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Its variety of bespoke conference and events spaces, based in UMIC's high quality state-of- the-art premises on Grafton Street, has seen bookings rise over the past 12 months. Child Poverty Action Group, The Christie Charitable Fund and Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are regular users of The Dalton Room, which is the largest conference space UMIC Events offer and can hold up to 140 delegates. The Whitworth Room and Chadwick, Williams, Kilburn and Lovell Rooms cater for two to 14 people, while the Joule Suite is the second largest room and a popular choice for events for 14 to 50 delegates. Colin Curwen, UMIC Events Executive, said the business recently celebrated its tenth anniversary by investing in technology and improvements to the internal and external reception and events spaces. He said: "Events and conferences contribute hugely to the Greater Manchester Economy. We are pleased to be hosting more events and conferences than ever before at UMIC. "Our spaces on Grafton Street sit within Corridor Manchester and we are part of The University of Manchester, which serves us well." He added: "Our current clients speak highly of the spaces and the investment in improving our offer, which includes a new food and drinks menu and a new website, is allowing us to talk to businesses and organisers of important conferences like the Manchester Paediatrics Conference. "It has led to occupancy levels increasing by 50% on the previous year, which includes continued growth and support for the Alliance Manchester Business School." According to policy, strategy and research company New Economy, conference and business events generate £823m annually for the Greater Manchester Economy, supporting 22,500 jobs. UMIC, which is home to biotech and hi-tech companies, as well as bespoke conferencing and events facilities, has held a raft of events and conferences in the past 12 months. Organiser Olivia Sloan from the Manchester Paediatrics Conference said: "UMIC is a fantastic venue which met our needs perfectly. The lecture and tutorial spaces are comfortable and modern and the street space is stunning. "The venue feels light and airy whilst not being too big for the number of people who attended our conference." Sebastien Clark, of Child Poverty Action Group, added: "We were able to run a really successful conference due to the flawless efforts of staff at UMIC Events. "As someone who has to co-ordinate hundreds of training courses and events across the country each year, I can't thank them enough and we are looking forward to returning again soon."