The demand for events at the Benn Hall in Rugby has experienced a significant surge, prompting the Rugby Borough Council to establish a new position at the venue. As per a council report, the town centre events venue had to augment its budget for casual staffing by over two-and-a-half times in order to meet the demand during the financial year 2022-23. Moreover, there have been instances where bookings had to be declined due to the overwhelming demand.
As a result of this situation, the council has decided to introduce a full-time duty manager role at Benn Hall. At present, the venue is managed by two full-time managers and three part-time staff, and the addition of a new full-time manager is anticipated to reduce the reliance on casual staffing. The new appointee will also be trained to provide technical support for sound and lighting at smaller events, hence enabling the venue to accommodate more bookings.
The council’s cabinet, comprised of Conservative councillors overseeing major service areas, has sanctioned a budget of £31,000 per year for the new role. This budget will cover up to £24,000 in salary payments, along with pension and national insurance contributions. An additional £9,000 has been allocated to cover the role from the current month until the end of the financial year. It is anticipated that the rise in revenue and the reduction in payments to casual staff and technical support will offset the cost of the new position.
Councillor Adam Daly, the borough’s portfolio holder for leisure and wellbeing, has conveyed his enthusiasm for the surge in bookings, bar sales, and ticket income at Benn Hall. He emphasized the impact of this growth on the current staff, who have been working overtime and heavily relying on additional casual staffing to manage the events. The creation of the new role is seen as a means to expand the venue’s capacity, with a substantial number of bookings already lined up for 2024-25.
The decision to establish the new role and the progress that has prompted it has garnered approval from both opposition parties. This move is a proactive response to the overwhelming demand for events at Benn Hall. The venue is poised to continue its upward trajectory with the addition of the new duty manager, ultimately contributing to its growth and success.