Season’s greetings from the NRC

December 14, 2020December 11, 2020 Antonia

I’m writing this as a vaccine programme is starting to roll out across the UK. It is great to end 2020 on a hopeful note, and start 2021 looking forward to the resumption of many of the activities we have missed over the last nine months.

As I write, the NRC is in tier 3, which still allows for education, training and essential meetings. I am proud of the team at the NRC: Molly and Rebecca have done a great job in ensuring examinations and essential meetings have continued throughout this period. They have embraced the NRC’s new hygiene and cleaning protocols and helped all our visitors stay safe.

Over the last few months we have seen many events take place in a safe way and had positive feedback from attendees. Examinations can be stressful at the best of times and we have done our best to make the NRC a safe and calm environment for people taking Association of British Dispensing Opticians theory exams, and ophthalmic dispensing and contact lens practical exams. We have also seen a successful extended services day with a group of contact lens opticians extending their skills to allow them to take part in minor eye condition services and Covid-19 urgent and emergency schemes.

If you are planning ahead for 2021, we will ensure all visitors to the NRC are confident that the meetings will take place in a Covid-secure environment. Just to remind you, we have infection prevention and control measures in place with screens at reception and available for other rooms too. We offer appropriate PPE for all attending meetings, along with distanced customised setups and track and trace. Even our catering has been adapted to ensure your meals and refreshments are in individual portions, wrapped for hygiene while maximising the use of recyclable materials. These measures will continue for as long as they are needed.

We are very much looking forward to 2021. As the tier restrictions lessen we can increase capacity as per government guidance, giving you increased scope for your events. And don’t forget we have free parking allowing you to come straight from home to your meeting with ease.

So, all that is left for me to do is to send you Season’s Greetings from the NRC, with many good wishes for 2021. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Mat Stringer

Operations Manager, NRC

EXCELLENT rating
Based on 26 reviews

We have used the meeting facilities at ABDO on numerous occasions. The staff are extremely warm, welcoming and accommodating (huge shout out to Mat Stringer, nothing is too much trouble). The facilities are excellent and the rooms are always set up exactly as requested. I would have no hesitation in recommending this as a meeting venue.

Yvonne LEA

21/03/2024

The venue is a perfect location, facilities are great with spacious rooms and everything you need for your event. Staff are really helpful and can't do enough for you. Will use again.

Shirley SMITH

29/02/2024

Had an amazing couple of days at the NRC for the FQE practical revision event. Staff were very welcoming, friendly and approachable and I feel a lot better about the upcoming exams. The layout and aesthetics of the building are incredible. However, the highlight of my day was the lush lunch packs that we got for both days, amazing! Special shout out to Matt Stringer who provided me with a goody bag full of left over cakes!

Katie Martin

14/02/2024

Amazing couple of days at the NRC for the practical revision sessions. Staff were incredible, very knowledgeable, friendly and approachable! Invaluable in preparing for my final examinations. Incredible location, design of the building and interior is lovely, and so clean!

emelye c-p

14/02/2024

Superb Venue. Very bright, exceptional Professional Staff, Spacious and Close to Birmingham City Centre.

richard fowler

10/02/2024

Held our first conference here on Monday running five simultaneous streams of education. The venue is great with easy parking but above all, the staff are excellent. Nothing was too much trouble and the day ran flawlessly. Big thanks to Matt and the team.

ian beasley

29/11/2023

I have been a delegate using this centre for the last 4 years, year on year for a variety of reasons and events. Regardless of type of event, reasons for the event, the consensus is it is adaptable for the requirements of the individuals, businesses and sponsors. The location is brilliant. You have several nearby hotels within a 1 mile radius for overnight stay whilst also not being far from various methods of transport including the M6, Birmingham train station, Birmingham Airport and other connecting Motorways such as the M5 and M42. They have several floors available to be tailored to your requirements, with a very modern hot drinks dispensing machine for you and your delegates attending and equally technogically advanced for your needs of your meetings and/or conferences. Mat Stringer and his team are the brains behind the operations and he will go the extra mile to ensure you're welcome and you're set up for the day, even if you're having technical difficulties, he is there. It takes just one phone call or email to have that discussion which will revolutionise how you hold conferences for you and your businesses.

Google “CaptFatNeck” Review

31/10/2023

The NRC is a fantastic place, not only for Opticians. Great meeting space for any working group, easy to access and great views over the city. The staff are super helpful, 5 stars!

Mark Chatham

26/10/2023

We recently hosted a course here and wouldn't have changed a thing. Facilities were exactly what we needed, venue was clean and tidy, staff were lovely and friendly, and nothing was too much trouble at all. Very much looking forward to returning in a few weeks

Jordan Froude

13/10/2023

This place is an amazing resource. The quality and design of the clinic rooms are really professional and they almost feel like a boutique hotel. The attention to detail and service from both Matthew and Rebecca was also exceptional. A great place for learning. Thank you.

Edel Duffy

03/10/2023

Mat Stringer

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