YORK MEETINGS GUIDE

FACTS AND FIGURES

According to the 2011 Census, York has a population of 198,051; and 5.3million residents in the wider region of Yorkshire and Humber. This figure increased has increased by 9.2% in the past ten years; slightly higher than the national average of 7.8%. The 20-24 age group has increased the most since 2001, by 38.5%; this could be due to many graduates opting to work in York instead of heading to London. Nevertheless, two other age groups who experienced a rapid increase was the 60-64 and 85+ groups, growing by 31.5% and 32.4% respectively.

32.4% of Yorks population is educated to degree level or equivalent, making it the 13th most highly educated city in the country. 88.7% of Yorks working population are employed in the service industry; with the largest employer being the City of York council, with over 7,500 employees. Other major employers include Aviva, the University of York, and chocolate brand Nestle.

TRANSPORT LINKS

Located in the North of England, its close proximity to many of the UKs larger cities means that York can be easily reached by nearly anywhere in the world. The nearest airport is Leeds Bradford; located 33 miles away from the centre of York, which offers direct routes to major European routes; and connecting flights to places further afield. For delegates wishing to reach York from outside of Europe, Manchester airport is just an hour and a half away, serving 19.4million passengers each year to over 200 destinations.

Reaching York by rail is easy too, with its train station conveniently placed in the city centre. With 11 platforms and 7.5million passengers per year, it was once considered one of the most important stations in the UK; approximately halfway between Edinburgh and London. Nowadays, York offers direct train routes to many major UK cities, including London in 135 minutes, Edinburgh in 150 minutes and Manchester in just under an hour and a half.

A relatively small city, York can easily be covered by foot; and its historical buildings make it pleasant to do so.  Travelling from the outskirts of the city to the centre is easy with the many buses operating in the area, with 5 park and ride sites; and routes from York to other Yorkshire cities including Leeds.

YORK VENUES

York is becoming a popular place for corporate events, with a central location in the North of England; it offers a small but friendly city environment for both neighbouring towns and villages, and companies from major cities wishing to escape the hustle-and-bustle for somewhere more relaxing.

This popularity is reflected in the choice available, with 129 conference venues located in York, with 5 venues with a maximum capacity of over 500, and 3 venues able to hold more than 1,000 delegates. Smaller parties will find themselves faced with even more choice, with 28 venues available exclusively for 30 delegates or less, York offers something for everyone!

A city perhaps even more so popular amongst tourists, York has all bases covered when it comes to hotels, with an impressive 211 in total, a huge number for a relatively small city. With 6 five star and 106 four star hotels, companies searching for opulence will find themselves spoilt for choice. Nevertheless, companies looking for luxury with more modest budgets will still find many available options, with 80 three star and 8 two star hotels.

LEISURE AND TOURISM

Although primarily here on business, no doubt you and your delegates will want to explore the sites of York; of which there are plenty! Famed for its historical heritage, there are many interesting castles and cathedrals, from York Minster to Cliffords Tower. History buffs in particular may wish to while away their hours at the Jorvik Viking Centre, learning about the city of Jorvik which stood thriving over 1,000 years ago. Its vast history has meant York has won the title of the most haunted city in Europe, with many ghost tours running through the city on a daily basis; and various "haunted" buildings to visit.

Firmly rooted in the present day, delegates wishing to do something a little more modern can enjoy a spot of retail therapy, with a mix of high street brands, designer labels and quirky vintage shops lining the cobblestone streets from Stone Gate to St Helens Square.

Delegates wishing to spend a night out on the town at York will find themselves stuck for choice between the traditional pubs and quaint eateries; and the many nightclubs offering discounted drinks and a chance to dance. For a night out with a difference, why not visit one of the five theatres offering everything from plays, to ballets and operas!

Images courtesy of Visit York

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