalise the reservation.
- Office/showroom space – If you’re interested in leasing office space or a showroom, inquire directly through the centre’s contact page. The team can arrange tours to help you identify the right space for your business.
- Career opportunities – If you’d like to join the Business Design Centre team, check the “Join the Team” or “Careers” section on their website. Current vacancies and application details can be found there, allowing motivated individuals to submit CVs for roles like event coordination or customer service.
Venue capacities
The Gallery Hall, Auditorium, and various meeting rooms provide a range of capacity options for both intimate and large-scale events. The building is equipped to accommodate corporate gatherings, product debuts, and conferences requiring more extensive space.
On the ground floor, organisers can set up stands or interactive demos with ease.
Technical requirements
The venue is Corp Certified, ensuring advanced A/V support, lighting setups, and internet connectivity. If your event needs a screen or specialised stage rigging, the centre’s operational team can coordinate everything.
For any additional storage of gear on site, consider offloading it to HOLD Self Storage if space gets tight.
Conclusion
Choosing the Business Design Centre places you in a historic yet modern hub for exhibition, conference, and networking activities, right in the heart of London. Formerly the Royal Agricultural Hall, it now combines stylish architecture, flexible multi-purpose space, and a prime City location. Meanwhile, our HOLD Self Storage facility stands ready to keep your excess materials safe and organised, offering peace of mind so you can focus on making the most of your event.
Scale up your events – HOLD has the perfect space!
After exploring or hosting an event near the Business Design Centre, you might find yourself with leftover materials, extra purchases from local shops, or personal belongings that need a safe place. That’s where HOLD comes in – we’re a next-gen storage service by Londoners, for Londoners.
Located just a short walk from Islington, we offer tailored storage solutions for both businesses and individuals. Choose from our wide range of storage units with no fixed contracts, and enjoy a stress-free experience from start to finish. You can also check out our online box shop for any packing supplies you might need.
Get a free quote today and get 50% off for the first 8 weeks, and a price match within 3 miles.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I park for an event?
The Business Design Centre is in the Congestion Charge Zone, with limited parking on site. Public transport from Angel Station or King’s Cross St Pancras International is recommended for a smoother journey.
Is the venue suitable for large-scale corporate conferences?
Absolutely. With spaces like the Auditorium and Gallery Hall, the Business Design Centre can handle big events. Its technical requirements and on site support make it a top choice in Central London.
How can HOLD help with last-minute exhibition needs?
Our team can facilitate rapid drop-offs or pick-ups close to the centre. We can also assist with any excess items to ensure you’re always prepared for your next event or exhibition.
Can I store delicate promotional materials with HOLD?
Certainly. Our units are climate-secure to protect items from damage. You can also buy additional boxes and packaging from our box shop for added safety.
What if I only need short-term storage?
We’re flexible. Whether it’s for a few days or a few weeks, we adapt to your schedule. Our goal is to provide a convenient solution that fits your business requirements.
