Despite the current UK restrictions on social gatherings, work still goes on, which for many also means travelling to Cambridge for business.
As one of the UK’s thriving cities, Cambridge is at the heart of the ‘tech corridor’ and sees many people travelling to the city for business from far off locations.
No matter where you’re coming from, we’ve revealed everything there is to know about travelling to Cambridge for business so you can have a safe and exciting visit.
COVID Safe
Right now, safety is a priority for everyone when travelling, which means we would highly recommend that you bring a mask or face covering with you, along with hand sanitiser.
Social distancing is still in place here in Cambridge, and the UK COVID restrictions change almost weekly. Therefore, we would also recommend that you switch on alerts to the Cambridge COVID updates to ensure you have the information you need when travelling around the city.
Corporate Apartments
At Signet Apartments, we take great pride in offering corporate serviced apartments which is the ideal home from home when you’re travelling for business.
If you don’t feel comfortable staying at a hotel, our serviced apartments offer you the chance to feel like you’re truly living in Cambridge during your stay.
As well as having luxury apartments across the city of Cambridge, our rigorous cleaning means that you can have peace of mind that you’re living in a safe and clean environment.
With some of our luxury corporate apartments, you also have the option of parking, which means you don’t have to stress about paying for a parking space or fighting to get one in the city centre.
Dinner Reservations
During your business stay in Cambridge, we would highly recommend that you book any dinner reservations well in advance, as Cambridge hosts an array of popular eateries which are quickly booked.
If you’re looking to book a dinner to enjoy with your business associates, we would highly recommend the luxury Varsity Hotel in the heart of Cambridge, or The Ivy. Both have fine dining down to an art form, and offer a fantastic atmosphere to wine and dine.
For quick eats for yourself, there are a number of standard chain restaurants in Cambridge such as Yo Sushi, Pizza Express and Wagamamas. However, we’d highly recommend trying more of the Cambridge independent restaurants that can give you a real taste for the local food talent. This includes places such as Pint Shop and Steak & Honour.
Meeting Rooms
Across Cambridge, we are lucky to have a number of incredible business spaces that provide meeting rooms for one-off sessions. Many of these can provide a meeting room space for as little as a few hours to entire days.
In the heart of Cambridge city centre, we have Mantle Business Centre and the Allia Future Business Centre.
However, if you would prefer something with a little more character for your project, many of the universities across the city also provide meeting room spaces.
Client Gifts
If you’ve travelled far to visit your business associates or potential clients, then bringing a gift can often be a welcome gesture to break the ice.
As always in business etiquette, in general, this gift should be something that is not too excessive or expensive to ensure there is no embarrassment.
Luckily in Cambridge, we have an abundance of shopping to provide any business traveller with the perfect gift.
From a walking distance to many of our luxury corporate apartments, you will find The Grand Arcade and The Grafton Centre. Both have many high-end department stores where you will find everything from luxury chocolates to the latest tech.
Keeping Well
Travelling for business is tiring in itself, let alone the long-distance phone calls and meetings you have to take part in.
With this in mind, we would highly recommend diarising some time to enjoy a short spa break to remain relaxed and well during your trip.
The Varsity Hotel is the most luxurious spa facility in the centre of Cambridge. A walking or cycling distance from most of our apartments, you can find a steam room, sauna, jacuzzi and spa treatments.
However, if you wish to escape the city for a few hours, Y Spa at Wyboston Lakes is only an hours drive away, and provides the full spa escape experience.
Uber or Bicycle
If you wish to avoid public transport during your business travels, there are many other ways you can get around the city.
Uber is available in Cambridge and is still operating under the current COVID restrictions, but don’t forget to wear your mask.
Alternatively, if you’d really like the full Cambridge experience and you’re a capable cyclist, then we would highly recommend hiring a bike to enjoy the most the city has to offer.
Keeping Smart
When you enjoy one of our luxury corporate apartments, laundry facilities are provided so you can remain looking smart and feeling fresh.
However, if you wish to have specific items dry cleaned for a special event, there are a number of local dry cleaners within a short distance of our apartments.
Connectivity
No matter the type of work you do, you will without a doubt need good connectivity and wifi during your business trip.
All our serviced apartments come with free broadband internet to keep you connected during your stay.
When out and about in Cambridge, most coffee shops and restaurants now have free wifi. However, some spaces do limit use to around 60 minutes.
If you intend to be out about a lot during your trip, we would recommend you purchase a 4G USB for your laptop as this can help reduce any downtime with unstable local wifi.
Office essentials
During your business trip, we know you can’t take the whole office with you, which is why we try to make it easier for you by providing some office essentials to help you remain productive.
As well as wifi, we can also provide an all in one printer and photocopier for any of those last-minute needs.
When booking with us, just ensure to mention that you’re coming for business and we’ll help to make everything as easy as possible for your stay.
Local events
If you’re travelling solo on your business trip, it can become lonely, which is why we would highly recommend looking at any local events you can attend.
While many physical events have been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are a number of online local events taking place which can all be accessed via your laptop or smartphone.
For example, there’s an online treasure hunt you can take part in via your phone which takes you around some the most iconic buildings in Cambridge.
Sightseeing
You may be travelling to Cambridge for business, but in such a historical and picturesque city you simply have to set aside some time to embrace the place you’re visiting.
As well as providing you with some much-needed downtime after your business meetings, walking around the city will give you a great opportunity to get to know Cambridge much better – and who knows, maybe you’ll be back for pleasure next time.
In all of our luxury corporate apartments, you’ll find information on local amenities and a map to guide you on your way.
