Green Energy emerging at Roffey Park

Roffey Park has just added to its credentials by achieving the ISO14001 accreditation for environmental management.

Set in 40 acres of rural Sussex countryside and bordered by Forestry commission land, caring for the environment has always come naturally but it is nice to be recognised for the work that you are doing explained Premises Manager Charles McNeil. "The most recent innovation was the installation of a Ground Source Heat Pump system, a technological wonder which takes that natural heat from the ground and via a clever array of technical wizardry heats the entire older part of the site including heating the swimming pool reducing the reliance on oil to almost zero and LP Gas by 50%. As well providing a green energy system it is also expected to produce a net energy cost saving of £20,000 per year."

McNeil explained that when the bulldozers moved in last summer to dig 38 x 250 metre long trenches 2 metres deep in the beautiful meadows he was slightly perturbed but six months later all has been restored and the pumps are running perfectly virtually maintenance free.

The Wellcome Genome Campus Conference Centre

After an extensive build programme The Wellcome Genome Campus Conference Centre is just 8 weeks away from the re-launch of the state-of-the-art world class conference centre.

The physical structures of the Wellcome Genome Campus Conference Centre have undergone significant transformation over the past three years, expanding residential capacity and creating exciting new interactive spaces.

The Wellcome Genome Campus Conference Centre was purpose-built within, and adjacent to, a Grade II* listed country house, Hinxton Hall. Set in over 100 acres of parkland on the banks of the River Cam it has been an integral part of the campus for the last 17 years. The centre-piece of the Conference Centre is a 300 seat auditorium.

An extension to the restaurant and a new high specification residential block, Mulberry Court, are already operational, expanding residential capacity from 72 to 136 bedrooms. All bedrooms are now either new, or have been recently refurbished.

The most striking renovation is the Kitchen Garden project, which occupies the site of the original kitchen garden for Hinxton Hall. Due for completion in July 2015, the Kitchen Garden project will produce a dynamic new public space enclosed by a stunning steel and glass roof. This public space will serve as an interaction area for the auditorium and other main meeting rooms, and will host exhibitions, poster sessions and social events. The auditorium is also being refurbished to include new seating with full width tablets, power to seating for charging appliances and upgraded audio-visual facilities.

The Conference Centre serves a range of internal and external clients. Major internal clients include the Advanced Courses and Scientific Conferences team, which develop and deliver cutting edge genomics training and conferences, as well as the two major scientific institutes on campus, the Sanger Institute and EMBL-EBI. With a large external client data base, events are hosted for a wide range of clients including the Wellcome Trust, University of Cambridge, Kings College London, Institute of Cancer Research and Medical Research Council.

The Wellcome Genome Campus aims to be an internationally recognised location for scientific, business, educational and cultural activities.

College Court expands capacities due to high demand

Due to an extremely high volume of enquiries College Court, only opened in October 2013, is already increasing its capacities to include another conference room to hold 100 delegates.

The existing Willow and Sycamore suites will undergo renovation in August 2015 transforming the two training rooms into one large meeting room to hold up to 100 delegates in a theatre style set up. 

Business Development Manager, Charlotte Sanders says ‘This is an extremely exciting time for us here at College Court as we look to expand our offering in the conference and events market. We have been overwhelmed by the success of the University of Leicester’s new all year round conference centre and are thrilled to be able to meet the demand for space by expanding our existing offer. We already have clients booked in to use the new Willow suite from September 2015 and look forward to welcoming many more delegates through our doors.’

The work is to be undertaken by the University Estates department, and will start on Monday 10th August lasting approximately three weeks. Although a large project much of the work is internal and will cause very limited disruption to delegates and neighbours. Following a softening project in the Knighton Restaurant which has seen a new planting and lighting scheme this addition will take College Court even further in offering a truly exceptional offer to delegates.

The expansion also brings a brand new third coffee station offering guests a speedy cup of fresh bean to cup coffee with the addition of a dynamic new ‘Grazing Station’ which offers all the treats you could wish for when re-charging your batteries during break time.

And speaking of expansion, the venue is growing the team as 5 staff members at College Court are expecting new additions to their families. We wish them all the best of luck and a huge Congratulations.

Warwick Conferences on the merits of being distraction-free

Warwick takes away the pressure. Their events team know exactly what is needed for conferences and are able to help with ideas and solutions.

Dedicated conference venues improve delegate focus, performance and productivity*.

Warwick Conferences believe in creating the best possible experience for delegates. That means creating a distraction-free environment, where the focus is on your conference. Watch their video and find out more about the perks of being distraction-free.

*Value of Satisfaction Report  http://www.valueofsatisfaction.com

Ashorne Hill Management College shortlisted for Coventry Telegraph Business Awards

Ashorne Hill Management College has been shortlisted for the category of ‘People Development’ at the 21st annual Business awards.

The short-lists have been finalised for this year’s Coventry Telegraph Business awards. The panel of judges sifted through the long list of high-quality entries for the awards which recognise the most outstanding firms in Coventry and Warwickshire. Coventry’s Ricoh Arena will once again play host to the region’s most prestigious business awards, with hundreds of professionals from across the region expected at the glittering gala on Friday 19th June 2015.

Ashorne Hill, a learning solutions provider for over 50 years, is delighted to have made it to the 

short-list of finalists. Being a dedicated learning provider to organisations from across all business sectors, Ashorne Hill strives to work in full partnership with its clients by forging a close relationship with them. The in-house Learning Solutions team continually demonstrates their capability in providing a rich and sophisticated learning, which results in demonstrable organisational development and in some cases business growth.

The company has been working in partnership with organisations for many years; they discuss their partner’s requirements in collaboration, offering the opportunity to provide a blended solution with appropriate objectives and measureable outcomes. All customised programmes can include blending trainer-led, experiential and e-learning solutions.

“Being short-listed in this tough category is already an honour and recognition of the work we do in the local area. I am very proud to work with such a professional team of learning specialists and see our short listing as reward for all the hard work they do in making real effective learning solutions for our partners. Now more than ever companies really need to show a return on investment for their training programmes and this is something we can truly deliver.” –  John Carson, Managing Director- Ashorne Hill. 

The judging panel was made up of Peter Burns of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, Telegraph editor Keith Perry Coventry University’s Professor David Bailey, Alan Edwards of Jaguar Land Rover, and Amrik Bhabra of Adecs Ltd.

Telegraph editor Keith Perry said: “It was a tough process for the judges but we are confident we have made the right choices. It was very encouraging to see the amount of growth so many firms have achieved. Equally, many of the entrants submitted forecasts for eye-catching growth in the next 12 months, so next year’s awards should be even tougher.”

This year’s awards will be hosted by comedian, author and broadcaster Dominic Holland. The

award-winner started performing stand-up comedy in 1991,making his debut at The Comedy Café in London. He has performed five critically acclaimed sell out one-man shows at the Edinburgh Festival.

Roffey Park completes Restaurant Refurbishment

Sussex training and conference venue Roffey Park has completely refurbished The Sieff Restaurant, doubling the capacity to 120 covers, providing bar facilities and improving the ergonomics for a slick and improved lunchtime service.

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Nancy Rosen, Head of Hospitality Services, said that Roffey Park had always been a fantastic training and meeting venue providing great food but its rather antiquated Restaurant facilities had somewhat held back its reputation. "Our new facilities now not only provide a great comfortable environment for our clients but have transformed the working lives of our service staff. Service is now a dream and we are able to serve 100 lunchtime delegates in no time at all providing a large choice of hot and cold dishes quickly and to a very high standard."

Since its re-launch Private Event bookings have soared and this revenue stream is expected to double in the next year. Alongside the Restaurant, the ancient walled kitchen garden was revitalised providing a new patio sitting area amongst the exotic herbs, vegetables and flowers that are growing there.

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

The Beardmore welcomes LGBT conference

The Beardmore Hotel and Conference Centre, which last year became the only UK hotel to be ranked in the top 100 employers in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index (WEI), will host the fourth Annual Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) Workers Conference on Saturday 16 May.

LGBT trade union members from across Scotland will gather at the Beardmore to discuss and debate a wide range of issues affecting LGBT people both in the workplace and in society as a whole. 

In addition to being ranked 73rd in the UK in the prestigious  WEI, as part of the National Waiting Times Centre alongside the Golden Jubilee National Hospital and Beardmore Centre for Health Science, The Beardmore climbed 53 places in the last 12 months and receiving the “Most Improved Employer” Award in the process. 

The WEI measures how well an organisation meets the needs of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB) staff members, and is widely accepted as a good indicator of progress against equality targets generally. 

Gary Rice, General Manager of the Beardmore Hotel and Conference Centre, commented: “We firmly believe that the Beardmore provides the highest possible standard of service for every guest, visitor and delegate that comes through our doors. This can only happen by creating a work environment that not only welcomes individuals of all backgrounds, but actively highlights and celebrates our unique mix of people.

“Over the past few years we have continuously invested in finding new ways to create an inclusive work environment for all of our staff and are delighted to be hosting the STUC LGBT Conference, which encourages more employers around the UK to take positive steps to do the same.” 

Roffey Park wins two Best Employer Awards

Roffey Park was delighted to be named in the Sunday Times Top 100 Best companies to work for in the Not for Profit category. 50% of the full time staff work on the Service side of the venue delivering Conferences, meeting and events gifting 100% of the profits to the Roffey Park Institute charitable trust.

Nigel Dean, Director of Roffey Park Services, said that everyone was thrilled to win the award and is due for recognition for the hard work that everyone has put into making Roffey Park a fabulous place to work. The award recognised the work done in workplace wellbeing, training, learning and development as well as providing benefits such as Yoga and Pilates classes, subsidised meals, a regular visit from a masseur and beautician and free use of the indoor swimming pool. Soon after Roffey Park was also a finalist in the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards for Best Employer.

Roffey Park is a purpose built residential training and Conference Centre set in 40 acres of rural Sussex countryside yet close to Gatwick, Crawley, Horsham and the M23,  catering for all types of events from board meetings, smaller conferences and private dining to larger events catering for up to 120 people.

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

New fresh 'bean to cup' coffee machines at CEME Conference Centre

In a strive towards continuous improvement, CEME Conference Centre have installed new Tchibo Fresh 'Bean to Cup' Coffee machines in the Circulation Area that will provide a much higher quality coffee product made from fresh Arabica beans and offering a wider selection of beverages including Espresso, Cappuccino, Chocolate and Americano. The new offer is further enhanced by the provision of new 'Fair-Trade' Clipper Tea selection that was recently 'trialled' to the satisfaction of many delegates, hand-made Bronte biscuits and a variety of wrapped English tray bakes. 

Not only will the new machines improve the choice of refreshments provided, but CEME is also creating a new Conference Delegate area in the circulation space where delegates and guests will be able to partake of the new refreshment arrangements often in a much more relaxed and comfortable location.  It will mean that tea and coffee breaks can be taken at a time that is more suited to the needs of each meeting or conference without the interruption of flasks for coffee breaks being set up mid-meeting.

CEME Conference Centre is a Gold accredited ultra-modern events and meetings venue offering innovative and flexible solutions for all 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 and can host product launches, presentations, award ceremonies, training seminars, conferences and exhibitions and cater for up to 600 delegates.

All 19 conference rooms have the latest AV technology, complimentary WI Fi, natural day-light and special inclusive rates.

Located near Rainham on the A13, CEME covers a wide demographic from Central and East London through the Thames Gateway and into Essex and is ideally located for London Docklands and The City with excellent underground, train and road links and free parking for 500 cars.

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

Woodland Grange wins gold in the Business Tourism category of VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2015

EEF Venues’ Woodland Grange meeting and conference venue in Leamington Spa has taken gold in the Business Tourism category of the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2015, held last night, Monday 11 May 2015, at the Sage Gateshead.

The award places the AIM Gold accredited meeting and conference venue as the UK’s premier business venue.

The VisitEngland Awards attracted a total of 345 applications, with five finalists vying for gold under the Business Tourism category. The gold award is the highest Award for Excellence in Tourism in England which VisitEngland can bestow.

David Vaughton, director of venues for EEF Venues, said:”This is a proud moment for all at EEF Venues and a tangible endorsement of our quality standards. It is testament to our teams who have the expertise and experience to understand the very specific needs of a business client. We feel enormously proud of this national recognition.”

A Conference Centre of Excellence (CCE), Woodland Grange is the flagship venue of the EEF Venues’ group which has two other venues: Broadway House in Westminster and Engineers’ House in Bristol. Set within 16 acres of grounds on the outskirts of Leamington Spa in Warwickshire, Woodland Grange has 26 versatile conference and meeting rooms, superfast synchronous internet, 114 en-suite bedrooms, a leisure suite, two bars, a restaurant and an internet café. Earlier this year, the venue gained BDRC Gold status.

“Our teams have the necessary training and experience to handle the often complex operational requirements of a business event efficiently and competently because that is what they do, day-in, day-out. Every detail is looked after, from setting up presentation equipment to catering requirements. Nothing is left to chance,” said David Vaughton.
“This award is for every single member of staff at Woodland Grange who tirelessly work to achieve customer service excellence.”

VisitEngland Chairman, Lady Cobham CBE, said: “The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence - this year hosted at the wonderful Sage Gateshead - celebrate the very best in English tourism. It is the highest
accolade and recognises the true champions of our industry, as well as the top quality visitor experiences we are fortunate to have on offer in England. The competition is of an increasingly high
standard and so I offer my sincere congratulations to all our winners on this tremendous achievement, particularly the Gold Award winners for their exemplary contribution to tourism in this country.”

James Berresford, VisitEngland’s Chief Executive said “We received hundreds of applications of an exceptionally high quality making the competition for a Gold Award extremely tough. It is therefore a tremendous
achievement for EEF Venue’s Woodland Grange venue to win a Gold Award, the highest accolade for Excellence in Tourism which VisitEngland can bestow. They have raised the bar for excellence for others to aspire
to and I warmly congratulate them on their exemplary contribution to tourism in this country."

Make the most of Summer with Moor Hall Corporate Days

Making full use of their glorious gardens and spacious lawns - Moor Hall in Cookham, Berkshire are preparing for their first corporate fun day of the summer.

Sales Co-ordinator Emma Jones explains why the days are so popular with the centre’s many corporate accounts.

‘’The events are built on the very simple idea that our clients bring the people and we provide everything else.’’

Working with trusted local specialists Moor Hall arrange any amount of outdoor activities including the ever popular bucking sheep, bungee courses, giant Sumo, geese herding and even ‘It’s a Knockout’. All activities are individually supervised and the events are of course fully insured.

Catering options include fully served barbecue with outdoor covered terracing and for those looking for a little peace amongst the controlled mayhem there are neatly manicured lawns and Japanese inspired Koi ponds to relax by.

As Emma goes on ‘’The days are ideal as a summer staff party or team building treat and are a great way to reward employees with many companies choosing to expand the day to include families and friends.’’

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

Roffey Park joins Conference Centres of Excellence

Residential training and conference venue Roffey Park has joined Conference Centres of Excellence as its newest member.

Roffey Park, a purpose built residential training and Conference Centre set in 40 acres of rural Sussex countryside, can cater for all types of events from board meetings, smaller conferences and private dining to larger events catering for up to 120 people. With 60 executive bedrooms, a bar and two dining rooms, indoor swimming pool and gym, the flexible venue caters for every need. 

Roffey Park offers a unique combination of features with all the facilities and comforts you would expect from a contemporary country venue and the bonus of specialist support from the staff of one of the UK’s leading management training organisations, all situated close to Gatwick, Crawley, Horsham and the M23.

Having undergone a series of refurbishment projects over the past two years, with particular focus on green resources and supporting local businesses, Roffey Park has been awarded ISO14001 in Environmental Management. The newly created dining room and kitchen overlooks a kitchen garden, from which food is sourced daily, along with local suppliers to deliver fresh and seasonal dining for all event requirements.

Conference Centres of Excellence represents 32 member venues in the UK, and Marketing Manager Amanda Stacey explains why Roffey Park meets the requirements: 

“Conference Centres of Excellence represents high quality, innovative and customer led conference venues, and we assess each venue on its suitability before joining. Roffey Park, with its background in leadership and management training, delivers a first class service, with excellent facilities and a completely distraction free working environment, and we are delighted to be working with them.” 

Nigel Dean, Director of Roffey Park Services, says he is equally delighted to be joining such a highly respected organisation and looks forward to working together to provide high class service and facilities. “We have invested heavily in upgrading our facilities recently and are confident of providing a fantastic venue for all of our clients.”

Kents Hill Park - New reception, same warm welcome

The latest phase of refurbishment at established training and conference venue Kents Hill Park sees the completion of a new reception area. 

The interior design team have created a cosy inviting space to greet you at the end of your journey, with intimate seating areas and ambient lighting. The one thing that has not changed is the warm welcome from the venue team when you walk through the door.

Kents Hill Park, one of the largest dedicated training and conference centres in the UK has over 70 meeting rooms, 300 bedrooms and 800 parking spaces. The reception refurbishment is part of an ongoing investment programme of over £2m, including upgrades to bedrooms and bathrooms, state of the art AV and technology, refurbished conference space and improvements to the lounge areas including a Costa Coffee machine for delegates to treat themselves to their favourite coffee at any time.

New venue images are available at www.facebook.com/KentsHillConf so take a look, or better still, call the team and arrange a site visit.

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

Meet the Kents Hill Park Team

Paul Mott has been in the hospitality industry for as long as he can remember as his Grandfather had pubs with Whitbread and his Mother was a school catering manager. Paul started as a glass collector but his motivation, passion and ability to mix a great cocktail has taken him to London and Sydney, working in a number of high end bars, clubs, restaurants and hotels. His time working on the Queen Mary 2 took him around the world.

Having now settled in Northampton, Paul‘s friendly demeanour and attention to detail make him a great asset to the Kents Hill Park Duty Management team.  He is always on hand to make sure events run smoothly and guests have everything they need.

When not working he is a keen runner, scuba diver, drummer and slave to tropical holidays!

Sarah Stein is the newest member of the Kents Hill Park Duty Management team.  Sarah has over 11 years of Hospitality experience which started with working as a runner for a silver service catering company in her home town of Luton, to help fund a charity expedition to India.  Her last role was as a Junior Assistant Manager at a dedicated conference centre. 

Sarah brings with her a wealth of experience; restaurants, bars, room service, conference & banqueting, you name it, she has done it. Sarah believes in leading by example and plans to inspire high levels of team work and customer dedication at Kents Hill Park. Away from work she enjoys taking spontaneous trips with friends and bringing out her creativity through her passion of painting and all things arty. 

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