Find the Perfect Venue

Jo Austin, Sales Director at Lime Venue Portfolio, joins Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter General Manager Paul Borg to discuss the connections that shape careers, win trust and keep people in the events industry.Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter has released the latest episode of its Talking People with Paul Borg podcast, featuring Jo Austin, Sales Director at Lime Venue Portfolio.Jo and Paul worked together earlier in their careers at a large Manchester hotel. Reunited for the podcast, they discuss the event that helped shape Paul’s career, why some of Jo’s strongest client relationships began when things went wrong, and the people they have stayed connected with across the industry.“My career’s been built on great relationships, keeping great relationships, working great relationships, working with amazing people,” Jo tells Paul. “And it’s served me incredibly well.”The pair recall delivering the Rugby League Man of Steel Awards at their former hotel. For Paul, who was then a younger events professional, running an event of that scale was a defining opportunity. Jo remembers bringing a relatively new team together to make it happen.“Our industry affords us the opportunity to build amazing relationships,” she says, “and turn customers into friends and colleagues into friends.”Those relationships can become strongest when an event does not go to plan. Jo says her approach is to face a problem, listen to the client and take responsibility for putting things right.“Some of my best relationships and connections have been born out of adversity,” Jo says.Paul shares that focus on the people delivering events. “I’m an operator at heart. I’d still rather be down on the floor moving tables and chairs than sat reading a P&L,” he says. For him, that experience is why the team matters so much when an organiser chooses a venue.“There’s a lot of beautiful stadiums, hotels and venues out there,” he adds. “It’s about the people that run it and the connections, and the team that are on site and how they build that relationship with the client.”The episode continues the podcast’s exploration of the people and career paths behind hospitality and events, with the conversation covering how Jo moved from retail into hospitality, an event in Leeds that led to her meeting Nelson Mandela, and why employers must show young people the range of careers available across the industry to attract future talent.Listen to Jo Austin’s conversation with Paul Borg now via Talking People with Paul Borg.

Lime Venue Portfolio has announced that Liverpool Experience Campus (LEX) has joined its growing venue portfolio, adding one of the UK’s major convention and exhibition destinations.LEX, formerly ACC Liverpool, is a world-class events campus located on the city’s iconic waterfront, bringing together a conference centre, exhibition centre and M&S Bank Arena under one unified identity.The partnership will complement LEX’s established convention, exhibition and association congress business by generating additional opportunities for its small to medium-sized spaces, particularly for events of between 150 and 300 people on a day delegate rate. As a carbon-neutral venue and a key asset within the Liverpool City Region, LEX brings strong sustainability credentials alongside significant scale and infrastructure. The campus offers extensive exhibition space, purpose-built conference facilities and city-centre connectivity. Its range of rooms also enables small to medium-sized conferences, meetings and corporate events to take place alongside major events elsewhere on the campus, maximising the breadth and flexibility of the venue.Jo Austin, Sales Director at Lime Venue Portfolio, said: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome a major UK convention and exhibition campus of LEX’s calibre to our portfolio, marking another milestone in our growth strategy. It’s a great example of how we can work alongside an established venue team to unlock opportunities across the full breadth of a campus.”Adrian Evans, Director of Sales – Conference & Business Events, LEX added: “Joining Lime Venue Portfolio enables us to connect with a broader network of UK agencies and corporate buyers while retaining our identity and expertise. The partnership will help us create further opportunities across the range of spaces available on our campus, complementing our established programme of major conventions, exhibitions and congresses. We look forward to being part of a portfolio that champions quality, collaboration and exceptional event delivery.”

From a race against time to a thriving independent business, Coastal Cruises Poole celebrates its second anniversary on 22 October, marking two years of harbour adventures, unforgettable memories and a team effort to protect a much-loved part of Poole’s tourism industry.When Carol Scott learned in 2024 that the Poole operation was facing closure, she knew she had to explore every possible option to save it. Having spent years working alongside the team, she understood what was at stake: jobs, livelihoods and a familiar sight on Poole Quay.What followed was a six-week race to secure the business and prepare for an independent future. From setting up a new company and website to establishing booking systems, supplier accounts, uniforms and signage, there was a seemingly endless list of tasks to complete.Despite the uncertainty, long days and considerable pressure, the management buyout presented an opportunity to protect the team and keep the boats sailing.And so, Coastal Cruises Poole was born.Two years of adventures on the waterSince becoming an independent business, Coastal Cruises Poole has continued to welcome passengers aboard its three vessels, Solent Scene, Island Scene and Fortuna, offering a range of sightseeing cruises and experiences around Poole Harbour and the spectacular Jurassic Coast.From families discovering the harbour and visitors exploring the iconic Old Harry Rocks to friends celebrating special occasions and passengers enjoying food and drink with a stunning coastal backdrop, the boats have continued to create memories for thousands of people.Behind every successful sailing is a dedicated team of captains, crew, office staff and kiosk colleagues. Their work extends far beyond welcoming passengers aboard, encompassing boat maintenance, safety checks, weather monitoring, bookings and the countless details required to keep every trip running smoothly.Reflecting on the past two years, Carol said: “I always knew we had a good team, but these last two years have shown me just how much we can achieve together. There have been challenges along the way, but everyone has pulled together, and I’m incredibly proud of what we have built.”Hard work, teamwork and a few laughsWhile running a cruise business requires dedication and hard work, the Coastal Cruises Poole team has found plenty of opportunities for fun along the way.From friendly office-versus-crew photo competitions and playful teasing between the quay and the wheelhouse to the occasional debate over who should be responsible for sampling suppliers’ products, team spirit has remained an important part of the business.Recently, the team travelled to France aboard Barfleur as a thank-you for their hard work throughout the summer season. The trip included sunshine, food, dolphins and a beautiful sunset, giving everyone the chance to relax and enjoy some time together away from their usual responsibilities.Carol added: “After such a busy summer looking after our passengers, it was lovely to spend time together and enjoy being the passengers for a change. There are certainly a few photographs that will be staying firmly in the team chat!”Thank you for keeping us sailingAs Coastal Cruises Poole celebrates its second birthday, Carol is keen to recognise the passengers, local businesses, suppliers and tourism partners who have supported the company since its launch.Every booking, recommendation, online review and return visit has helped the independent business establish itself and look towards the future.“Two years ago, the future was incredibly uncertain, and there was a lot to learn in a very short space of time,” said Carol. “Looking back now, I’m proud of what we have achieved, but most of all, I’m proud of the people who helped make it happen.“We are also hugely grateful to everyone who has chosen to sail with us, whether for a family day out, a special celebration or simply to enjoy a beautiful afternoon on the water. Your support means a great deal to us.And as a special thank you to our passengers we are offering an amazing 50% discount off all of our sightseeing sailings on Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th October 2026. Visit www.coastalcruisespoole.co.uk quoting Birthday50 in our promo code.“We have plenty of ideas and adventures planned for the future. The team may look slightly nervous whenever I announce that I’ve had a brilliant idea, but I like to think they would be disappointed if I stopped!”As Coastal Cruises Poole enters its third year, the focus remains firmly on delivering memorable experiences, supporting local tourism and continuing to share the beauty of Poole Harbour and the surrounding coastline with visitors and residents alike.Happy second birthday, Coastal Cruises Poole — and here’s to many more years of adventures on the water.