The Meetings Industry Association (mia) has awarded AIM Gold accreditation to the conference and events venues at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Gold is the highest rating in the mia’s AIM accreditation scheme, which audits venues and suppliers against a strict 50-point criteria, including quality of facilities, accessibility, legal compliance, customer service and best practice standards. Gaining gold from the UK’s only nationally recognised standard for service providers in the business meetings, conferences and events industry, represents a significant achievement for venues.
Manchester Metropolitan University caters for a wide range of conferences and events in a range of buildings including The Business School, The Benzie Building and Geoffrey Manton Building. Its Birley site is suited for residential conferences, where its Brooks Building and eco townhouses have a VisitEngland 4-star campus accommodation rating.
mia assessors visiting the academic site, situated in the heart of Manchester, found ‘clear evidence’ it was maintaining high standards and noted the ‘high quality of its provision to clients’ as well as noting happy and helpful staff.
Three years ago, Manchester Metropolitan University received AIM Silver accreditation and has made further improvements to attain AIM Gold.
Jane Longhurst, chief executive of the mia, said: “Manchester Metropolitan University has excellent and accessible facilities which have been updated to a high standard in the last year. It has clearly exceeded the criteria required to receive AIM Gold accreditation and I would like to congratulate its conference team on achieving the accolade.
“AIM Accreditation at the highest level is a significant achievement as venues are thoroughly assessed and must meet strict criteria. Therefore, those choosing AIM Gold accredited venues can be assured of quality.”
James Charnock, conference sales and marketing manager at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have achieved AIM Gold. We pride ourselves on our sustainable, innovative approach to conferences and events, and having that recognised by mia gives us a platform to introduce a wider audience to something we care passionately about. Thank you mia!”