Business Details
Iconic Event Venue in London | Business Design Centre
Established in 1861 as the Royal Agricultural Hall, the Business Design Centre has evolved into a premier event and business hub in London. With over 160 years of heritage, we combine historic architecture with modern facilities to host conferences, exhibitions, and creative enterprises. Our commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through B Corp certification and carbon-neutral operations, reflecting our dedication to environmental and community responsibility. Recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work, our team prioritises exceptional service and innovation. We offer flexible event spaces, premium office and showroom rentals, and a vibrant community for businesses across diverse industries.Our strategic location in Islington provides excellent transport links and access to London's cultural and commercial heart. Through strategic partnerships and a focus on collaboration, we create dynamic environments where businesses and events thrive. Our decade-long carbon-neutral status and Net-Zero 2030 plan underscore our leadership in sustainable venue management. With award-winning teams and state-of-the-art facilities, we deliver unforgettable experiences for clients ranging from global conferences to local community initiatives.
Services
Event Spaces
Office Rentals
Showroom Spaces
Conference Facilities
Exhibition Services
Catering Services
Sustainability Consultation
Highlights and features
- We offer 160 years of heritage combined with modern facilities in central London
- Our B Corp certification demonstrates commitment to ethical business practices
- Carbon-neutral operations since 2014 with Net-Zero 2030 roadmap
- Award-winning team with expertise in event management and business support
- Strategic location with excellent transport links and local amenities
Associations and certifications
- B Corp Certified
- CarbonNeutral Protocol
What people say
Fantastic building
Vibrant environment
Great community
Collaborative environment
Dynamic space
Services
Event Spaces
Our versatile event spaces accommodate conferences, exhibitions, and special events for 10-10,000 attendees. The Mezzanine, Gallery Hall, and Auditorium feature natural light and advanced AV capabilities. With 160 years of heritage and modern facilities, we create memorable experiences for clients ranging from industry shows to awards ceremonies.
Office Rentals
Premium office spaces in North London with 24-hour concierge, technical support, and community networking. Our flexible workspaces cater to growing businesses seeking a prestigious Islington address with onsite amenities including meeting rooms and event access.
Sustainability Initiatives
B Corp-certified with decade-long carbon-neutral status, we implement waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable supply chain practices. Our Net-Zero 2030 plan includes renewable energy transition and community environmental projects, making us a leader in sustainable venue management.
Exhibition Services
Comprehensive support for exhibitions including space planning, technical infrastructure, and exhibitor resources. Our dedicated team provides loading bay access, storage solutions, and sustainability guidance to ensure successful trade events in our historic yet modern venue.
Catering Services
In-house catering from The Good Eating Company offers bespoke menus for conferences and events. We provide sustainable food options, including vegan recipes, with dining facilities available to both event attendees and local businesses in our Upper Street location.
People
Max Bull
Chief Commercial Officer
With extensive experience in commercial strategy, Max leads our revenue growth initiatives. He focuses on developing strategic partnerships while maintaining our B Corp values and commitment to sustainable business practices.
Charlotte Barker
Head of Venue Sales
Charlotte oversees venue sales with over a decade of experience in event management. She specialises in creating tailored solutions for conferences and exhibitions in our historic London venue.
Georgina Clark
London Showroom Manager
As Silent Gliss showroom manager, Georgina represents our resident businesses. With over 32 years at the BDC, she embodies our commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and creative enterprises.
Matthew Lambert
Event Organiser
Representing Maelstrom Events, Matthew highlights our collaborative approach. He praises our staff and facilities that make the BDC a preferred venue for successful events in central London.
Neil Raithatha
Business Representative
As Thorn/Zumtobel Group representative, Neil values our vibrant community. He appreciates the BDC's historic environment and dedicated team that supports resident businesses in the design sector.
Questions
What types of events can I host at the Business Design Centre?
We accommodate conferences, exhibitions, awards ceremonies, exams, filming sessions, and meetings with flexible spaces for 10-10,000 attendees.
Is the venue accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, we offer full accessibility including wheelchair access, accessible toilets, and hearing assistance systems across all event spaces.
What sustainability initiatives does the BDC implement?
We maintain carbon-neutral operations, have B Corp certification, and follow a Net-Zero 2030 plan with waste reduction and energy efficiency measures.
Can I rent office or showroom space at the BDC?
Yes, we provide premium office and showroom spaces with 24-hour concierge, technical support, and community networking opportunities in Islington.
How do I book parking at the venue?
Pre-book our secure 250-space car park via our website or contact our team for loading bay arrangements using postcode N1 0QH.
What transport options are available to reach the BDC?
We're 4 minutes from Angel Underground, near Kings Cross/St Pancras stations, with bus routes, cycle storage, and Santander bike stations nearby.
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