The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre (QEIICC) has recently invested over half a million pounds (£570k) to carry out important refurbishment work to ensure the Centre continues to provide clients with the latest cutting edge technology.

The works meant The QEIICC was closed during August, with the facilities installed continuing its commitment to quality services for both clients and staff.

In keeping with the high standard of facilities at the Centre, work undertaken includes an upgrade of the air conditioning system and improvements to emergency lighting throughout the building, ensuring that guests are well accommodated and secure in any eventuality.

Investment was also made in internal redecoration, re-carpeting and the installation of a new covered entrance and signage.

Technological enhancements have also been completed, including an upgrade of the networking infrastructure, allowing all clients access to greater bandwidth and the benefits of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

Visitors to the Centre will also benefit from upgraded lighting in the Churchill room, a new projector in the St. James room, as well as the capability of secure private Local Area Networks (LANs) and Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs).

The QEIICC’s commercial director, Stephen Norcliffe, comments; “Closing down this August has enabled us to complete the necessary work quickly and efficiently, without causing disruption and upset to clients. The Centre is continuing to invest in smaller scale refurbishment works, which will be completed in October 2006, ensuring we offer clients leading technical capabilities and pleasant, state of the art surroundings.”

In line with these continual plans, The QEIICC will become a no smoking venue from 1^st October 2006.

The Centre enforced a ban on all staff and contractors smoking in the building in May 2006, but currently it is still possible for clients to request a designated smoking area when they book.

The move to a ‘smoke free’ environment is to ensure that the Centre is compliant with the much anticipated Health Bill, due to come into force in England in the Summer of 2007, which states that all ‘enclosed spaces’ must be non-smoking.

Adam Lewis, executive head of HR at The QEIICC comments; “Implementing these changes at The QEIICC is not just an issue of complying with the law, it is important for the health and wellbeing of our staff and clients.

“We felt that even though the legislation will not take effect until 2007, it would be beneficial to make the changes sooner rather than later. We have also offered structured support to staff who want to use the ban as an opportunity to quit smoking themselves. We are confident that our industry colleagues and clients will support our decision to move forward with a pro-active approach, recognising the benefits of a smoke free environment.”

This news comes as The QEIICC received re-accreditation of its Investors in People (IIP) status.

Having been recognised as an Investor in People since February 1998, the Centre recently completed their three year review, the first against the new standard, in which they gained the maximum accreditation review period of three years.