The University of Leeds is proud to announce that following the success of the UK Corporate Games 2024, we have been selected to host the prestigious event for a second consecutive year. This marks the first time in the history of the UK Corporate Games that the event will take place in the same city two years in a row. The 2025 Games will be held from 24 to 27 July, with many of Leeds’ premier sports venues, including the University’s world-class facilities set to be used again.

Doug White, Games Director said: “Our return to Leeds for the UK Corporate Games in 2025 is a testament to the overwhelming success and positive feedback we received from the 2024 Games. The enthusiasm and support from participants, companies, the University and the city have been incredible, and we’re excited to build on that momentum for another unforgettable year in 2025!

The 2024 Games saw over 70 companies and hundreds of participants come together for an unforgettable multi-sport festival. The University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional experience was evident in the overwhelmingly positive feedback from both participants and organisers. As a result, the UK Corporate Games team has chosen to bring the event back to Leeds, recognising the University’s outstanding sports infrastructure and the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Sam Glenister-Batey, Deputy Director of Commercial and Business Development at the University of Leeds, shared his excitement about hosting the event again:
“We are delighted that the UK Corporate Games has chosen to return to Leeds for 2025. The success of this year’s event was a testament to the collaborative efforts of our Conferences and Events team, alongside colleagues from across the University. Our world-class sports facilities, including The Brownlee Centre and The Edge, alongside the enthusiasm of our staff and participants made the 2024 Games a triumph. We look forward to building on that success and delivering an even more memorable experience in 2025.”

The UK Corporate Games champions teamwork through sport, bringing together businesses from across the country to compete in a wide range of activities from football and netball to dragon boat racing and golf. The Games embody values of inclusivity, community, and healthy competition, aligning with the University’s own commitment to health and wellbeing.

Preparations are already underway to ensure that the 2025 Games will be bigger and better than ever. Companies interested in participating can now register their interest, with an early entry offer currently available.

We are honoured to once again play a key role in hosting this prestigious event and look forward to welcoming participants back to Leeds next year. We are pleased to offer a range of convenient onsite accommodation options for the 2025 UK Corporate Games. To express your interest and receive updates please visit: conferencesandevents.leeds.ac.uk/corporategames

On Saturday 18 May, the University of Leeds campus was alive with excitement as a record number of visitors attended the annual Be Curious event. With over 2,000 participants, marking a 25% increase from the previous year. The day was filled with free, family-friendly activities that highlighted the University’s ground-breaking research.

Organising the Event: A Team Effort

The Conferences and Events team played a crucial role in making this year’s Be Curious event a triumph. Our team, led by Sue Tattersall, was instrumental in sourcing venues and organising the event. Sue, who has been with the University for over 25 years and has been involved with Be Curious since its inception in 2016, managed the event with her extensive knowledge and dedication. Reflecting on the event, Sue remarked:

“Be Curious is one of the highlights of the year for me. Seeing the excitement build as the event comes together is always a delight, and welcoming the public to explore our campus and research fills me with immense pride. It’s truly rewarding to watch families and children engaging with the incredible work we do here.”

A More Inclusive Experience

This year’s Be Curious event was the most inclusive yet. Organisers went the extra mile to introduce features such as quiet hour and visual signposting to alleviate anxiety for some visitors. The event featured over 45 interactive stalls and activities spanning multiple faculties, including a Jellyfish Station and research exploring the emotional impact of Disney. Visitors had the chance to engage with hands-on activities in labs, studios, workshops, and lecture theatres, sparking the imaginations of many inquisitive minds.

Collaborative Efforts Across the University

Celine Roblin-Robson, the Public Engagement Officer at the University of Leeds, praised the collaborative effort of hundreds of colleagues across the University.

“Be Curious brings campus alive in a way not many other events do. We put families first – and this year, we really felt that shone through! Seeing children run about campus, dragging their parents behind them, means we created a space where they could confidently navigate and engage

with the amazing research that goes on at the university,” Celine said.

Support from University Departments

The Conferences and Events team worked closely with various University departments. Including Central Communications, Security, Catering and the Sustainability team, to ensure a smooth and successful event. The collaborative effort painted a comprehensive picture of life at Leeds, showcasing contributions from the Bike Hub, Gryphons Go, the Cultural Institute and the University’s galleries.

Engaging Activities for All Ages

Special recognition goes to the research community, whose dedication and creativity turned complex ideas into engaging activities for children. Celine emphasised the importance of this effort, stating:

“Finding a way to turn complex ideas into games, activities, puzzles, and crafts is a skill our researchers really excelled at this year. By communicating what they do in a way that’s accessible, we hope they’ve set our young visitors on a path to even greater learning and understanding of what it takes to make a real difference in the world.”

Looking Forward to Future Events

As we look forward to future Be Curious events. The University of Leeds Conferences and Events team remains committed to supporting initiatives that engage the public and showcase the incredible research happening on our campus. Thank you to everyone who attended, and we can’t wait to do it all again next year!

Cloth Hall Court is in the heart of Leeds’ vibrant centre, just a two-minute walk from the main railway station. Its prime central location ensures convenient ease of access for your delegates.

Book your summer events with us and save big. Enjoy our Day Delegate package for just £35 +VAT per person (usually £42.50)!

Why Choose Cloth Hall Court?

• Stylish Venue: Modern spaces designed for impactful meetings and conferences.
• Prime Location: Conveniently located in the heart of the city.
• Delicious Dining: Seasonal menus with over 90% made on-site.
• Exclusive Extras: Complimentary Wi-Fi, AV equipment, and dedicated event support.

What’s included?

• Main room hire
• Venue management
• Arrival refreshments – coffee, tea, a selection of mini-Danish pastries and fresh fruit platters
• Mid-morning refreshments – coffee, tea and biscuits
• Two-course lunch, served with water and fruit juice
• Afternoon refreshments – coffee, tea and biscuits

If you’d like to take advantage of this limited-time offer, get in touch with the Conferences and Events team today.

Terms and conditions: Offer valid for bookings made between 1 May 2024 and 31 July 2024. Day Delegate packages available from £35, exclusive of VAT. New bookings only.

The excitement for the upcoming UK Corporate Games 2024 reached new heights as the University of Leeds Conferences and Events hosted the launch event. The launch marks the countdown to a thrilling multi-sport festival set to unfold 25-28 July 2024.

The event, held at Cloth Hall Court, was a resounding success, bringing together key figures, enthusiasts, and partners for an evening of inspiration and celebration. The proceedings were led with finesse and enthusiasm by renowned sports broadcaster Tanya Arnold.

Doug White, Director of the UK Corporate Games announced the commitment to support the Brownlee Foundation and gathered enthusiastic support from businesses for the charity, aligning with its ethos of inclusivity and wellness.

Alistair and Jonny Brownlee’s dedication to promoting active lifestyles and creating opportunities for young individuals resonates well with the games’ ethos of inclusivity and wellness.

Rob Wadsworth, Director of Campus Innovation: Campus Services, Experience & Commercial, at the University of Leeds, expressed his delight at the successful collaboration and coordination across various departments within the University. He remarked, “The Launch Event exemplifies the power of collaboration. Our diverse teams from across the university worked seamlessly to orchestrate an unforgettable evening that sets the tone for the UK Corporate Games 2024. This collaboration not only highlights our commitment to hosting world-class sporting events but also showcases the unity and vibrancy of our city.”

Doug White, Director of the UK Corporate Games, encouraged businesses and individuals to get involved in the forthcoming Games, stating, “The UK Corporate Games offer a unique platform for companies to come together, promote team building, and foster a culture of health and wellbeing through sport. As we gear up for the Games in July, we invite everyone to join us in this celebration of unity, resilience, and friendly competition.”

With the Launch Event successfully setting the stage, anticipation for the UK Corporate Games 2024 continues to build. The Games, set to feature more than 20 sports, remain open to all companies, with registration available until 4 July 2024.

Join us on this exciting journey as we gear up for a memorable celebration of sportsmanship and camaraderie in the vibrant city of Leeds.

Email: leeds@corporategamesuk.com

The Conferences and Events department at the University of Leeds is the dedicated team responsible for selling, planning and delivering a diverse range of events across the university venue portfolio including our dedicated city centre conference centre, Cloth Hall Court.

Following unprecedented growth in 2023 and to support ambitious plans for 2024 including prestigious networking events like the CHS Leeds to hosting the Leeds PA Network and the esteemed UK Corporate Games. Plus, a number of academic conferences such as British Crystallography Association 2024, AERC 2024 and AHUA Spring Conference. Our calendar is already buzzing with hundreds of noteworthy events. Therefore, we are thrilled to announce four new career opportunities to join our dynamic team.

• Conferences and Events Senior Sales Executive – Closing date 24th January 2024
• Conferences and Events Operations Coordinator – Closing date 24th January 2024
• Senior Catering Assistant (Cloth Hall Court) – Closing date 14th January 2024
• Catering Assistant (Cloth Hall Court) – Closing date 14th January 2024

The University of Leeds not only offers a vibrant and supportive work environment but also a range of attractive benefits, including:

• 26 days holiday plus 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s over 40 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme.
• Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, featuring a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Access to courses offered by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team, including self-development courses such as languages, Creative Writing, Wellbeing Therapies, and much more.
• On-site childcare facilities, shopping discounts, and travel schemes are also available.

Seize the opportunity to contribute to our success story and be a part of something extraordinary. The University of Leeds Conferences and Events team welcomes individuals with diverse skills and experiences. Apply before the respective closing dates to embark on an exciting journey with us. For more details on the application process or if you have any questions, feel free to contact the respective people on the job links. We look forward to welcoming new members to our dynamic team and creating memorable events together.