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Booking catering or accommodation? Keep it on Campus

17 Jun 2021

During the current climate, meetings, events and catering should only be procured in-house

We would like to remind colleagues that it has been agreed by the Finance Sub-Committee to use our own services and facilities wherever possible, thereby supporting our University’s financial sustainability.  All external suppliers have now been removed from the finance system and should no longer be used.

All of us with budgetary accountabilities have a responsibility to ensure that our University’s funds are spent wisely. This is increasingly important at a time when pressure on our budgets is growing. Therefore we are asking you to ensure that hotel bookings, events and meetings are kept on campus.  

Events and Meetings

When planning meetings and events all staff are strongly urged to use the many spaces available across campus, which cater for a variety of events from small meetings to large conferences or dinners.

Spaces are bookable through the University Conferences and Venues team, who are on hand to support with the organisation of events in University venues, and who can advise on how each of the spaces or rooms can be used in line with government guidelines.

Dedicated meeting and event space is available year round at Manchester Meeting Place, Barnes Wallis Building, Core Technology Facility, Whitworth Building and Christie’s Bistro.  A number of other University buildings are available for use during evenings, weekends and holidays.

To find out more about each of our venues, visit:

If you would like to speak to the University Conferences and Venues team, please contact:

Please note that meeting rooms at the Hyatt should not be booked unless there are no suitable campus facilities unavailable.

If the event cannot be delivered on campus, the booker will be directed to the Key Travel events team who will find a suitable venue in Manchester. 

University credit cards must not be used to book hotel rooms, meeting space or events in Manchester city centre.

Keeping it on campus will support our University to use its resources well and, in turn, prioritise our core goals through efficient use of our funds.

Catering

To support our catering staff, during a time when there is greatly reduced demand for food on campus, the University’s Finance Sub-Committee has confirmed that all catering for events can only be ordered through University Hospitality.

Although very few events are planned at the moment, we envisage there may be a small number of student-facing activities and external visits which may require catering in the near future. Catering for these will need to be ordered through either:

Please note that current procurement restrictions for all spend continue to apply.

The in-house team has been working at reduced capacity during lockdown but are preparing new great-quality menus which include bento boxes and pack ups, to ensure our products are COVID-safe.

All of our catering is ethically-led, with a commitment Fairtrade Certification and supporting local suppliers, and many members of the team have been volunteering to help deliver food to those in need during lockdown.

It is intended that this requirement is only a temporary measure to help our financial position and will be reviewed regularly as the commercial landscape changes. In the meantime, we are grateful for your compliance and support.

Hotel Rooms in Manchester city centre

It is University policy for all 4*/5* hotel bookings in the city to be made through the AMBS administration team at:

Colleagues are asked to comply with this policy so that we meet our obligation under the BGA.

Special offer on rooms at Hyatt Regency Manchester – on-campus hotel – until 30 September 2021

Double rooms at the Hyatt Regency are available for our students and visitors at a UoM promotional rate of £80 per night until 30 September 2021.

Hyatt Regency Manchester is an elegant, modern hotel located at the heart of our campus with easy access to the city centre and transport hubs.

  • Book using promotion code 249384