Farncombe hosts hostile environment awareness familiarisation event

Dealing with high threat or complex environments are not usually features of the working day but for organisations posting staff into these situations, Farncombe Conference Centre is running a familiarisation event on Monday 2 September.

The Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) course is a week-long training package run by specialist company Edson Tiger based in Exeter. The familiarisation event is aimed at senior HR managers and security managers.

From 10am to 1pm on 2 September, delegates will have the chance to sample elements of the package with a view to booking their staff onto the full, week-long course.

The HEAT package is intended to help organisations support staff who are being posted to complex or high threat environments. Challenges presented there may be due to conflict, political instability, a general lack of law and order or a specific threat to foreign nationals. 

As David Curran from Edson Tiger explains:

“We run these courses nationwide, working with major UK organisations. With 400 acres of land in a quiet location, Farncombe Estate is the perfect place to demonstrate many of the techniques we advocate such as helping to understand your environment, low profile threat avoidance and, if things do go wrong, how to respond appropriately.

“Military expertise within the business, and following closely the approaches taken by the Diplomatic Service and the Intelligence and Security Services, means we can provide practical and realistic course content and delivery methods, including the use of appropriate scenario training”.

The morning concludes with a complimentary lunch in the Farncombe restaurant followed by a chance to explore Farncombe Conference Centre.

For more information please call 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline.co.uk

Nottingham Conference Centre achieves leading industry accreditation

Nottingham Conference Centre has recently received the Accredited in Meetings (AIM) Gold standard award. AIM is the nationwide 'kitemark' for venues and service providers in the meetings, conference and events industry.

Administered by the meetings industry association (mia) and endorsed by Visit Britain, Visit England and the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers, AIM is awarded to venues that have met or exceeded 50 criteria including customer service, quality of facilities, compliance with codes of conduct and corporate social responsibility.

AIM Gold is the highest level of the accreditation and demonstrates a venue’s compliance with a more stringent set of criteria, completing a self-assessment, producing a portfolio of evidence in support of its application and receiving a visit from an independent assessor.

Jennifer Canto, Nottingham Conference Centre business development and sales manager, said: “We believe this is an important accreditation within the industry, showing customers the level of standards we are operating at.

“As an AIM accredited supplier we are committed to making our clients’ events a success and by using our expertise we strive to exceed the highest standards.”

Jane Longhurst, mia chief executive, added: “AIM is a mark of reassurance to meetings buyers; a demonstration that a venue is compliant, competent and capable. When a venue has achieved AIM Gold, buyers know the facilities will be of the highest standard and that they will receive service that is second to none with exceptional catering and hospitality.”

For more information please call 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline.co.uk

Warwick Conferences harnesses future industry talent

As Warwick Conferences’ apprentice scheme draws to the end of a successful first year, the next band of selected recruits are getting ready to embark on the second instalment of the training programme.

Participants in the apprenticeship—partnered with Stratford-upon-Avon college—spend four days a week gaining valuable hands-on experience at Warwick Conferences’ facilities, and one day a week working towards an NVQ at Stratford college.

Each apprentice also receives a mentor from their department and is encouraged to attend regular meetings and skills workshops to ensure their employability is maximised by the time they complete the scheme.

The five apprentices from the 2012/2013 cohort will celebrate their success at a special graduation dinner hosted by Warwick Conferences on 20th August.

One current apprentice, Sam Bagworth, impressed his managers so much over the course of the year that he has been offered a full-time permanent position at Conference Park.

Sam comments: “My time at Warwick Conferences has definitely provided me with an invaluable insight into the meeting and conferencing industry.

“The varied and relevant experience that I have gained over the past year is testament to the quality of the scheme on offer. I now feel prepared and excited about beginning my career at Warwick Conferences.”

In September, the scheme will welcome a group of six new starters—all of whom were selected from around 80 applicants following an assessment day and panel interviews with Warwick staff.

Three of the chosen applicants for 2013/14 will undertake a chef apprenticeship working with the centres’ award-winning menus, while three will rotate around each department of the business, including housekeeping, reception, restaurant, conference assistance and kitchen.

Richard Harrison, General Manager at Warwick Conferences’ Scarman centre, comments: “We are delighted to see that the first year of the apprentice scheme has been such a success and how our first participants have risen to the challenge.

“Apprentices are absolutely essential to the growth of the meetings and conferences industry, and Warwick Conferences is dedicated to nurturing and encouraging its future talent.

“It is therefore paramount that our apprentice scheme provides a comprehensive and applicable training programme to ensure that our apprentices graduate stood in good stead for their futures – and for the future of the industry.

“We wish our first apprentices the very best of luck in their careers, and look forward to welcoming the next group of six participants on board in September.”

For more information please call us on 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline.co.uk

The Møller Centre are Spartan Tough!

Many of us have seen the promotions and signs at the side of the road, “Are you Spartan Tough?” Well, The Møller Centre staff team is going to find out if they are!

 Ten motivated members of staff from the Centre have volunteered to descend upon Carver Barracks in Saffron Walden on the 1st September to take part in this adventure. This charitable event is run in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, The Møller Centre’s nominated charity for 2013.

Stefan Mitham, Key Account Manager of The Møller Centre and member of The Møller Centre’s Spartan race team, comments: “I am always looking for the next sporting challenge, and the Spartan Race ticks the box completely. It will be a gruelling course but I know Team Møller will be fully prepared to be Spartan Tough! Raising money for Macmillian Cancer Support will give us the motivation required to complete the race on the 1st September.”

Charlotte Darlow from Macmillan Cancer Support also commented: “It is fantastic that The Møller Centre is taking part in the Spartan Race. The funds raised will be used to support people affected by cancer, enabling Macmillan to offer medical, practical, financial and emotional support. We are 98% funded by voluntary donations; therefore it is corporate partnerships like these that enable us to support the 2 million people living with cancer in the UK today.”

To find out more information on the team’s preparations and how to support them to raise funds for this excellent cause, please click here.

Muggy's guest appearance at The Møller Centre

Muggy the mascot made a guest appearance at The Moller Centre, and enjoyed a cup of coffee with staff. 

Muggy is Macmillan Cancer Support's World's Biggest Coffee Morning mascot, and visits various Macmillan supporters, like The Moller Centre, prior to the World's Biggest Coffee Morning which is held annually at the end of September. The Moller Centre will be co-organising a coffee morning with Churchill College at 10-11.30am on the 27th September where staff and clients can enjoy this charitable event.

Summer Networking Event at Engineers House

Live jazz, sunshine, a free running bar….. A summer networking event at Engineer’s House in Bristol on 3rd July attracted 230 guests who gathered at our historic venue.

One of the highlights of the evening was an open-top tour bus which escorted delegates on a sight-seeing tour of the famous Clifton Downs and Avon Gorge every thirty minutes.

According to Martyn Bowen, venue manager at Engineers’ House, Bristol was buzzing for days after with talk of the event.

“ We made a huge effort to ensure that it was a highly productive and enjoyable networking event. We had 34 exhibition stands throughout our lounges and board room, including five leading venue finders; Venue Select, In Any Event, Conference Centres of Excellence, Browns, Moulton Marketing and Destination Bristol. The Referral Institute UK & Europe gave lectures on maximising business opportunities through referral partners so it was an informative yet enjoyable experience for all.

“Our executive chef created a delicious BBQ made from locally sourced, fresh ingredients and we had goodie bags for all attending. The icing on the cake was the weather – we couldn’t have asked for a better summer’s evening.”

For more information call 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline.co.uk

Summer Sunshine at Missenden Abbey

Around 1,200 people enjoyed the sunshine at the Summer Fair and Craft Market at Missenden Abbey Conference Centre, helping to raise about £1,500 for The Thomas Ball Children's Cancer Fund.

The ten-acre grounds of the 12th century Abbey, in London Road, Great Missenden, were filled with crafts and entertainment stalls, and people enjoyed live music and demonstrations of falconry and dog agility, as well as a beer tent, BBQ and raffle. The event was a great success and touched the hearts of the local community being that Thomas Ball was from the area. The Thomas Ball Children's Cancer Fund is Missenden Abbeys chosen charity for the year and will be continuing to fundraise over coming months.

Jessica Levett, Sales Executive at Missenden Abbey, was also interviewed on BBC Three Counties Radio on Saturday 29 June about the event and the station’s presenter, ‘Nifty Nia’, also stopped off at the summer fair as part of a treasure hunt around the area.

Missenden Abbey

From the moment you walk through the doors you will be won over by the Abbey’s beauty, history and tranquility.The purpose built training and accommodation wing ensures that guests have the modern conference facilities required to deliver exceptional training.

The beautiful 12th Century Abbey is surrounded by 10 acres of Chiltern grounds that provides a relaxing and informal environment.

Gold, Silver and Shiny Stars at the Manor House

It’s been a summer of success at the Manor House Conference Centre in Godalming which has accumulated gold, silver and shiny stars over the summer. 

At the start of the season, it achieved a VenueVerdict Gold Standard Accreditation from BDRC Continental for the second quarter 2013, which ended in June. 

BDRC Continental collect feedback to measure how likely the Manor House’s meetings customers are to recommend it. Of the nearly 375 hotels and venues nationally who took part in the scheme in the quarter, only 33 got the net promoter score of +70 or more necessary to win the Gold Standard Accreditation. The Manor House is the only venue to gain the accreditation in the Surrey area. 

In July, following an unannounced inspection from officers of Waverley Borough Council's Environmental Health Department, The Manor House’s five star food hygiene rating was re-confirmed.

The inspectors checked all aspects of the food production process from the delivery of raw ingredients to the time it is served to customers, giving it a big thumbs up. The official score will be recorded as part of Scores on the Doors, the national scheme that allows diners to see the ratings of every establishment that makes and sells food in the UK.

In August, the Manor House learned that it had retained its VisitEngland 4 star Guest Accommodation rating and Silver Award for quality. “This was really the icing on the cake,” remarks Centre Manager Howard Canning “as we had no inkling that a rating visit was due.”

“It’s been a great summer. We had our busiest month ever in July and we’ve accumulated all these plaudits as well!”  says Canning, who is also waiting to learn whether the Manor House will be shortlisted in the Beautiful South awards, run by Tourism South East. “For those staying, the 4 star Guest Accommodation rating is a real indication of quality and hospitality” he continues. “For diners, 5 star food hygiene means knowing that their meal has been safely produced, whilst the Gold Standard Accreditation is an indication that many others are happy to recommend the Manor House’s meetings facilities and services.”

For more information please call 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline.co.uk

Burleigh Court retains silver standard for service

The multi-award winning team at imago’s international conference centre Burleigh Court has retained the prestigious VisitBritain Silver Award for the second year running.  

Awarded for exceptional standards of hospitality including customer service, catering, housekeeping and the quality of bedrooms, the Burleigh Court team achieved an impressively high rating of 83 per cent. This was a three per cent improvement overall on the previous year; with service up by 18 per cent, and housekeeping by 16 per cent. 

In addition to the Silver rating, VisitBritain again presented the ‘Breakfast Award’ to Burleigh Court. This accolade is given to venues which offer a high-quality and extensive breakfast, supported by service and hospitality that exceeds the requirements expected of a four star rating.

Guy Hodge, Operations Manager at Burleigh Court, said: “The whole Burleigh team is immensely proud to retain the prestigious Silver status, which couldn’t have happened without the support and enthusiasm of our expert staff. 

“As in previous years, positive comments about the team give me the greatest sense of satisfaction and pride. They reflect both their highly motivated and upbeat attitudes, which were highlighted by VisitBritain. We’re particularly pleased to have improved on our previous score and will strive to do the same next year.”  

Burleigh Court is located near to junction 23 of the M1 on Loughborough University campus. It has 26 air-conditioned meeting rooms and a total of 225 en-suite bedrooms, with a range of facilities to suit all needs. Other on site features include a well-equipped gym complete with swimming pool, sauna and a spa offering a range of relaxing treatments. 

For more information please call 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline.co.uk

What's new at Kents Hill Park...

We are always looking at ways to improve the delegate experience at Kents Hill Park.  While everyone is getting ready for their summer breaks, we thought now would be a good time to recap everything we have been up to in the first part of the year and also give you a sneak peek of what we have planned for the rest of the year.

The first phase of the refurbishment of Nightingale has been completed. We have transformed the ground floor meeting room area into a vibrant and engaging space.  We are now moving on to the first floor area to give it the same make over.   As with the ground floor, we will do the work over weekends and quiet times, so we never disturb our customers. 

Last month we increased the speed of our free high speed Wi-Fi again. As technology is moving so quickly and the demand on our systems keeps increasing, we plan to keep increasing the speed of our internet provisions. That way you can always be sure of a fast and reliable service. 

In the restaurant our new look deli bar and deserts counter have been getting rave reviews. Our contemporary twists on classic dishes keep delegates alert and energised all day. You will also see the GDA information for our dishes displayed in our restaurant along with information on our Eat Seasonably campaign and fair trade. Keep an eye out over the next few months for our new look hot counters.  

In accommodation we have replaced all the TV’s in Kingfisher House and by the end of the year; we will have replaced the TV sets in Heron House and moved all the rooms to free view.  This will leave us Lapwing to complete next year.  We will be continuing soft refurbishment of our accommodation in the autumn with new linen. We are shortlisting the designs this month and will post pictures on our Twitter and Facebook pages as soon as we have made our final decision. 

If you want to keep up-to-date with everything happening at Kents Hill Park, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.  We post regular updates and also some exclusive behind the scenes photos.  

Upgrade to CEME Conference Centre's Executive Meeting Room

Whether you book our 'state-of-the-art'  POD theatre or one of our 17 meeting rooms or perhaps try our newly decorated luxury Executive room - our staff are always friendly and helpful. We like to ensure your event, whether a small round the table meeting or larger conference is well-organised. You will find our 'not-for-profit' regeneration charity venue a very cost-effective solution to all you meeting requirements.

We are the perfect venue being located in Rainham, Essex which is just 15 minutes from Canary Wharf and close to the City (C2C and District Line) and we understand your logistical challenges and can organise door-to-door pick-up in luxury coaches for large meetings to ensure your meeting time is productive and seamless from start to finish.   All this and a 5th of City prices! 

Installation of Wireless Apple Presentation system

As part of this upgrade to our Executive meeting room we have also through Savilles installed an ultra-modern Apple wireless presentation system and from January we will roll out this wireless presentation system in all our meeting rooms

CEME Conference Centre is a Gold accredited ultra-modern events and meetings venue offering innovative and flexible solutions for all your meetings requirements from high-tech conference auditorium – the POD Theatre to small meeting rooms, conference, exhibition and outdoor space.

CEME deliver hundreds of meetings and events each year with ‘state of the art’ meeting space from as little as £80.00 per day and can host product launches, presentations, award ceremonies, training seminars, conferences and exhibitions and cater for up to 600 delegates.

Keep your finger on the pulse with Weetwood Hall's August offers

Where learning happens…

… in one of the finest conference centres in the North of England. 

Keep your finger on the pulse this summer and make the most of Weetwood Hall’s discounted August room hire rates:

• Meeting room hire for up to 14 delegates with unlimited tea and coffee – £100*.
• Meeting room hire for up to 18 delegates with unlimited tea and coffee – £125*. 

Rates are available on bookings made for dates before 31 August 2013. 

*applicable to new meetings only, subject to availability. 

Weetwood Hall

Set within 9 acres of woodland and gardens the award winning Weetwood Hall is one of the finest conference centres in the North of England.

With 36 conference rooms it is one of the few Leeds hotels to offer extensive free parking and was the first conference centre in the north to be awarded AIM gold accreditation by the Meetings Industry Association for its facilities, services and customer care.

for full details visit our website

Edinburgh First Drums up Accommodation for the Military Tattoo

Edinburgh First is, once again, supporting one of the city’s most popular annual attractions at its Pollock Halls site.

More than 700 performers from the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will be looked after during the month of August by the accommodation specialists, who manage a portfolio of distinctive venues, catering and event services at the University of Edinburgh.

For the third year running, Pollock Halls will be full in the month of August and Edinburgh First will offer full-board accommodation for the visitors who provide entertainment at one of the world’s spectacular and iconic shows.

Chris Barnes of Edinburgh First, said: “The Military Tattoo is truly one of the highlights of Edinburgh’s calendar and we need to ensure all involved are taken care of to the highest level.

“It is a great privilege to host so many of the cast, who come from all corners of the world, and we want to make everyone feel at home, which is why we organise a huge welcome BBQ and support a range of other activities and social events for them.  After each performance, there is an after-show bar for the cast to relax and for younger members there is a film and games room. 

“We are more than happy to get involved as the show is not just important to Edinburgh, but to the whole of Scotland. It is great for the University to be able to demonstrate its support for the City and its major world-famous events.”

Edinburgh First offers event delivery, catering and accommodation at the University of Edinburgh and re-invests all its profits to support future generations of students. Not only does Edinburgh First provide year-round accommodation but it can also plan all the essentials of your event.

For more details call us on 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline.co.uk