Blenheim Shines on the World Stage
Oxfordshire took centre stage as HM The King and 45 European leaders converged on Blenheim Palace at the biggest UK-led summit of the year on one of the hottest days of the summer (a low bar admittedly). They discussed some of the most pressing generational issues facing Europe – from ensuring international support for Ukraine, to illegal immigration and security co-operation.
Before the event, Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said: “Blenheim Palace is a huge part of our history – the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and the temporary headquarters for MI5 during the Second World War – and I am honoured to host the European Political Community meeting here.”
This was the fourth EPC meeting since the grouping was founded in October 2022. Previous meetings, hosted in the Czech Republic, Moldova, and Spain, have been instrumental in uniting Europe to support Ukraine, forging cooperation on energy security and tackling the shared challenge of illegal migration.
With such a high-profile event came huge pressures on local infrastructure and security with police lining routes in and out of Woodstock. Dominic Hare, CEO of B4 Platinum Members, Blenheim Palace, commented. “Yesterday’s event was a triumph for not only Blenheim and our hardworking team but also for our amazing public services who combined to protect and serve the event and also for the local economy which we estimate had a greater than £30 million boost over the last six weeks. I couldn’t be prouder of everyone who ensured that one quarter of the world’s leaders plus HM The King, not to mention the one thousand plus press and support staff, left Blenheim with nothing but good things to say about Oxfordshire.”
Post event press coverage has focused on Blenheim’s stunning contribution to a brilliantly-organised event. ITV’s political editor, Robert Peston, gave a glowing endorsement of Blenheim’s organisation. “Another manifestation of lucky Starmer and unlucky Sunak. The European Community Summit at Blenheim is the slickest and best organised international summit hosted by the UK I have attended in years. Even the (free) ice cream is yummy (sorry to trivialise).”
B4’s CEO, Richard Rosser commented. “What a huge day for Oxfordshire. Congratulations to our B4 Platinum Members, Blenheim Palace and to Dominic Hare and his amazing team for hosting such an important event. With the eyes of the world on Oxfordshire and the sun shining, Blenheim really was centre stage and didn’t they do us all proud.”
See more behind the scenes in the video released by 10 Downing Street: https://youtu.be/c-w0-BDz_LQ?si=Qv2fjAGVfZA1aKZX
B4 MEMBERS CONGRATULATE BLENHEIM PALACE
“Delighted that Blenheim has been able to shine in the world spotlight – a spectacular venue with high integrity for supporting global climate and nature in addition to local society.”
Liz Nicholson, Managing Director, Nicholsons
“It was fantastic to see Oxfordshire in the spotlight with the high profile visit of the European leaders and especially pleasing to see the great Team, led by Dominic Hare, were able to show case the fantastic venue and facilities that Blenheim Palace can provide. Well done to all concerned.”
Stuart Crook, Partner, Wellers
“Congratulations to everyone at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire for successfully hosting the 4th European Political Community Summit yesterday – so good to showcase this amazing venue and county to the world through this high-profile political event.”
John Hoy, Hoy Consultancy
“What an amazing feeling to see the world leaders in the magnificent setting of Blenheim Palace. Congratulations to Dominic Hare and all his team. Proud to be an Oxfordshire business and to see such a successful event in our county.”
Tim Grier, ODS (Oxford Direct Services)
“It was incredible to see one of Oxfordshire’s jewels playing such a part in world politics and history. It truly looked beautiful on the news channels. Well done Dominic and his team!”
Ruth Hawkins, Partner, Boardman, Hawkins & Osborne LLP
“What a great achievement by a Platinum member. It brings into stark reality the possibilities of merging opportunity with reality and putting in some hard work to make it all happen. To be a key component in facilitating the meeting of 45 heads of state, with all that encompasses takes a combination of skill, experience and passion. Well done to Dominic and his team.”
Roger Farrell, Director, Brookwood Accountancy
“Congratulations and thank you Dominic and team Blenheim, you have given us a very busy hotel this month!”
Gavin Webster, General Manager, Holiday Inn
“What a superb choice of venue for a European political community meeting. There are very pressing issues ahead on human trafficking, people smuggling and border control and the very least these European leaders can do is experience the world-class hospitality of Blenheim Palace in this beautiful backdrop of Oxfordshire whilst they work their way through their strategy. Good news also for the Oxfordshire economy and business community.”
Penny Rinta-Suksi, Partner, For and on behalf of Blake Morgan LLP
“Congratulations Dominic! The whole event looked great on TV. What a coup for you, Blenheim and Oxfordshire.”
Alison Haill, CEO, Oxford Professional Consulting
“Blenheim is a symbolic place with its legacy, striving for stability, balance of powers and peace, all of which are only possible if allies cooperate on all fronts!”
Helen Clarke, Vice Principal, Cherwell College
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