Booking and Charges
Contents
How long in advance of the event should I contact futurefocus?
As soon as possible even if you do not have a definite plan in mind. Typically we plan about six weeks ahead, but we need time to book the facilitator, and to allow them to meet the event owner, plan and prepare for the event. However, we can often respond very quickly to demand - so if in doubt please ask.
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How do I book?
You can download booking forms here, or contact us directly. The booking form will ask you to set out as much as you can about your event and its objectives. We will use this to appoint a suitable facilitator.
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What happens after I send in my booking form?
The process is very simple. Receipt of the booking form this will be acknowledged and recorded. futurefocus will appoint a facilitator who will contact you for a meeting to discuss and plan for the event. The facilitator will agree the date for the event with you and be your main contact until the event itself.
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How many people can you accommodate?
Normally groups are any size up to 16 people. However, larger groups can be accommodated in various ways. If necessary we can work in the BIS Conference Centre or an outside facility. You should discuss your requirements with the futurefocus team.
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Can futurefocus cope with disability requirements?
We try to be as disability friendly as we can. Our booking form asks event owners to stipulate any special requirements we should prepare for. The form also brings attention to the flashing lights in the Interactive Theatre, to warn anyone who may have photosensitive epilepsy. There is wheelchair access throughout and the tables are at a height suitable for everyone. Computer screens can be set up for large type and our Theatre has an infrared hearing loop.
Blind or partially blind visitors may find problems with the visual imagery. However, we have specially adapted individual headphone sound sets that allow everyone to participate on equal terms. Rather than anyone missing out, we will try to adapt our process to be as inclusive as possible.
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Are refreshments available and can all dietary requirements be met?
Customers are asked to organise their own refreshments from BIS's recommended caterers. Both provide a mix of vegetarian, fish and meat menus as standard, but other dietary requirements can be accommodated on request. Please ask the futurefocus team for more details.
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Can I provisionally hold a booking?
Normally we do not make provisional bookings as this leads to dates being blocked and unused. We also need to arrange the right facilitator for your group and have to work with their diary as well. Please try to contact us before you fix a date to give yourself the best opportunity of booking.
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Is there any charge for use of futurefocus?
Not for most events if you are BIS/DCSF staff. If additional resources are needed, such as requiring more than one facilitator, or if we prepare bespoke imagery or film for your event, then there may be a charge. This will be agreed at the outset.
Non-Department groups normally pay, unless sponsored to use the centre by a senior member of the one of the Departments, and the event meets the Departments' objectives.
All groups are expected to pay for their own refreshments and lunch. Please contact futurefocus for details.
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Can BIS/DCSF groups bring non-governmental participants in without charge?
Yes. This is encouraged. One of the strengths of the centre is its neutrality and its ability to bring people together in a way that unifies actions towards a common agreed goal.
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Can I just book futurefocus for a meeting?
No. The centre is only for facilitated discussions. For meeting rooms, please contact the Conference Centre on 020 7215 6789 (Department for Business, Innovation and Skills only).
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What happens if I cancel or postpone the booking?
If you cancel or postpone within two weeks of the event it is unlikely we will be able to offer this date to anyone else. We may also have incurred expenses booking a facilitator to discuss and plan the event with you. For this reason all events cancelled or postponed less than two weeks before the event will be subject to a charge of £1,000.
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Is futurefocus biased towards BIS/DCSF?
No. futurefocus is a completely neutral and safe environment. We work with groups that wish to seriously engage in facilitated discussions about issues that will help them in the future. The facilitation is designed to challenge groups to think through issues and arrive at appropriate actions that meet their objectives.
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