What’s on at the NRC this month?

January 30, 2024February 21, 2024 Kaye

January is a busy time – exam season, reports operations manager Mat Stringer. We welcomed 210 students for ABDO (Association of British Dispensing Opticians) PQE (pre-qualification period) and contact lens (CL) practical exams.

Our operations assistant, Rebecca Jasper-Fellows, recruits real-life patients for both Dispensing Optician (DO) and CL students to measure and fit. People from the local community take part, as well as friends and families of NRC visitors. We are always on the look out for volunteers so please contact Rebecca if you are interested. Email reception@abdonrc.org.uk or Tel. 0121 752 7500.

The fourth floor was taken over for dispensing exams, including an admin area for the exams department. The fifth floor was used for CL exams in our 10 clinical bays, as well as an office and viva rooms for exam discussions.

Afterwards we took stock of exam kit, reset the centre and got ready for external meetings and events. We hosted ATS Euromaster, a tyre, MOT and vehicle services company, as well as Specsavers Hearingcare and Specsavers Pre-reg Academy. Find out how to book the NRC.

We had good news when international ophthalmic optics company Essilor renewed their sponsorship of our bean-to-cup coffee machines across both floors. All our guests can get free refreshments with premium blend coffee beans. We have hot chocolate and artisan teas too, using environmentally-friendly compostable cups.

We are also planning some more external events and meetings that we will talk about soon.

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

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