Warwick chef gives parents lessons in British food

A group of Coventry parents are receiving top class cookery tips from one of the conference industry’s leading chefs thanks to an initiative set up to celebrate British Food Fortnight.

The group, who will meet at Canley Children’s Centre in the city, will be advised by Graham Grump, executive chef at Warwick Conferences, part of the University of Warwick, for the three-week project. Their first of three sessions took place on Friday 27 August.

Graham, who has volunteered his time free of charge, is demonstrating to parents how to produce simple, healthy and low cost meals for the family, made with the freshest local ingredients.

Canley is one of eight Sure Start children’s centres in the city taking part in the trial initiative.

Graham Crump comments: “It is a pleasure to be involved in such a rewarding scheme. By spending this time with the parents, I hope to be able to pass on some simple and fantastic healthy meal ideas that the group will be able to go on to replicate for their children at home. And, once they can master these dishes I’m sure that they’ll go on to experiment in the kitchen further.

“Warwick Conferences is passionate about quality and exciting food and in catering for well over 200,000 hungry delegates each year, we’ve a few culinary tricks up our sleeves which I’m happy to be sharing with this great group of parents. Looking after a young family is tough work and it can be hard to find the time to produce meals that are healthy, fun to eat and realistic on a tight budget. I hope some of my enthusiasm for fresh, tasty and locally produced food rubs off on my ‘students’ and they give what they’ve learnt a go back at home with the family.”

British Food Fortnight runs from 18th September to 3rd October. The cooking lessons at Canley Children’s Centre take place on Fridays 27 August, 2nd and 10th September.

For further information visit http://www.warwickconferences.com/  and http://www.lovebritishfood.co.uk/

Arden Training and Conference Centre, Coventry, Midlands

Europe's largest corporate multisport festival 2011

The UK Corporate Games is Europe's largest corporate multi-sports festival and brings business' together to build employee confidence, loyalty and team spirit. Hosted at Loughborough University, the competition covers 23 different sports including volleyball, hockey, dragon boat racing and football.

Represent your company, business or organisation. The event is open to employees, clients, friends and family of all ages and abilities.  For more details about this award winning venue visit
imago at Burleigh Court International Conference Centre, Leicestershire

Anthony Lishman joins ABPCO Executive Committee

Conference Centres of Excellence is now represented on one of the country’s most significant conference industry bodies. Its Executive Director, Anthony Lishman, has been co-opted to join the executive committee of the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO).

ABPCO (www.abpco.org) is the leading UK organisation for professional conference and event organisers and their colleagues within the industry. It seeks to build fully effective working relationships between organisers and suppliers – including venues and other destinations -- within the sector, and also to provide advice and support for those studying for or building a career in the meetings industry. ABPCO members are required to deliver the highest business and ethical standards, in the management of national and international association and corporate conferences, seminars, meetings, exhibitions and special events.

“A presence close to the heart of ABPCO is testament to the significance of the specialist conference venues sector and what it stands for,” commented Anthony Lishman: “Like the Association, our members represent the pinnacle of professional facilities and services, and we are delighted to help guide those who seek to achieve the highest standards.”

Multi-million pound boost for Warwick Conferences

Warwick Conferences, has just announced that all three of its training and conference centres are set to benefit from a multi-million pound rolling refurbishment programme, starting this September.

The £2.6 million investment is indicative of Warwick Conferences’ continual quest to provide the best facilities and experience for the 200,000 delegates visiting the venues each year.

This latest round of works will see updates to residential, communal and conference areas around the estate, and will be completed by March 2012.

Alan Robinson, director of training and conference centres comments: “The rolling refurbishment programme reflects our commitment at Warwick Conferences to continually improve the facilities we have to offer. This is a significant multi-million pound investment and adds to the £7.9 million spent on refurbishments and upgrades to our facilities last year.

“The updates across the training and conference centres have been specifically designed to ensure that all of our delegates, including residential guests, are guaranteed to enjoy the best possible service and the latest in modern facilities, all within a comfortable environment.

“To make certain that we’re meeting the requirements and satisfaction of all of our guests, feedback from delegates has been taken on board and incorporated into the refurbishment plans.”
Scarman training and conference centre is set to benefit from a full bedroom refurbishment of all of its 204 bedrooms including redecoration, new furniture and a 22inch flat screen television in each room. Warwick Conferences has agreed on the final specification of the bedrooms following the introduction of four trial rooms at Scarman and collating customer comments before agreeing the final design. Works to the front entrance, reception, exercise and case study rooms are also planned.

Responding to delegates’ comments at Arden, new larger beds have been ordered to ensure that residential visitors get a great night’s sleep. Other transformations at Arden include newly decorated corridors, new lounge furniture, improvements to internal signage and a redecorated private dining room.

Radcliffe will receive refurbishment to the front and rear bar areas, its reception, further improvements to its bedrooms and extensive works in all lecture rooms.


Arden Training and Conference Centre, Coventry, Midlands

Event UK 21 - 22 September - will you be a winner ?

Taking place at the NEC Birmingham, Event UK brings together around 300 exhibitors including destinations, venues and event service suppliers as well as all the trimmings needed to transform your events into something amazing.  

Conference Centres of Excellence will be attending on Stand D701 alongside member venues Ashorne Hill, Kents Hill Park and Warwick Conferences.   Visitors to the stand will have the chance to win a bottle of champagne or a £300 Jimmy Choo gift voucher!  Save £30 and pre-register online at www.event-uk.com . 

 

Win a Jimmy Choo voucher worth £300 !

Visit Conference Centres of Excellence on Stand D701 at the NEC Birmingham 21-22 September - we'll be attending Event UK alongside member venue Kents Hill Park Training and Conference Centre who are offering one lucky visitor the chance to win a Jimmy Choo voucher worth £300!

To pre-register for the exhibition visit www.event-uk.com

Ashorne Hill Conference Centre - Warwickshire’s best kept secret

Hidden behind dense woodlands along the main Banbury to Warwick highway there is a cornucopia of educational activity continually taking place in a charming Grade II listed country house.

Ashorne Hill situated in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside has been a training provider to industry for over fifty years. The manor house is ideally situated, just 25 miles from Birmingham Airport but completely secluded within its two hundred acres. Ashorne Hill specialises in the development of team leaders and senior management, and in change management programmes achieved through people development.

There are 17 main meeting rooms and 29 syndicate rooms and a video conferencing suite is also available to enable delegates to join from remote locations.

Ashorne Hill’s commitment to continued improvement has once again been proven by the opening of a brand new meeting room at the Warwickshire based training and conference centre.

The Kenilworth room is now open for business; the recently refurbished office space is now a fantastic meeting room with capacity of up to 40 people theatre style. On the second floor the room has 5 large windows allowing vast amounts of natural light to enter. The room also boasts the Juliet balcony and offers stunning views of Ashorne Hill’s luscious grounds. The Kenilworth room also has use of the Broadway syndicate room just next door.

Accommodation has also recently undergone refurbishment and rooms now boast flat screen TVs and new ipod docking stations. 118 en suite bedrooms are decorated to a high standard.

Award winning chefs provide exceptional catering from home made cakes to excellent fine dining, and private dining facilities can be provided.

Ashorne Hill’s leisure facilities include a gym, sauna and hydro, squash court, floodlit tennis courts, woodland jogging trail and croquet lawn.

With such a wide range of facilities in such a gorgeous location, it’s not surprising that Ashorne Hill has opened its doors as a wedding venue. Licensed to hold civil weddings, the beautiful building and idyllic setting offer a fantastic backdrop for the ideal wedding. If required, Ashorne can provide exclusive use of the venue; including overnight accommodation for wedding guests – allowing them to enjoy their special day at Ashorne Hill to the full.

For more details about Ashorne Hill contact the CCE Hotline on 0845 230 1414 or meet them on Stand D701 at Event UK, NEC Birmingham 21-22 2010. 

Dare to be Different with DeVere - Special Midweek Offer from Latimer Place

Thinking BIG doesn’t have to cost mega in BUCKS

November 2010 (midweek bookings over 30 – 220 delegates) rates include:

- 1 in 10 free (DDR or 24 Hour rate)
- Complimentary private dining
- Use of activity field
- Pre & Post meeting available for the organiser
- Free Wi-fi
- Free Parking
- Ability to brand space with corporate identity
- Dedicated office during the event
- Secure storage area for duration of the event
- Dedicated event host to help run event smoothly

So move forward with us and Dare to be Different with DeVere

Call us on 0845 230 1414 and discuss how Latimer can provide the perfect solutions for your next event

Also ask about exclusive use options available - visit our website here ! Special Offers - Conference Centres of Excellence

Boost your Brain Power at Ashorne Hill - Special Offer 0845 230 1414

1st - 3rd September 2010 - 24hr rate £120 + VAT
Day Delegate Rate £32 + VAT

September 'Boost Your Brain Power'* - Delivered to your meeting room at Ashorne Hill

Special Offers - Conference Centres of Excellence

Free meeting room hire at Savoy Place, London

Alison Hardy at the IET announces that, with the agreement of the Trustees, there will be a twelve month trial period during which TPN members will be provided with a suitable room at Savoy Place (subject to availability) to run small (up to 50 people) events such as lectures and small scale seminars.

Read more at http://kn.theiet.org/communities/powergen/blog/free-room.cfm

Business Continuity Basics Training Course at Cotswold Conference Centre

This one day Business Continuity training course gives an overview of the principles and practice of Business Continuity Management, based on the Business Continuity Institute's Best Practice Guidelines, BS 25999, and 10 disciplines.

Cotswold Conference Centre - The award winning Cotswold Conference Centre is near Moreton-In-Marsh, which is 90 minutes on a direct line from London Paddington. We offer free transfers from Moreton-in-Marsh railway station and Birmingham International Airport/Railway Station if booked in advance.

For more information visit http://www.bsigroup.co.uk/

Woodland Grange Conference Centre hosts Social Enterprise West Midlands Summer School September 2010

Leaders of the region’s thriving social enterprise sector are heading back to the classroom later this year for the second West Midlands ‘Summer School’ to learn from some of the most influential people in UK business.

The two-day residential programme organised by Social Enterprise West Midlands, will give 40 senior delegates the chance to hone their skills in specialist areas, such as leadership development, performance management, managing growth and strategic marketing.

Entitled ‘Developing Your Social Enterprise’, the programme will be facilitated by Jon Argent, chief executive of Halo Leisure, one of the region’s flagship social enterprises. Interactive sessions will be run by leading experts Oliver Nymbhu (Caret) and Dr Catherine Sandler (Sandler Lanz) and other workshops will cover succession planning, dealing with public sector cuts, collaborative working and increasing private sector business.

The two day residential, which takes place at Woodland Grange Conference Centre in Leamington Spa 29th & 30th September, will strengthen the position of organisations that keep social and environmental goals at their core by exchanging best practice and helping them secure future sustainability.

For the latest industry updates from CCE - Follow us on LinkedIn

 Keep up to date and follow us on LinkedIn -

Significant investment brings Møller Centre a 20% increase in clients

Significant investment brings The Møller Centre a 20% increase in clients – and there’s more to come!  Read more at http://www.myvenues.co.uk/news/Venues/Significant-investment-brings-M%F8ller-Centre-a-20%25-increase-in-clients-%96-and-there%92s-more-to-come!/1865/

CPPD Centre for Personal & Professional Development

More information about CPPD courses at The Pitt Building, Cambridge will be available from 1st September - visit www.training.cam.ac.uk/cppd to find out more.

Win More Conferences and Events

An inspiring new training course from Tourism South East will set you on the right path to creating additional revenue from events and conference business - Thursday 9 December at Lane End Conference Centre

An important step forward for the meeting industry

Conference Centres of Excellence says that the recent meeting between the Business Visits & Events Partnership and the new Minister for Tourism is an important step forward for the meeting industry generally, and potentially for specialist conference venues in particular.

BVEP is a key ‘voice’ within the event industry, a leader in the effort to develop a competitive, high quality and more profitable business visits and events sector in Britain. Conference Centres of Excellence joined the group in 2007 to help represent the specialist conference venues sector.

BVEP’s chairman Michael Hirst met with Minister for Tourism John Penrose in July to discuss a number of issues. Mr Hirst said: "We had a good meeting and the minister was very switched on to the sector.” The minister agreed that bilateral meetings should continue to take place with his officials and BVEP on a regular basis.

“The meeting provided encouraging evidence that the Government understands the real significance of business tourism and the role of conference and events providers such as our members,” said Conference Centres of Excellence’s Executive Director Anthony Lishman (pictured), who represents the consortium at BVEP meetings: “ We hope it will come to recognise fully that, as the public sector comes even more pressure to cut costs, specialist venues provide a high value method of optimising expenditure on events and the receptiveness of those involved.”

Mr Lishman emphasised that its participation in the BVEP initiatives was not the only way in which Conference Centres of Excellence and its members were responding to the business challenge of economic pressures on the public and corporate sectors. “We are already capitalising on the versatility of the specialist venue concept in responding to changing patterns in demand and the nature of events,” he added: “ For example, our members are perfectly placed to respond to the increased need for training and teambuilding facilities, as organisations of all kinds seek to get the most out of a reducing workforce.”

Dining with Conference Centres of Excellence - Menu selections

Recipe of the month August 2010 - Herb Crusted Fillet of Lamb with Potato Gratin and a Minted Pea Puree from Ashley Holt at Wellcome Trust Conference Centre Dining with Conference Centres of Excellence - Menu selections

Five reasons why you should use external facilities for meeting and training

A Blog About Sports Five reasons why you should use external facilities

For more details about Lane End Conference Centre and other specialist venues contact the Conference Centres of Excellence Hotline 0845 230 1414 or visit http://www.cceonline.co.uk/

Special offer for Event Organisers - August 2010

Special offer for Event Organisers from Cotswold Conference Centre - August 2010

Free 8-hour delegate place for organiser or lead delegate
Free WiFi access
Reserved car parking space & help unloading & loading
Business services (photocopying & faxing)
Free B&B - bring your partner and share a double room for no additional charge
Free access to all on-site team building activities

For more details visit Cotswold Conference Centre, Midlands - Conference Centres of Excellence or call 0845 230 1414