Narnia weaves a magical winter spell over Farncombe

It was only an end-of-year conference, but delegates couldn’t believe their eyes when they stepped into a winter wonderland at Farncombe Conference Centre near Broadway in the Cotswolds this week.

For the largest meeting room had been transformed into the fantastical realm of Narnia, complete with Aslan the Lion and giant polar bears.

For one night only, the entrance to the 150-seater conference space was remodelled to resemble two enormous wardrobe doors.  Once inside, guests were amazed to find a snow scene draped in white and sparkling blue light. There was a dashing white sleigh, an “ice throne” photo booth and a winter’s disco. 

“It was fabulous to see our lovely buildings transformed into a magical other world,” says Farncombe General Manager Gillian Roe.  “Just the night before, we were host to a Masquerade Ball. We have such a beautiful setting and the only limit is the imagination.”

Real live reindeer shared the terrace for pre-dinner drinks at the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe theme party.  Guests went on to dine and dance the night away.  But the next morning, as mysteriously as it came, the fabled world of Narnia had vanished into the winter air.

Wyboston Lakes Rates 'Outstanding' in Sunday Times 'Best Companies' Survey for a second year

Conference, training and leisure venue Wyboston Lakes has achieved a two out of a possible three-star rating in the prestigious Sunday Times ‘Best Companies’ accreditation standard. This has been awarded for a second year in a row.  The two-star status, awarded on the basis of employee feedback, means that the venue is considered an ‘outstanding’ employer in terms of the way it engages with its staff.  The company has also been award a place in the Sunday Times Best Companies top ‘100 Best Companies to work for’ ranking.

“We fundamentally believe that a highly engaged team will make the customer experience and we know that a disengaged one will break it. We live or die by the positive experiences we give to our customers - be they with us for training, a conference, a hotel stay, golf or to use our fabulous Y Spa. We are truly delighted to be recognised again for the second year running” said Mark Jones, managing director of Wyboston Lakes: “To achieve such a high rating in these world-renowned awards is a source of enormous pride throughout the organisation.”

This year marks the 15th year for the Best Companies ranking.  Best Companies have been producing the Accreditation standard since 2006 to acknowledge excellence in the workplace. Accreditation is a focus on Workplace Engagement as an integral component of an organisation's success and growth. Every organisation that goes for Best Companies Accreditation is given a Best Companies Index score (BCI). This score (on a scale of 1 to 1000) is defined from employee’s responses to questions within the Best Companies survey. Michelin-style star ratings are then determined from that score, with one star acknowledged as ‘very good’, two stars as ‘outstanding’ and three stars as ‘extraordinary’.

This accreditation is regarded as among the UK’s most reliable and thorough processes for assessing the merits of organisations from all sectors in terms of the way they encourage, motivate and generally engage with their employees.

Wyboston Lakes is now waiting to hear which position they will hold within the Sunday Times ‘100 Best Companies to work for’. The final rankings will be announced at an awards dinner, February 2015.

Missenden Abbey Conference Centre's hidden secrets soon to be uncovered

Bucks New University's Missenden Abbey Conference Centre is set to be the focus of an interesting community project which will see the completion and digitisation of original records made during an excavation of the Abbey site 30 years ago, when many fascinating medieval and post medieval objects were discovered.

The 12th Century abbey site, based in London Road, Great Missenden, was founded in 1113 and was one of the early monasteries in southern England. It was excavated during the 1980s and among the archaeologists' findings were several complete human skeletons, animal bones, coins, glass and pottery. 

Some of the items, such as stained glass, are on display at the Abbey but the majority of the finds and relevant documents were stored at the County Museum Resource Centre  in Aylesbury. However museum staff, archaeologists and volunteers have now established the Community Archaeology Project with the primary task being to complete the identification of finds, and to digitise and document all the original excavation plans and records. They are planning to publish the results of this work so that more people can discover the history of the Abbey and how people lived there in medieval times.

The Community Archaeology Project relies on crowd funding and direct donations to generate support for the work, and aims to raise £4,000 through local communities keen to discover the history of the Abbey.

The Abbey now exists as a dedicated conference, wedding and events venue owned by Bucks New University. Katie Shrives, Marketing Executive at Missenden Abbey Conference Centre, said: "It will be fantastic to discover the hidden secrets of the Abbey and to better understand the history of the place. To have the findings recorded and digitised is very important to us and I'm sure what is produced will be something many people would be keen to explore."

The Community Archaeology Project leader, Dr Yvonne Edwards, from the Chess Valley Archaeological & Historical Society (CVAHS), added: "We are delighted with the progress made on this project so far. Most of the finds are now recorded and the plans, maps and photos digitized. We very much hope the final effort during 2015 will allow us to get this valuable information into the public record." 

The complete history of Missenden Abbey, including all of the information acquired during excavation and recent researches, will be produced as a fully illustrated book. Members of the public will be able to view and purchase copies of the book from the Museum Resource Centre and the County Museum in Aylesbury, and longer term there are plans for the book to be available online.

To support the Community Archaeology Project, go to www.crowdfunded.microplasts.org/projects/living-and-dying-at-great-missenden-abbey.

Alternatively you can send a donation to Honorary Treasurer, CVAHS Missenden Abbey Project, Hollybank, Botley Road, Chesham HP5 1XG.

Leicester Conferences ‘highly commended’ in Tourism Awards

Leicester Conferences has been highly commended in the Business Tourism category at the Leicester and Leicestershire Excellence in Tourism Awards 2014.

The team beat off competition from other local venues. The category winner was another organisation with close links to the University – the National Space Centre.

Emma Rathbone, Conference Sales and Marketing Executive, said, ‘We are delighted to be highly commended in the Best Business Tourism category. We were the overall winners in this category last year so we didn’t really expect to receive any recognition again this year. To be highly commended given the level of competition is a great achievement.’

The Awards, created by Leicester Shire Promotions and now in their third year, celebrate the excellent work that a wide range of attractions, accommodation providers, restaurants, pubs and event organisers undertake to ensure their customers have the best possible experience.

The Business Tourism category is aimed at organisations at the forefront of the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector of the tourism industry. In particular, it seeks to reward innovation in products and services, and improvements to quality and infrastructure.

Meet the EEF Venues team: Kristen Pilarek

EEF Venues has expanded its hospitality team at Woodland Grange conference centre in Leamington Spa with the appointment of Kristen Pilarek as assistant food & beverage manager.

Before joining the AIM Gold accredited venue on 20thOctober, Kristen was previously food beverage supervisor with Hilton Hotels in Coventry.

Commenting on her new role, Kristen said:” I am really enjoying it so far and look forward to the challenges my new role brings. The team are all very welcoming and have made me feel totally comfortable.  It is great to be working with like-minded people who share a passion for great food and service. “

Kristen is now working closely with Debbie Beecham, Woodland Grange’s food and beverage manager, to ensure that standards remain consistently high in The Lawn’s Restaurant and right across the venue’s food offering, from tasting plates and hospitality to fine dining events.

David Vaughton, director of venues for EEF Venues, believes that exciting, innovative food drives retention and client loyalty.

He said: “While location, accessibility and the availability of meeting room spaces drive sales, it is food and service that impact on repeat business,” he said. ’Clients remember how well they were treated and the quality of the food - and that is why they come back.

“We view Kristen’s appointment as part of our on-going investment in the venue and its services.”

Kristen, whose other passions are music and fashion, is now using her skills to maximise the food experience for delegates.

She said:” This is a new role for Woodland Grange and I am keen to bring my experience to it. I enjoy a challenge and there’s lots to look forward to in the coming weeks at Woodland Grange, with a whole series of Christmas parties throughout the busy festive season ahead.”

AIM Gold for Woodland Grange

Woodland Grange conference centre in Leamington Spa has achieved AIM Gold in the stringent Accredited in Meetings (AIM) assessment – the nationwide 'kitemark' for accredited venues and service providers in the UK meetings, conference and events industry. This is the third time that the venue has achieved this mark of excellence which is awarded every three years to a select portfolio of venues throughout the UK.

Ian Chaplin, general manager of Woodland Grange said: ”We first gained this important accolade in 2008 so this is great credit to the team for their consistent attention to detail and customer care excellence over the years.  On-going investment in our facilities and in our people keeps standards high and we are constantly looking at new ways to improve the experience for our delegates.

“From a business development perspective, having AIM Gold status gives us a considerable competitive advantage, particularly as many organisations use procurement specialists and agents who will only use AIM accredited venues.  AIM Gold is the ultimate benchmark of quality so to have achieved this places Woodland Grange within the top tier of UK venues.”   

Named ‘Business of the Year’ in this year’s Touch FM Pride of Warwick District Awards, Woodland Grange has recently completed a £120K refurbishment project and has recorded its best trading month to date in October, with revenue up 13% over the same month last year. 

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

Moor Hall – A Conference Centre of Excellence

Moor Hall Conference Centre in Cookham has long held a national reputation as a first class venue for meetings and events and now they have received confirmation of their status with their inclusion in The Conference Centres of Excellence consortium.

Home to The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) for over 40 years Moor Hall has played host to thousands of events and conferences at its 9 acre site and this recognition comes as reward to Claire Pearce, General Manager of Moor Hall Conference Centre and her team of highly experienced event managers and organisers.

‘We are one of the very few venues in the area that is dedicated exclusively to hosting business events and we are delighted to be awarded the status as a Conference Centre of Excellence’. In addition to rating our meeting rooms and accommodation facilities as excellent the assessors were particularly impressed by our provision of full on-site technical and operational support’.

Moor Hall is one of only 30 Conference Centres of Excellence in the UK and as CCE Membership Director Alan Robinson explains it is easy to see why they have been included.

‘Conference Centres of Excellence is the leading organisation of its type in the country, we assess each venue on its suitability and Moor Hall meets every requirement perfectly in offering a first class purpose built and completely distraction free working environment. That it enjoys a location so close to the motorway network yet maintains an almost tranquil charm is an undoubted bonus.

Claire Pearce concludes ‘it is a privilege to serve the business community of Berkshire and I am delighted that we are able to provide a service that they can be proud of’.

Conference@SaïdOxford joins the MIA (Meeting Industry Association) and achieves AIM Accreditation.

Conference@SaïdOxford, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford has joined the MIA, one of the fastest growing associations in the conference, meetings and events sector.

The AIM accreditation demonstrates the high standards we adhere to in order to deliver a first class conference venue with a first class service.

Gaining industry accreditation and achieving recognition for our conference venues is hugely rewarding, as well as ensuring a kite mark of quality assurance for our customers.

Conference@SaïdOxford is one of the UK’s leading conference, meeting and event providers with high quality function and event spaces and superb bar and entertainment facilities.

We have two unique and diverse world class venues to choose from, each equipped with the latest audio-visual facilities and having a dedicated, friendly team on hand to take care of your every last detail.

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

Burleigh Court first to achieve Gold with Green Tourism’s new assessment criteria

imago’s four star hotel Burleigh Court is once again celebrating after being awarded Gold by the Green Tourism Business Scheme.

It is the third time in a row Burleigh Court has achieved the Gold standard. The latest assessment was marked against the new Green Tourism Version 5 Criteria making Burleigh Court the first hotel in England to achieve the accolade. Green Tourism is the national sustainable tourism certification scheme for the UK. Originally developed in partnership with Visit Scotland, it is now the only certification scheme validated by Visit Britain, through the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) and is the largest and most sustainable tourism certification programme in the world.  

With a strong sustainability agenda and a forward thinking approach on issues such as energy, recycling, wastage, procurement and social responsibility, the Loughborough-based hotel and conference centre excelled in criteria which judged the environmental impact of its green policy and the resulting benefit to staff, customers and the local community. 

imago has been recognised for its comprehensive monitoring of energy, water and wastage across all areas of the business to ensure annual  targets are achieved. The hotel also strives to support the community and encourage sustainability by sourcing local produce and supporting local producers and suppliers. It has recently launched a range of ‘Taste of Leicestershire’ menus that includes a payback scheme to raise money for local charities. 

Guy Hodge, Operations Manager at Burleigh Court, comments: “We are thrilled to have retained our gold award for the third time in six years. What makes this achievement all the more satisfactory is that Green Tourism’s standards have been raised and we are the first hotel in England to receive gold with their new auditing criteria. We are passionate about sustainability and ensure all team members are involved and play a part in our green culture. Initiatives such as our cycle to work and staff car share scheme continue to make a difference whilst our green policy, which includes ideas such as recycling food waste and greywater, extends across the whole hotel.  We see sustainability as much more than our efforts to save water and energy - it is also about improving the service we provide which benefits our guests and the community.” 

  

Stuart Park, senior grading officer with Green Tourism said: “Burleigh Court has demonstrated once again that it is one of the leading green hotel and conference centres in the UK, securing Gold under the new Green Tourism Version 5 Criteria. This is the first hotel in England to achieve the accolade, indicative of the determination of the enthusiastic team in introducing and improving sustainability measures within the hotel, and continuing to work very closely with the community and region. Efforts have been made year on year improving low impact technology, such as installing more LED lighting throughout the building, showcasing many local food and drink producers on the menu as well as being an ambassador for sustainable tourism practices – something other aspiring hotels in East Midlands should be aware of.” 

Burleigh Court has achieved much success over the last 12 months, being awarded AIM Gold, Investors in People Gold and winning Gold in the Large Hotel of the Year category at both the   Leicestershire Tourism Awards and VisitEngland National Tourism Awards for Excellence. 

Launched in 2003, imago unifies Loughborough University’s conference and events venues under one brand, providing high quality meeting spaces, venues and accommodation along with excellent sports and leisure facilities. As well as Burleigh Court, imago’s portfolio of venues includes Holywell Park, Loughborough University’s conference and events facilities and The Link Hotel. 

imago wins gold at Leicester and Leicestershire Excellence in Tourism Awards

imago wins gold at Leicester and Leicestershire Excellence in Tourism Awards

For the second year in succession, imago’s Burleigh Court has won Gold in the Hotel of the Year category at the Leicester and Leicestershire Excellence in Tourism Awards. 

Hosted by Leicester Shire Promotions, the awards celebrate excellence in service and were presented at a gala dinner at the Leicester Mecure Grand Hotel last week (November 20, 2014). Burleigh Court, which is located in Loughborough, beat off stiff competition to win the award which was collected by imago's Head of Sales and Marketing Emma Boynton and Burleigh Court reception and bar team members Katie Walker and Kieran Teasdale.  

Burleigh Court will now progress to the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, for which it is currently the title holder in the Large Hotel of the Year category. 

Burleigh Court, part of imago’s portfolio of venues, is a four star conference centre and hotel with 26 meeting rooms, 150 square metres of exhibition space, 225 bedrooms, bar, restaurant and leisure club which offers guests a well-equipped gym complete with swimming pool, sauna and a spa offering a range of relaxing treatments.

Emma Boynton, Head of Sales and Marketing at imago, comments: “Once again Burleigh Court has been recognised for offering our guests high quality facilities and service. We take pride in everything we do, from the moment a guest arrives to the time they leave in order to make their stay as comfortable as possible. Winning awards such as this is a testament to the hard work of the entire team and I would like to thank them for their enthusiasm and commitment in helping us achieve our goals. This is a fantastic accolade for the venue and our hard working, customer focused staff.”

imago unifies Loughborough University's conference and catering activities under one brand. Burleigh Court is one of the UK's leading residential conference centres and provides the ideal environment for training and conference events.

New era for Farncombe Conference Centre

General Manager Gillian has big plans for award-winning venue

Farncombe Conference Centre near Broadway in the Cotswolds has appointed a new General Manager to oversee the operation of its conferences, events, weekend courses and growing leisure business.

Gillian Roe, aged 47, is a leading venue and events manager with experience of launching and transforming hotels and venues around the UK.  She joins Farncombe this autumn with the aim of steering the business through an exciting stage in its evolution.

“I want to redefine Farncombe into a place you can’t define!” she says.  “It has a wonderful history of conferencing and events. But the rule book hasn’t yet been written here and there’s so much we want to achieve. It’s really exciting to be part of the start of something new.”

Gillian’s career began at venues like Alveston Manor in Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford’s famous Randolph Hotel. She has been General Manager of many more, including the Bull Hotel in Gerrards Cross, Bowden Hall in Gloucester, the Mill and Old Swan in Minster Lovell and Warbrook House in Hampshire, the last two for De Vere Venues. She also launched the Holiday Inn, Oxford in 2001.

 “I have always had a leaning towards conferencing and events,” says Gillian.  “At The Bull and Warbrook House we would do 120 weddings a year. I have also been privileged to work in places with extensive grounds. What I love about Farncombe is that this beautiful 400-acre estate has great people and so much potential.”

New wave of leisure guests

At the heart of the estate is the 87-bedroom Farncombe Conference Centre, where companies like Balfour Beatty, Ecover and NFU Mutual meet for conferences, training and team-building. At the weekends, the village of buildings becomes home to Farncombe Courses, a much-loved programme of art and crafts, history topics and music-making.  

Gillian’s brief is to integrate these businesses with a new wave of leisure guests seeking an affordable but wonderfully-located Cotswold break. New business licences mean that holiday makers are just beginning to appreciate the venue’s long views over the Vale of Evesham and its peaceful, well-managed parkland setting. 

She will also be delivering an exciting proposition for business customers looking for new ways to stage their training and inspire their teams. Think giant bean bags, campfire meetings and a wide range of outdoor challenges.

 “Farncombe is different to anywhere else I’ve worked,” says Gillian, “and we need to embrace that.  We are going to let our highly-individual flag fly!”

Wyboston Lakes Chefs scoop awards at Chefs Challenge.

Wyboston Lakes is delighted to announce that two of their chefs won awards in this year’s 16th Annual CCE Chefs Challenge Competition on 25 October.

Claire Willet, Chef de Partie, took home awards for 'Best Hygiene' and 'Best Dessert' and Keiron Toner, Chef de Partie, and Linda Zilberta, Senior F&B Supervisor, won the Chairman’s Award for Best Team Work.

“We are thrilled that both of our chefs took home awards at this year’s Annual CCE Chefs Challenge Competition.  They have both been working so hard in perfecting their dishes and skills for the challenge and their hard work has certainly paid off.  They are brilliant assets to our team and with the support of Linda and our service team the future of Wyboston Lakes looks bright.”  Paul Rhodes – Hotel Manager.

The chefs had to prepare a three course meal suitable for a conference banquet, using game for their main course.  The competition included a Food Service Skills award, to encourage food service staff to take part and support their chef colleague.  Claire Willet who won awards for ‘Best Hygiene’ and ‘Best Dessert’ served pan fried scallops, razor clam, cauliflower cous, beurre noisette purée, pancetta and lemon to start.  For mains she served stuffed breast of guinea fowl, croquette offal and wild mushroom cannelloni, peas, crispy skin and consommé.  Her award winning dessert was an apple bakewell tart with blackberry sorbet, cider jelly and almonds.

The long established competition invites chefs who work in any of the nationwide Conference Centres of Excellence venues to take part in a cook-off competition where their skills are put to the test with specific criteria for their menu, providing an opportunity to test culinary talents in a head-to-head competition with exceptional standards.

The competition is a great stepping stone for young chefs to go on to higher profile competitions nationwide and is endorsed by the British Culinary Federation.  Each chef receives a certificate and one year’s free membership of the BCF. 

Woodland Grange team bowled over by August results

This year’s Bowls England National Championships were held in Royal Leamington Spa, attracting an estimated 20,000 visitors to the area.

While players from across England competed for the top prizes in lawn bowls on Victoria Park’s famous five green arena, the venue team at Woodland Grange were also in top form, welcoming hundreds of supporters who stayed at the AIM-gold accredited venue during the Championships.

Historically a quiet month for the venue, August saw visitor numbers soar by 61% year-on-year during the event, as Ian Chaplin, general manager of Woodland Grange, explained: ”Woodland Grange was buzzing as a result of a targeted marketing campaign leading up to the event. The location of the venue within 16 acres of parkland, our leisure suite and restaurant facilities attracted this very welcome leisure market.”

Golden times for EEF Venues

EEF Venues’ three venues have achieved BDRC Continental’s VenueVerdict Gold Standard for the third consecutive quarter this year.

Accreditation is based on approximately 22,500 individual pieces of customer feedback. The lead measure used by VenueVerdict is the Net Promoter Score, derived from the rating given by customers when asked how likely they would be to recommend the venue. Those scoring higher than +70 are awarded the VenueVerdict Gold Standard Accreditation.

David Vaughton, director of venues for EEF Venues, said: “To consistently achieve the highest ranking across the group is a great endorsement of our customer satisfaction levels and the emphasis we place on quality.”

Wyboston Lakes has been nominated as finalists for The UK Event Awards 2014.

Wyboston Lakes is delighted to be nominated for ‘Small Venue of the Year Award’ (up to 400 delegates) at the very prestigious UK Event Awards.

Situated midway between Cambridge and Milton Keynes, at the edge of the historic market town of St. Neots and set in 365 acres of rural countryside, thrives the largest, privately owned business and leisure destination in northern Europe. It is the perfect choice for day or residential events, product launches, wet and dry team-building, and offers a wonderful 18 hole golf course.

“We are privileged to be nominated for ‘Small Venue of the Year Award’ in the highly credible UK Event Awards. Wyboston Lakes continues to evolve and progress and nominations like this reassures us that our efforts have been recognised. It is a real honour to be finalists up against other professional venues across the UK so we look forward to finding out the results on November 28th.”- Mark Jones, Managing Director.

The UK Event Awards are now in their 5th year and have grown to become one of the most sought after accolades in the industry. The awards recognise and reward event organisers, suppliers and event marketers.

This year's awards will take place on Friday 28th November 2014. 

Promotion for Beardmore Hotel Manager

Following a period of sustained growth, The Beardmore Hotel and Conference Centre is delighted to announce that Gary Rice has been promoted to General Manager. 

Discussing the appointment, Director of the Beardmore Hotel and Conference Centre, Bronagh Bell, said: “Gary has been a fantastic asset to the Beardmore for the past two years, and after 18 months of sustained growth, we have promoted Gary to the role of General Manager.” 

Hotel Manager of the Beardmore since November 2012, Gary previously spent 17 years working in the hotel and hospitality industry, working in a variety of roles for Posthouse, Devere, Mint and City Inn and the Hilton Group. 

In this new role, Gary will focus on delivering the day to day operations at The Beardmore and implementing plans to fulfil the Beardmore’s long term strategy.

Commenting on his new post, Gary said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been promoted to the post of General Manager at the Beardmore, and look forward to continuing to work with our fantastic team to grow and develop our services.

“In my new role, I will be delivering the new operational strategy which aims to support an increase  in medical, healthcare and international conferences and events, allowing us to continue to grow and expand as a conference centre of excellence. 

“This is a very exciting time for all of us at the Beardmore as we continue to grow and develop innovative ways to ensure that all of our delegates, guests and visitors receive the highest possible standard of hospitality and service across the organisation.”

Gary’s appointment as General Manager continues an incredibly successful 2014 for the Beardmore Hotel and Conference Centre, recently receiving multiple awards and nominations for excellence. 

As well as receiving International Association of Conference Centres (IACC) accreditation, VenueVerdict Gold Accreditation and a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, the Beardmore is the only Scottish hotel nominated for the prestigious Green Tourism Goldstar Awards 2014 in the Best Hotel category. 

The Beardmore is also nominated for the People’s Choice Award at the Green Tourism Goldstar Awards. To make your opinion known and vote for the Beardmore, head over to the following link: http://www.green-tourism.com/go-green/events/peoples-choice-2014/. 

Henley Conferences awarded Silver Status for GreenLeaders

Henley Conferences, the riverside conference venue on the outskirts of Henley on Thames has been awarded Silver Status in the TripAdvisor GreenLeaders Programme.

Henley Conferences recognises that the operation of a dedicated conference venue has an effect on the local, regional and global environment and is committed to achieving the highest standards of environmental performance, preventing pollution and minimising the impact of its operations.

The TripAdvisor GreenLeaders Programme identifies hotels and venues that are committed to green practices like recycling, water efficiency and alternative energy.

Accreditations at Henley Conferences already include BSI ISO 14001 and ISO 9001, IACC Platinum Level sustainability accreditation plus Green Business Tourism Gold Award, and the recent addition of the Silver Status GreenLeaders shows their ongoing commitment to these practices. 

Set in its own 30 acre estate in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, alongside the River Thames, this magnificent Grade II Listed Building offers excellent conference, meeting and event facilities and provides a spectacular setting for any gathering.

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

Conference Centres of Excellence hosted the 16th annual Chefs’ Challenge Competition on Saturday 25th October 2014.  

The event invites chefs who work in any of the nationwide CCE centres to take part in a cook-off competition where their skills are put to the test with specific criteria for their menu.  For this year’s competition in the kitchens of Milton Keynes College (Bletchley Campus), the chefs had to prepare a 3 course meal suitable for a conference banquet, using game for their main course.  

The competition again included a Food Service Skills award, to encourage food service staff to take part and support their chef colleague, and saw 6 entries into this team element of the challenge.

The competition has proved to be a stepping stone for young chefs to go on to higher profile competitions nationwide and is endorsed by the British Culinary Federation.  Each Chef receives a certificate and one year’s free membership of the BCF.

The Judges for the cook-off competition were:

• Graham Crump, Executive Chef Warwick Conferences

• Jim Eaves, Chairman British Culinary Federation

• Fergus Martin, Head Chef, Darwin College Cambridge

• Jerry Toth, Executive Chef, Sundial Group 

• Stephen Lambert, University of Brighton

• Graham Day, Food and HS Manager, University of Warwick

The 10 Finalists, shortlisted from their detailed menus were:

• Ashley Harrison, College Court

• Iain Ramsay, The Beardmore Hotel and Conference Centre

• Jennifer Chaudhuri-Goff, Maple House

• Matt Wiltshire, Ashorne Hill

• Ashley Holt, Wellcome Trust – supported by Cydney Nicholson-Ray for Food Service Skills

• Claire Willett, Wyboston Lakes – supported by Josh Spence for Food Service Skills

• Jason Turton, College Court – supported by Richard Augustus for Food Service Skills

• Keith Tayler, Scarman Warwick Conferences – supported by Kimberley Tayler for Food Service Skills

• Kieron Toner, Wyboston Lakes – supported by Linda Zilberta for Food Service Skills

• Robert Gossage, Burleigh Court – supported by James Geary for Food Service Skills

The Awards Dinner was this year held at one of the founder members of the Conference Centres of Excellence consortium, Cranfield Management Development Centre.  The dinner was attended by just under 100 guests from CCE member centres, including a number of the conference industry’s leading figures. 

The event was supported and sponsored by:

• British Premium Meats

• Tchibo Coffee International

• Wilson Vale

• Kent Frozen Foods

• Elior UK

• Savona

Plus the following CCE Centres:

• Ashorne Hill

• The Beardmore Hotel and Conference Centre

• College Court

• Warwick Conferences

• Wellcome Trust

A raffle took place during the Awards Dinner, raising £725 for the “Meeting Industry Meeting Needs” charity.

The winners of each Award category were:

• Best Hygiene:   Claire Willet, Wyboston Lakes

• Best Starter: Keith Tayler, Warwick Conferences

• Best Main Course:  Keith Tayler, Warwick Conferences

• Best Dessert: Claire Willett, Wyboston Lakes

• Best Food Service Skills: James Geary, Burleigh Court

• Chairman’s Award for Best Team Work: Linda Zilberta and Kieran Toner, Wyboston Lakes

• Bronze:   Matt Wiltshire, Ashorne Hill

• Silver: Robert Gossage, Burleigh Court

• Gold: Keith Tayler, Warwick Conferences

The Gold award winner, Keith Tayler of Warwick Conferences presented a menu of :

Starter 

Seared Filllet of John Dory

Razor Clams and Crayfish served with a Butter Sauce

~~~

Main 

Roast Loin of Red Stag

With Forest Mushrooms, Celeriac Purée, Butternut Squash and Parsnip

~~~

Dessert 

Dark Chocolate and Orange Mousse

With Praline, Hazelnuts and Basil Ice Cream

~~~

Val do Xuliana Albarino

Cotes-du-Rhone Arbuse

Domaine du Mas Neuf Muscat de Mireval

Madingley Hall won a Silver Award at the University of Cambridge Catering Managers Committee (CMC) Environmental Awards held on Tuesday 21 October 2014.

The CMC Environmental Awards help to promote environmental and ethical awareness across Cambridge College catering departments, encouraging more sustainable activities and improving the environmental impact of catering provisions. 

The competition is judged by Cambridge Carbon Footprint and Transition Cambridge. 

Rebecca Burgess, Sales Manager at Madingley Hall commented on the win: "We won a Bronze Award in 2013 so this improvement shows a real commitment to environmental and ethical issues from the Catering Team and across the Hall Operation.”

Madingley Hall is a sixteenth century country house, owned by the University of Cambrdidge since 1948 and situated about 3 miles west of the city.The venue provides conference and seminar rooms for up to 100 delegates, with 62 ensuite bedrooms all within seven acres of spectacular gardens and grounds, designed in the 18th century by ‘Capability’ Brown.

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

Wyboston Lakes Appoints New Commercial Director

Karen Evans has been appointed to a new role of Commercial Director at Wyboston Lakes, the UK’s largest privately owned single site specialist conference and training centre.  She took up her position on 22nd September.

For the past eight years Karen has been Vice President, Business Development EMEA for BCD M&I.  Previous to this role, Karen spent 16 years in the travel and events industry and brings with her a real understanding of venues from the client and agency world. 

Karen’s new role carries commercial responsibility for the entire company managing a team of 15, and will encompass the day to day sales function optimising all sales opportunities, business development and leading the team whilst representing the company’s Values and Principles.  

Karen said: “I am delighted to join Wyboston Lakes as Commercial Director.  My experience in this industry will allow me to develop further the excellent facilities and flexibility Wyboston Lakes offers all its customers.  It is truly a unique complex”.

Mark Jones, Managing Director added: “We warmly welcome Karen into the Company. Karen’s attitude, professionalism, integrity and energy are entirely in keeping with the way in which we achieve success. I have the good fortune to have great colleagues - and Karen will inspire total confidence in our customers for what Wyboston Lakes can deliver.”   

Wyboston Lakes recently completed a £5 million facility investment and offers sector leading IT infrastructure across its two speciality conference venues.  High-involvement leisure dimensions for corporate away-days and team-building events are available on site together with serviced offices, branded spaces, a hotel with a luxurious spa and an 18 hole golf course.

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

Wyboston Lakes achieve AIM Gold accreditation

Wyboston Lakes, northern Europe's largest privately owned single site conference and training centre, has had both of its conference and training venues, The Executive Centre and Training Centre, awarded the Gold Accreditation In Meetings (AIM) standard by the Meetings Industry Association (mia).  

The accreditation is awarded for its first class facilities and high levels of service that are reflected throughout the meeting and conference experience. 

To achieve the AIM Gold standard a venue must demonstrate that it has attained continuous, exceptional standards against the most stringent quality assurance criteria, including rigorous assessments focusing on a venue’s facilities; service and processes, compliance with codes of conduct and corporate social responsibility.

Receiving the accreditation, Wyboston Lakes’ managing director, Mark Jones commented: “To be awarded AIM Gold is a significant achievement for any meeting and events venue. It demonstrates, from the outset, that our business proposition, facilities and service are exceptional, we are very proud of this recognition.”

Jane Longhurst, mia’s chief executive, says: “Wyboston Lakes AIM Gold Accreditation sends out a very clear message to meetings and events buyers/planners about their commitment to delivering a high quality product, professionalism throughout every event and integrity. Equally, the venue has secured itself an advantage within their competitors.”

AIM is the UK’s only nationally recognised standard for accredited venues and service providers in the meetings, conferences and events industry. There are around 500 accredited venues and suppliers at entry level of the scheme and 29 are at the Gold standard. 

AIM is endorsed by Visit Britain, Visit Wales, Meet England, ABPCO, MPI and HBAA. 

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

Warwick Conferences’ father-daughter duo team up for CCE Chefs’ Challenge

A father-daughter team from Warwick Conferences have earned their place in the finals of a highly competitive culinary contest.

Keith Tayler will be partnering with daughter Kimberley Tayler in the final of the CCE Chefs’ Challenge—a competition run by Conference Centres of Excellence to find the best chefs serving the UK conferencing industry.

Having been selected based on a detailed menu presentation to the panel, Keith—head chef at Warwick Conferences’ Scarman venue—will now face the nine other finalists in the bid to become the CCE Chefs’ Challenge 2014 champion. The final will see the talented chefs compete to produce the finest cuisine while adhering to a strict set of specific criteria for their menu.

Kimberley will be participating in the Food Service Skills award, which encourages food service staff to take part and support their chef colleague. As a pair, Keith and Kimberley will also compete for the Chairman’s award for best team.

Graham Crump, Group Executive Chef at the University of Warwick, comments: “We’re delighted that Keith and Kimberley have been selected as finalists for this year’s CCE Chefs’ Challenge. To have a father-daughter team enter and be shortlisted is very unusual but a love of cooking up and serving good food appears to run in the Tayler family!

“It’s a real achievement to have made the top 10—especially with so many talented chefs and service staff in the industry. Keith and Kimberley make a brilliant team and we’re thrilled that together they will represent Warwick Conferences in what is a longstanding and important competition for the sector. We wish them the best of luck for the final.”

Conference Centres of Excellence is the leading national consortium of specialist conferencing venues. 2014 marks the 16th edition of the annual competition, which sees outstanding chefs in the conferencing industry battle it out head-to-head. 

The final will take place on Saturday 25 October at Milton Keynes College, followed by a celebratory awards dinner.

imago achieves AIM Gold for Burleigh Court and Holywell Park

imago has achieved the highest level of venue accreditation for its flagship venues - Burleigh Court and Holywell Park – AIM Gold. 

Kay England, Chief Executive

Kay England, Chief Executive of imago, comments: “Achieving AIM Gold puts imago in an exclusive group of the highest quality meetings venues in the country. It sets us apart from other venues and is a unique point of differentiation. As a result, we believe it will help us attract more business both nationally and internationally. A huge amount of work has gone into achieving this award and I would like to congratulate all our staff for their contribution, particularly the working group, as they have all played a part in helping imago achieve its aim of excellence within the meetings industry.” 

AIM Gold is the only industry recognised mark of excellence. Achieving the standard places Burleigh Court and Holywell Park, both located in Loughborough, Leicestershire, amongst a select group of the very best venues in the country. 

Burleigh Court and Holywell Park underwent a rigorous audit process which examines all elements of the business including planning and the customer environment and service levels.

Kay continues: “The audit process provided us with some valuable lessons which will enable us to continually improve our business and we will work to ensure these are embedded in our processes as we go forward.” 

Jane Longhurst, mia’s chief executive, says: “To attain AIM Gold is a truly fantastic achievement. It is a hallmark of excellence showing bookers and planners a venue’s exceptionally high levels of service across the board. As such, it is an invaluable indicator of high quality for all those involved in the procurement of meetings and events. I offer my congratulations to Burleigh Court and Holywell Park as they continue to meet and exceed client expectations.”

The announcement was made on the same day Holywell Park was once again awarded the BDRC Continental VenueVerdict Gold Standard for the end of Q3 2014. This is given to properties recording a twelve-month Net Promoter Score of +70 or higher from 40 or more Business Event Host responses in the twelve month period October 2013 to September 2014. 

Kay adds: “imago has built a reputation based on providing our guests, whether they are here for business or pleasure, with the best possible service. Our success demonstrates our ability to deliver excellence to customers and this is something we collectively strive to achieve.” 

Launched in 2003, imago unifies Loughborough University’s conference and events venues under one brand, providing high quality meeting spaces, venues and accommodation along with excellent sports and leisure facilities. Imago’s portfolio of venues includes Burleigh Court, Holywell Park, Loughborough University’s conference and events facilities and The Link Hotel. 

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

Gold Standard Accreditation demonstrates independent venue excellence

Conference Centres of Excellence member venues have once again achieved a significant number of BDRC Continental’s VenueVerdict Gold Standard Accreditation at the end of Q3 2014, based on a customer’s ‘likelihood to recommend’ using feedback across a number of key areas.

Conference Centres of Excellence is delighted that a number of member venues consistently achieve the top level Gold Standard Accreditation, demonstrating the high standards required by the membership group to provide excellence in service and facilities for all customers.

Just under 22,500 individual pieces of feedback were collated to determine the VenueVerdict results, providing a completely independent assessment of experience. In choosing a venue where customer feedback and in particular the ‘likelihood to recommend’ has been measured in this way, customers can rest assured that they are in safe hands.

Five Conference Centres of Excellence member venues have achieved the BDRC Continental VenueVerdict Gold Standard Accreditation following ongoing assessment of customer feedback during the year from September 2013 to October 2014.

The Conference Centre of Excellence gold accredited venues are:
• Farncombe Conference Centre, Cotswolds
• Woodland Grange, Warwickshire
• The Møller Centre, Cambridge
• The Beardmore Hotel and Conference Centre, Glasgow
• Imago – Holywell Park, Loughborough

Amanda Stacey, Marketing Manager of Conference Centres of Excellence commented:
“We are delighted to see a number of our members achieve Gold Standard Accreditation with BDRC Continental’s VenueVerdict. As a consortium which measures quality standards in terms of dedicated facilities, exceptional food, superior staff expertise, and overall event experience, these independent accreditations support our own quality criteria to ensure that customers have the very best experience when using a Conference Centres of Excellence venue.”

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

Annual Chefs’ Challenge Competition comes to Cranfield Management Development Centre

Conference Centres of Excellence is holding the 16th Annual Chefs’ Challenge competition at Milton Keynes College, followed by a Gala Awards Dinner at established member venue Cranfield Management Development Centre.

With just over two weeks to go, finalists in the longstanding competition are perfecting their menus ready for the cook off on October 25th in Bedfordshire.

The Competition

Judges Barry Stonham and Graham Crump found it very difficult to whittle down the 16 paper entries to the 10 finalists with a fantastic selection of menus. 

The criteria for this year’s competition was a main course based on game (kindly provided by preferred partner British Premium Meats), and whilst the judges were convinced the majority of entrants would go for venison, they have been pleasantly surprised to see a much wider variety used, including Guinea Fowl, Partridge, Pheasant, Rabbit, Venison and Wild Boar. 

The judges on the day of the event will be:

Chairman of Judges:     Graham Crump, Executive Chef Warwick Conferences

Food Judges:                       Jim Eaves, Chairman British Culinary Federation

                                                 Fergus Martin, Head Chef, Darwin College Cambridge (New this year)

                                                 Jerry Toth, Executive Chef, Sundial Group (New this year)

Food Service Judge:           Stephen Lambert, University of Brighton

Hygiene Judge:                 Graham Day, Food and HS Manager, University of Warwick

The Awards Dinner

After the competition the awards dinner, held at Cranfield Management Development centre, is a fitting celebration of the skills demonstrated by members’ teams and offers a very lively opportunity for networking with industry peers and colleagues.

A raffle during the evening also raises valuable funds with all proceeds going to for our charity partner Meetings Industry Meeting Needs, who raise funds for worthy causes relevant to the events industry.

Booking Tables and Tickets

Tickets and tables are available to purchase from Competition Chairman Barry Stonham and we are delighted to welcome both members and non-CCE members to this celebratory event.  

We thank our generous sponsors and preferred partners, without whom this longstanding event could not take place, and wish all finalists the very best of luck during the cook-off competition.

Event Sponsors:

British Premium Meats, Tchibo Coffee International, Wilson Vale, Elior UK, Kent Frozen Foods, Savona, Ashorne Hill, The Beardmore Hotel and Conference Centre, College Court, Warwick Confrences and Wellcome Trust.

Competition Chairman Barry Stonham

07860 682481 

bazza666@iCloud.com

Kents Hill Park expands sales team with experienced Business Development Manager

Dean Boatman joined the team at Kent’s Hill Park in August 2014 as one of the Business Development Managers in the sales team. 

Dean has been in the industry for 8 years; previously working in sales for a mixture of National and International Brands Including Choice Hotels, Hilton and The Belfry.

Dean brings a balanced approach of fun and professionalism to the office, with a can do attitude and creative solutions to his clients requirements.

When Dean isn't marketing the business to prospective clients, he can be found with his Twin Daughters or in those rare moments for spare time, out on the Golf Course trying to bring his handicap down.

Purpose built to meet the specific needs of clients; Kents Hill Park is one of the largest dedicated training and conference centres in the UK and a proud member of Conference Centres of Excellence.

With over 70 meeting rooms, 300 bedrooms and 800 parking spaces, Kents Hill Park offers a large degree of flexibility meaning that the venue can adapt to exact business requirements.

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