The United Kingdom provides an unrivalled choice of destinations for the event planner. Whether you are looking for the vitality of a city centre location or the quite tranquillity afforded by a castle or country house - the choice is just incredible. Even the most unlikely location can provide an unexpected bonus.

Britain's first holiday resort is getting its act together

Over the years, this reviewer has been very closely connected with Scarborough. As a child, it alternated with Blackpool and Bridlington as a family holiday venue. As a teenager, it offered an alternative to the urban fleshpots of Leeds. When I started my career in a Leeds based advertising agency, one of the accounts I handled was, you've guessed it - Scarborough! Promoting the 'Queen of the Yorkshire Coast' as it was styled in the 60s and compiling the Scarborough guide made me something of an expert on what the resort had to offer.

In 2005, Cardiff has had two reasons to celebrate - its centenary as a city and 50 years as the capital of Wales.  Over recent years it has transformed itself, from a port exporting coal to the far flung corners of empire, to become one of the most exciting cities in Europe.

At first glance, Telford might not spring to mind as an event destination but a recent familiarity visit proved that this 'new town' is ideally situated to enable visitors to discover Shropshire's rich cultural, historical and industrial heritage.

The trend for offshore destinations has grown considerably in recent years. So much so, that some event managers and destination management companies have overlooked just how much choice is available right here on our own doorstep.

Speaking, on the 30 June 2005, at a dinner organised by Ambient Events Limited on behalf of The Marketing Group, in association with Britain in Europe, at Pride Park Stadium, Derby, senior Conservatives Lord Patten and Ken Clarke MP told business leaders from across the East Midlands that in the aftermath of French and Dutch No votes against the Constitutional Treaty, Europe must prioritise economic delivery for its electorates.