FAQ - BCO - British Council for Offices FAQ - BCO - British Council for Offices

Awards Entries

In what format should we supply our entry?

All entries are now submitted using our online system, accessed via the submit your entry page. This process involves entering all the project team data online, uploading a pdf of your main submission document, and uploading your photographs.

Is there a completion date for projects to be entered in the Awards?

Yes, all projects should be no older than 4 years from January of the year that the Award is submitted for. Where possible, a Practical Completion Certificate should be supplied. Projects due to be completed.

What type of photographs do you need?

We need both exterior and interior shots of the building. A selection showing special features of the project as well as some including people if possible.

Our client does not allow photographs with staff in them to be published, is this a problem?

No. We prefer photographs with people in but this is not essential and will not prejudice your entry. However, please mention there is an embargo on this when submitting your entry.

Can we supply CAD instead?

No.

Can I enter the same project in two categories?

My client has not yet given permission for the entry to be submitted and the closing date is near. Can I enter and then withdraw the entry if necessary?

Yes, please contact CreatEvents (clare@createvents.co.uk) to clarify the date by which you can withdraw on.

Can I enter a project more than once?

You cannot enter the same project in the same category more than once. If a project is being completed in stages, you can enter Stage 1 the first year and Stage 2 the second year.

National Awards Dinner

Can I reserve a table and pay for it later?

No, table reservations are only confirmed after receipt of payment.

How can I ensure we get a good table position at the Awards?

The front tables are allocated to sponsors and the BCO. Thereafter tables within each zone are allocated on a first-come first-served basis so the earlier you book the better your table position.

Who do I talk to about possibly sponsoring the Awards?

Please contact Victoria Armstrong on 07968 448365 or victoria@sasevents.co.uk.

How early can I book a table?

There is a priority booking period for BCO members, view our key dates page for information on when bookings open.

I want to book a table but I am not a BCO member myself, however one of my colleagues is. Can I book during the members priority period?

Yes, if you can supply the name and membership number of your colleague on the booking form, otherwise your booking will not be confirmed till after the priority period. View our key dates page for information on when bookings open.

What are the timings for the Dinner?

The evening will start with a drinks reception at 6.30pm. Dinner will be served in the Great Room at 7.30pm. The Awards will start at approximately 9.30pm and will last about an hour. The bars will stay open until 1.30am.

Where can I arrange to meet my guests? / Can I book a hosted bar through the BCO Awards Organiser?

You can book a hosted bar or a private hospitality room by contacting the Grosvenor direct. Call the Hospitality Manager on 020 7399 8122.

Alternatively you can arrange to meet your guests in either the Grosvenor Reception (access off Park Street) or the Red Bar which is situated inside the Great Room entrance off Park Lane.

How do I order wine and extra drinks for my table?

You will be sent a wine order form with your tickets about three weeks before the Awards Dinner. Please note this form should be returned direct to the fax number at the Grosvenor.

Do I have to order my wine in advance?

No, but we always recommend you do so your guests don’t have to wait on the night.

When will the tickets be sent out?

Tickets will be sent out three weeks before the event. Please note they will be sent to the person whose contact details are on the booking form unless otherwise requested.

One of my guests has lost his ticket, does he need one to get in to the Dinner?

No, as long as you have provided their name to the organiser, clare@createvents.co.uk they will be allowed in.

What is the menu for the event?

The menu will be sent to you with the Wine Order Form and tickets three weeks before the event.

I don't like the menu, can I order anything different?

Unfortunately the chef cannot provide individual meals just as a matter of choice. You can however order the vegetarian option instead but please note that these must be ordered in advance at least 48 hours before the Dinner, otherwise the Grosvenor will make an extra charge.

Can I choose to have the vegetarian option on the night?

You can but there is no guarantee it will be available and, if it is, the Grosvenor will make an extra charge as these meals should be ordered in advance. You should order vegetarian meals by completing the section on the Wine Order Form and returning it to the Grosvenor at least 48 hours before the dinner.

What do I do if I have a food allergy or special dietary requirement?

On your Wine Order Form, you will find a place to fill in special dietary requirements or requests for vegetarian meals. Please complete this and return it to the Grosvenor at least 48 hours before the Dinner. The chef will then devise an alternate meal for you. Please note we cannot specify exactly what this meal will be.

One of my guests requires a Kosher meal, can this be arranged?

Yes but this needs to be ordered at least 48 hours in advance and the Grosvenor makes an extra charge as this has to be brought in specially. In 2007 the cost of a Kosher meal was over £100 plus VAT. Please contact the Hospitality Department at the Grosvenor House on 020 7399 8122 to check cost and order any Kosher meals.

What is the Dress Code?

National Awards Dinner – Black tie for gentlemen, cocktail or long dress for ladies.

Do you have a special bedroom rate at the venue?

Yes, please request a Hotel Accommodation Form from BCO Awards Enquiries clare@createvents.co.uk.

Do you have a list of hotel accommodation with special rates near the venue?

Yes, please request a Hotel Accommodation Form from clare@createvents.co.uk.

I haven't got all the names for my Guest List and the deadline is approaching, what should I do?

Send in the names you have, additional names can be added to the main guest list later but will not appear in the printed programme.

One of my guests has just dropped out and I need to change the name on the table, can I do this?

Yes, please send an email to clare@createvents.co.uk with the name of the person who has dropped out and the name of their replacement and we will amend the place card.

My guests have all confirmed too late to be in the programme, is it worth my sending their names in now?

Yes because as well as place cards, we produce a table plan on the night with all the names which will help your guests find their table.

Regional Awards Dinners/Lunches

Can I reserve a table and pay for it later?

No. Table reservations are only confirmed after receipt of payment.

How can I ensure we get a good table position at the Awards?

The front tables are allocated to sponsors and the BCO. Thereafter tables are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis so the earlier you book, the better your table position.

Who do I talk to about possibly sponsoring the Awards?

Please contact Victoria Armstrong on 07968 448365 at victoria@sasevents.co.uk.

How early can I book a table?

The Regional Awards table bookings open to BCO members and non members in December.

What are the timings for the events

Regional Dinners

The evening will start with a drinks reception at 7pm. Dinner will be served at 7.30pm. The Awards will start at approximately 9.30pm and will last about half an hour.

Regional Lunches

The lunch will start with a drinks reception at 12pm. Lunch will be served at 12.30pm. The Awards will start at approximately 2pm and will last about half an hour.

How do I order wine and extra drinks for my table?

You will be sent a wine order form about three weeks before the event.

Do I have to order my wine in advance?

No, but we always recommend you do, so your guests don’t have to wait.

Will we get tickets?

Tickets will not be sent out for the Regional Awards events.

What is the menu for the event?

The menu will be sent to you with the Wine Order Form three weeks before the event.

I don't like the menu, can I order anything different?

Unfortunately the chef cannot provide individual meals just as a matter of choice. You can however order the vegetarian option instead but please note that these must be ordered in advance.

Can I choose to have the vegetarian option on the night?

You can but there is no guarantee it will be available.

What do I do if I have a food allergy or special dietary requirement?

On your Wine Order Form, you will find a place to fill in special dietary requirements or requests for vegetarian meals.

What is the dress code?

For all Awards Dinners – Black tie for gentlemen, cocktail or long dress for ladies.
For all Awards Lunches – Lounge suit for gentlemen and smart dress for ladies.

Do you have a list of hotel accommodation near the event venue?

Yes, please contact our awards team and they will source the best options for your guests.

I haven't got all the names for my Guest List and the deadline is approaching, what should I do?

Send in the names you have, additional names can be added to the main guest list later but will not appear in the printed programme.

Will place cards be provided?

Send in the names you have, additional names can be added to the main guest list later but will not appear in the printed programme.

My guests have all confirmed too late to be in the programme, is it worth my sending their names in now?

Yes because we produce a table plan with all the names which will help your guests find their table.

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