With three versatile venues across two central locations all looked after by one expert team – it’s really is as Easy as 1,2,3 to find the perfect space solution across Birmingham…
- Dave Gomersall, Head of Retail Sales, Nationwide Windows & Doors
Nationwide Windows & Doors 40th Birthday Celebrations, June 5th, 2026, 5pm – 1am, The Vox, Halls 1-5 & Foyer, Lake
This was a special one-off event for Nationwide, bringing together all the people who have been part of their 40-year journey as a business, including key partners, long standing suppliers and industry friends.
The client was looking for an exclusive and impressive venue with the 'wow' factor for 400+ guests. As well as fulfilling this – the client loved the Vox from the moment they went up the escalators and saw the vista over the lake, then the interiors – the central location, connectivity by road, rail and air and accommodation options fulfilled all their criteria, and more.
Guests were coming from across the UK – from Cornwall to Glasgow, from Germany and in one special case from Australia. The majority stayed onsite overnight.
The client wanted this to be an experience which guests would be talking about in 10 years’ time, 'a montage of brilliance' with all elements to the highest and most memorable standards
The brief included:
Exclusive space for 400+ guests
Drinks reception in the foyer with views across the lake
All guests welcomed and filmed as they arrived at the event
3 course banquet with drinks, tailored to the occasion
Table presentation personalised to individual guests
Live music with staging, lights and special effects
Celebrity presenter/MC
Speeches from stage
Special provision for 'surprise guest' to be kept secret
A fireworks display over the lake, viewed from the foyer, with drinks
All to be supported by:
Outstanding audio visual with full production carried out by our team
A bespoke menu and wine options, covering all dietary requirements and preferences
Event management at every stage of planning and on the day, with provision to cover any last minute changes, challenges and contingencies.
The Vox team worked hand in hand with the client team over the months leading up to the event, and on the day, to ensure that their vision and hopes were fulfilled – and exceeded. Our clients sat with the tech team multiple times to perfect the lighting, design, and music choices and arrangements; everything was meticulously planned down to the last detail. And similarly the food and drink. They were looking for real impact, and, optimising our knowledge of the venue’s potential, we were able to advise what would deliver the very best results across the whole event – including technical and operational ideas which surpassed even lead client Dave’s passionate ambitions for the event.
Filming each guest as they arrived pushed the schedule back but time was seamlessly made up by the catering team…the film was edited on the spot and shown in situ while the string quartet Siren and accompanying pyrotechnics created a brilliant first impression. The whole event, and speeches, was expertly MCed by Jason Manford…And the bespoke banqueting delighted the client and guests, who were guided out to the foyer for champagne birthday celebrations and a surprise 40th birthday cake and cupcakes before spectacular fireworks over the lake. We had to arrange special permission for this as we are so close to Birmingham airport, but everything ran smoothly on the night despite some last-minute challenges. Not the least of which was persuading guests to go home, they were having such a good time! After the fireworks, they danced the night away to fabulous live music from The In Thing.
Delivery worked like a dream for all. That’s down to close collaboration and a commitment to going above and beyond on every aspect by the Vox team, creating an enthusiasm and energy matching that of the client and embraced by all the event partners.
The client wanted to deliver a surprise extra to Nationwide’s owners John Whalley and Daryl Cashmore…with John’s son George flown in from Australia specially for the event. Keeping his arrival completely secret called for clever planning, including discreet access to Vox backstage from his on-site hotel – and ensuring he was well looked off stage before making his appearance with beers in a personalised ice bucket. Tears were shed by his family when his presence was revealed! A fabulous moment and, again, the result of detailed planning and operations.
One moment not planned but which went down a storm was Jason Manford spontaneously leading a sing song of Sweet Caroline and Delilah. He asked during the event if he could do that and we always plan for flexibility and the ability to respond to changes, so we were able to fit it in perfectly.
"We wanted to give our guests a night to remember and I'd like to extend a huge thank you to all our event partners who worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. The feedback I have received confirms that we delivered an evening worthy of the team, suppliers and industry friends who made Nationwide what it is today."
- John Whalley, Managing Director, Nationwide Windows & Doors
"This celebration for Nationwide was truly spectacular. The client had an incredible vision, and with the correct nurture, guidance and assistance, our team created that vision.
From a grand entrance, a finely tuned banquet, live entertainment and fireworks on the lake that lit the night sky; this is where the Vox lent itself perfectly to the event! There aren't many venues within the region that can offer what the Vox offers, enhancing that premium offering with a fabulous team involved pre, during and post the event. What a moment for both the client and Team Vox!"
- Jens Tait-Kelly, Senior Account Manager (Corporate), NEC/Vox
Our Sales Team is ready and raring for the
next challenge! Get in touch today.