Venue spotlight
Social enterprise in action: BH Live powering meetings on Trust
BH LIVE IS A UNIQUE CASE STUDY OF HOW A CHARITABLE TRUST OPERATES A VENUE BUSINESS, PLOUGHING BACK PROFITS TO SUPPORT BOTH ITSELF AND LOCAL SOCIAL ENTERPRISES. WE TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE TRUST’ S BOURNEMOUTH INTERNATIONAL CENTRE( BIC), FLAGSHIP VENUE FOR ASSOCIATION BUSINESS, AND FIND AN ACTIVE PLAYER IN THE LOCAL SOUTH COAST BUSINESS AND SOCIAL ENTERPRISE ECOSYSTEM
T he Bournemouth
International Centre( BIC) is one of three venues operated by BH Live in the UK, alongside Fairfield Halls in Croydon and the Art Deco Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre & Ballroom.
While each venue offers a distinct character, it is the BIC which is the meeting industry jewel, sitting proud in the southern English coastal crown. BIC is a key venue for the UK association conference market, and management tells CMW there has been notable growth in corporate clients in recent years, with organisations increasingly choosing the venue for AGMs and regional conferences.
BH Live operates a distinct and interesting business model, being structured as a registered charity and social enterprise. The Conference & Meetings division represents the commercial arm of the organisation and sends all profits generated to the Trust, which ensures that every pound earned is reinvested to enhance facilities and deliver public benefit.
Investing in technology and sustainability As the new generation leads demands for businesses to demonstrate a social conscience, the BH Live model balances commercial success with social responsibility. Doing so requires careful
Left: Bournemouth International Centre management to sustain profitability while fulfilling charitable objectives.
The BIC programme of investment has seen major technology enhancements across the venue, with installation of state-of-the-art digital screens, new projectors, improved wireless connectivity, upgraded lighting rigs, and energy-efficient LED fixtures.
Spaces have been refurbished, with the meetings hub, business lounge, and breakout areas across the board redesigned to provide flexible, modern environments.
The Bourne Lounge at BIC is now transformed into a versatile event space with panoramic sea views and capacity for 200 delegates, while the Elevate Brasserie & Bar has been remodelled into a premium hospitality area with outdoor decking overlooking Bournemouth’ s sweeping seafront.
The Purbeck Foyer & Lounge has been modernised with new glazing, signage, bathroom facilities, and seafacing windows. Capacity has been increased to cater for up to 280 delegates( theatre style).
Sustainability features are also top of mind, with the installation of a living roof and energy-efficient systems.
These investments, supported by £ 1.8m from Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole( BCP) Council and over £ 1m from BH Live, have been made while BIC holds prices consistent, allowing for the most flexible options tailored to client budgets.
Delegate engagement and partnerships BIC recognises that events are more than transactional – they are experiences and the venue has a strategy of successful collaboration with organisations in the locality that help enhance delegate journeys. The list of partners in areas from travel and hospitality, to leisure and wellness includes:
• Business Events Bournemouth – The in-house bureau provides accommodation bookings through a
42 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 140