The conference market seems to be on the up and up for UK Hotels. "Hotels, universities and other academic venues, and conference/training venues typically hosted more conferences than other venues (hotels an average of 546 conferences; universities and conference/training centres an average of 507)" (British Conference Venues Survey ? published Monday 18th September 2006 by the British Association of Conference Destinations).

With this in mind I have compiled a list of the top 10 corporate conferencing hotels in the major UK cities as used by our clients. The meeting facilities offered at these properties are unrivalled for quality and value in their respective cities. In no specific order:

1)The Cumberland Hotel (London). A world-class hotel. A place where breathtaking style and design, exceptional comfort and personal service combine to form a truly unique and intimate experience. The Cumberland is situated at the top of Park Lane, one of London's most upmarket districts. This unique hotel has over 1,000 contemporary designer bedrooms.

2)Hilton London Metropole (London). The 4-star Hilton London Metropole is one of Europe's largest hotel and conference centres, with the space and flexibility to hold any size of meeting or event. With superb transportation links, the hotel is just 20 minutes from Heathrow Airport to Paddington Station by the Heathrow Express air-conditioned train; and the Hilton London Metropole is an easy ten-minute walk to Oxford Street.

3)Hyatt Regency Hotel (Birmingham). The Hyatt Regency Birmingham is a modern, luxury hotel located in Birmingham city. The Hyatt Regency is linked directly to Birmingham's International Convention Centre (ICC) and just ten minutes by train from Birmingham International Airport and the National Exhibition Centre (NEC).

4)Holland House (Cardiff). This ultra modern hotel has exceptional levels of luxury and service and offers superb accommodation. The hotel has one the largest meeting and banqueting facilities in Cardiff and is situated in a prime location within minutes of the shopping district and the Millennium stadium . 5)The Palace Hotel (Manchester). The Palace Hotel is a historical grade II listed building dripping in history and character. The hotel's distinctive fa?ade is a recognised land mark in Manchester with a distinctive 217ft tall clock tower. The hotel is easily located in the centre of Manchester and in close proximity to a host of stylish and elegant bars, clubs and restaurants.

6)The Midland (Manchester). Lavishly refurbished, the hotel now melds a glamorous 1903 chic with an impeccable deluxe pedigree. Standing proud in the heart of the city the hotel offers contemporary luxury inside with all that the city has to offer on the doorstep.

7)Thistle Newcastle Hotel (Newcastle). This 19th Century listed building has 115 bedrooms, 7 meeting rooms and fitness centre. Thistle Newcastle is centrally located 5 minutes from a host of shops, entertainment and nightlife.

8)Glasgow Marriott Hotel (Glasgow). Set in a bustling, cosmopolitan city with a renowned business centre and prestigious shopping, the Glasgow Marriott Hotel puts you in the heart of it all. This luxury hotel is a five-minute stroll to nightlife, the Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre and one of the best shopping areas outside London.

9)Radisson SAS Hotel (Edinburgh). With conference and banquet rooms that can accommodate a meeting for two or an event for 200, the Radisson SAS Edinburgh offers flexible meeting facilities that can cater for most meetings and events needs. Located in the heart of Edinburgh's city centre on the historic Royal Mile, the Radisson SAS Hotel is located halfway between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace.

10)Europa Hotel and Eurobusiness Centre (Belfast). Having recently completed a major extension, with the addition of 56 new executive bedrooms the Europa now has a total of 240 bedrooms, making it the largest hotel in Northern Ireland. Conference facilities at the 4 Star Europa Hotel are second to none. From the Grand Ballroom to the purpose built Eurobusiness Centre, this is truly the province's best City Centre Business Centre.

Statistics: The only science that enables different experts using the same figures to draw different conclusions. - Evan Esar (1899-1995), American Humorist