Conference Centre gains triple Gold in 2012

Cotswold Conference Centre has continued an amazing start to the year by earning its third Gold Award of 2012.

The leading conference centre won its latest accolade by reaching Gold in the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS), which recognises eco-friendly organisations in the UK. The achievement follows two other Gold titles so far in 2012. In January, the centre earned a national VenueVerdict Gold for excellent customer service and in March it won Gold in the Conference Venue of the Year category of the Cotswold Tourism Awards, beating Cheltenham Racecourse and The Barn at Calcot Manor.

The GTBS is the leading sustainable tourism certification scheme in the UK. Businesses opting to join are graded against a rigorous set of criteria, covering areas such as energy and water efficiency, waste management and biodiversity. Cotswold Conference Centre was visited and assessed on 8 March and the final report has just been completed. The report stated: “There are a number of ‘best practice’ measures in place [at Cotswold Conference Centre]. A lot of these are found at the new Maudslay Court with high levels of insulation, rainwater harvesting, sensors, solar panels and ground source heat pumps. “The site plays an important part in the community, getting involved in initiatives to rid the town of plastic bags while supporting many charities as well as showcasing a great deal of local food and drinks on the delegate menu. The green message is promoted very well with an ‘Environmental Folder’ communicated to guests as well as excellent room and website information.”

Cotswold Conference Centre is a modern meeting, training and team building venue based on the 370-acre Farncombe Estate, between Cheltenham and Stratford-upon-Avon. Richard Howdle, Operations Manager at Cotswold Conference Centre, said: “This award is another feather in our cap and further recognition of the excellent work that the team at Cotswold Conference Centre is doing across the board. “It’s going to be a fantastic year for the UK and especially for tourism. To earn these three Gold titles in the first four months alone is a remarkable achievement.”

For more information about this venue contact the Hotline today on 0845 230 1414 or info@cceonline.co.uk

WARWICK STRIKES GOLD AGAIN IN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY

Warwick Conferences is celebrating once again after two of its venues have secured Gold in the BDRC Continental’s VenueVerdict awards for the fourth quarter in a row.

Warwick Conferences’ Radcliffe and Scarman training & conference centres are amongst just a handful of conference and meeting venues in the UK to be awarded the prestigious accolade, which recognises outstanding levels of customer satisfaction.

Venue Verdict Gold Standard is measured through ‘Net Promoter’, a progressive measure of customer service performance, and is awarded to venues with a twelve month ‘Net Promoter Score’ of +70, subject to the venue having met specific qualification requirements in each calendar quarter.

James Bland, senior client services manager at BDRC Continental said: “This quarter, only 22 properties achieved the Gold Standard so Warwick Conferences should be very proud. “Net Promoter can range from -100 to +100 so to achieve and sustain a score of +70 requires consistently excellent customer service.” 

Rachael Bartlett, head of sales and marketing at Warwick Conferences said: “We are absolutely thrilled that two of our venues have been rated so highly in the awards for the fourth quarter in a row! “There is no better testimony than positive customer feedback and this accolade is a real testament to the outstanding service that we pride ourselves on delivering.”

For further information on this venue contact the Hotline today on 0845 230 1414 or info@cceonline.co.uk

All on schedule for Wyboston Lakes redevelopment

Work is on schedule for the completion of the first phase of Wyboston Lakes’ extensive redevelopment of its dedicated conference and training venues.

From the end of April, users of its Robinson Executive Conference Centre will benefit from an intensive programme of enhancement across all aspects of the facility. When that project is completed, refurbishment of the Willows Training Centre will commence. From the beginning of May, the Robinson will be rebranded as the ‘Wyboston Lakes Executive Centre’, while the Willows will become the ‘Wyboston Lakes Training Centre’. The enhancements will help emphasise the different propositions the centres provide in terms of tariff and facilities.

Enjoy a complimentary pimms reception at Kettering Park Hotel and Spa

Looking for a stunning setting for a dinner to say thanks to the team - take a peek at the brand new outdoor Garden Room at the Kettering Park Hotel and Spa. An ideal dinner venue for up to 16 delegates and it doesn't have to be so formal, we're happy to do BBQ's and less dressy events too.

Reserve the Garden Room for a private lunch or dinner before the end of May for a summer event and in honour of our very first season we'll include a Pimm's reception with our compliments.

For more information about Kettering Park Hotel and Spa call the Hotline today on 0845 230 1414 or info@cceonline.co.uk

imago prepares to introduce Loughborough to international market

imago is setting its sights on Europe after confirming its attendance at IMEX and EIBTM exhibitions.

imago, the hospitality and conferencing brand of Loughborough University, is setting its sights on Europe after confirming its attendance at leading meetings exhibition IMEX in Frankfurt and international events exhibition EIBTM in Barcelona.

Having access to a number of new buyers and markets will not only provide exposure for imago but for Loughborough University and the East Midlands as a whole. The main message at both exhibitions will be the strength of Loughborough’s central location and imago’s role as the official host to the Japanese Olympic team and Team GB, making it ideal for international events.

Emma Boynton, Sales and Marketing Manager at imago, said: “We have traditionally attended UK only exhibitions, building on the strong foundation that we already have in many sectors including academic and sporting markets. The decision to attend EIBTM and IMEX reflects our wider objective of promoting Loughborough as a key, central destination for international events. We believe that our offering is unique in combining outstanding hotels, sports and conference facilities and dedicated event management services.”

This strategy to target European customers follows imago’s appointment of Paul Cooper, Business Development Manager, who was recruited to assist with fresh sales ideas and customer incentives. The additional of a Coordination Manager, a Revenue Manager, a Marketing Executive and Event Management Assistant reflects the continued success of imago’s services which span the University, The Link Hotel, Holywell Park and Burleigh Court.

For further information on imago at Burleigh Court contact the Hotline today on 0845 230 1414 or info@cceonline.co.uk

Pre-Olympics special room hire rates at BMA House

It's Doctors orders at BMA House - the home of the British Medical Association is a stunning Grade II listed building in central London and they are offering you a 25% discount on room hire for all new bookings taking place between now and 13th July 2012.

BMA House is a hidden gem of grand proportions located in fashionable Bloomsbury and boasts excellent transport links.

The House is home to the prestigious British Medical Association and has been its headquarters since 1925. Most recently refurbished in 2008 BMA House offers 25 spaces to hire for Conferences and Events including a courtyard and garden.

The versatility of rooms at BMA House allow for meetings as small as 10 boardroom and 20 for a private dinner to 300 theatre style, 200 for banqueting and 320 for cocktail parties. The majority of rooms offer flexible seating layouts and four are even licensed for weddings!

BMA House boasts state of the art audio visual equipment and in-house technicians to ensure successful delivery of your message. Video conferencing and webcasting are also available on site and wi-fi is offered for free throughout the House.

Catering is provided by award winning on site caterers and ranges from a simple buffet lunch to fine dining and barbeques. Menus offer innovative design, premium ingredients and stunning presentation.

In the run up to the Olympics BMA House are offering a special rate of 25% discount on all room hires*.

For more information about BMA House please contact the Hotline on 0845 230 1414 or info@cceonline.co.uk

*offer valid on new enquiries only for events taking place between now and 13th July 2012

Eynsham Hall looks to the future with refurbishment programme

Eynsham Hall Oxfordshire, has pledged to its future with a refurbishment programme of its annexe bedrooms. Careful to not compromise its current business they are looking to carry this out over the next 18 months as business allows. With bedrooms already completed Eynsham Hall has had excellent feedback from guests and is looking forward to showing the changes off to others. The new look logo of an Oxfordshire hare and further rebranding to include a website is just part of the ongoing changes at Eynsham Hall.

Maciej Kowalski one of Eynsham Halls finest bar tenders has reached the heats in England of the ‘Twisted Traditions National Cocktail Competition’ by Sloane’s Dry Gin. His unique drink has been turning heads and we will keep you updated with his progress!

For further information about this venue contact the Hotline today on 0845 230 1414 or info@cceonline.co.uk