Warwick Conferences new venue takes shape as ground works are completed

Warwick Conferences new £5.3m dedicated meeting venue on the University of Warwick campus in Coventry and Warwickshire is beginning to take shape with the completion of the ground works and substructure. 

With the steel frame in place, work has now begun on the timber frame, which will be exposed within the main conference space. The idea for the new venue is to create a beautiful pavilion that sits on the edge of the lake offering a calming backdrop to events.    

Kevin Scott, Senior Architect at Associated Architects, says: “The structure of the new venue is really starting to take shape now that the ground work and steel frame have been completed. The next stage is to complete the installation of the timber frame before work can begin on lining the roof and forming the roof lights serving the rear of the conference space.”    

“Close collaboration with Warwick Conferences has been integral in this project, particularly when it comes to utilising their knowledge and understanding of working in these types of venues on a daily basis. The input of the Warwick Conferences team in each stage of the build from the design process, technical side and now on site has created a more refined and streamlined design.” 

Richard Harrison, Head of Conference Centres at Warwick Conferences, adds: “It is fantastic to see the venue progressing so well. We have already received £3,586,060 worth of enquiries for the new space with over four months to go before opening, which is a great indication of the demand for the venue.

“The need for high capacity, high quality and flexible event space is rising and there are few venues that currently meet these requirements in Central England. We are looking forward to being able to offer an uncompromised, contemporary and striking space for tailor-made and bespoke event experiences when our new venue opens this autumn.” 

Offering 650sqm of contemporary and highly flexible event space with capacity for 350 delegates seated, the new venue will be available on an exclusive use basis so it can be customised to meet individual needs.

Warwick Conferences hosts the National TUCO Skills Competitions

Warwick Conferences, at the University of Warwick, last week hosted the National TUCO Skills Competitions (21-22 March), the annual showcase for the culinary talents within Higher and Further Education. This was a major change of venue as for the previous 14 years the competition had been hosted in Blackpool.

The competition saw a record number of competitors and attendees with over 350 competitors, suppliers, and guests attending from across the industry and sector.

The event made use of both the Rootes Building and Warwick Arts Centre, with the former venue hosting the Chinese themed night, Chefs Salon, Barista skills, food service and bars competition.

Warwick Arts Centre saw the introduction of eight live kitchens with Speed Cook, Street Food and Chefs team challenges. The venue was also used for the Grand Awards Dinner for 350 guests where all of this year’s winners were announced. 

The University of Warwick had its own Gold winner with Samantha Chick in the Food Service competition, while Pete Fry and Mary Fry won Bronze and Silver in the Salon competition. 

Clive Singleton, General Manager, Conference Park & Events, said: “It was fantastic to host the annual TUCO Skills Competitions here at the University of Warwick. We welcomed a record number of competitors and attendees in what was an enjoyable two days for all involved. By using both the Rootes Building and Warwick Arts Centre we had more than enough space for all of the different competitions and setups, while ensuring that attendees and competitors were able to get from challenge to challenge, meet the suppliers, network and actually be able to view all competitions live.” 

Julie Barker, chair of TUCO, described the two days as hugely successful. “Warwick has been a fantastic setting and lived up to all expectations,” she said. 

A full list of winners from the 2016 TUCO Skills Competitions can be found here http://www.tuco.org/news/item/and-the-winners-are.

Warwick Conferences achieves VenueVerdict Gold Standard

Warwick Conferences is celebrating their venue Scarman achieving the BDRC Continental VenueVerdict Gold Standard Accreditation.

The VenueVerdict Gold Standard Accreditation is given to those venues recording a twelve-month Net Promoter Score of +70 from 40 or more business event hosts responses in 2015 and is testament to the team’s dedication to providing a first-rate meeting experience to every customer. 

Richard Harrison, Head of Conference Centres at Warwick Conferences, says: “We are delighted to receive the prestigious VenueVerdict Gold Standard from BDRC Continental. The staff at Scarman always go the extra mile to understand and implement the details valued by our customers and it is fantastic that this is being recognised. There really is no better testimony than positive customer feedback so we are thrilled to receive this accolade.” 

James Bland, Director of the Hotels and Hospitality team at BDRC Continental, says: “Warwick Conferences should be very proud of their venue Scarman. Net Promoter Scores can range from -100 to +100 so to achieve and sustain a score of +70 requires consistently excellent customer service. It’s a very discerning measure and that’s why only 39 venues have achieved it this time around.”

Warwick Conferences discovers five ways event bookers can create better experiences

Warwick Conferences has released a new set of guidelines to help event bookers meet and surpass both their managers’ and delegates’ expectations.

According to the Value of Expertise report, 99% of managers expect bookers to be experts on booking events. But 70% of bookers claim this is only a small part of their job.

Busy schedules, spinning too many plates and working in silos all increase the chance of communications breaking down. This means thi

ngs can be overlooked when booking an event. In fact, 93% of the bookers surveyed in the report admit to neglecting to investigate at least one key issue before choosing a venue.

Using data from the Value of Expertise report – an independent study into the relationship between expertise and success in meetings – Warwick Conferences has highlighted the crucial questions event bookers need to ask to create a successful event.

Read the five essential questions to ask before booking an event: (http://www.warwickconferences.com/about-us/news-and-blogs/five-essential-questions-ask-booking-event)

The top questions that all event bookers need to ask are:

1. How often do non-business guests frequent the venue?
2. Is the technology at the event reliable, easy-to-use and compatible with the managers’ laptops?
3. How much parking availability is there at the venue?
4. Is the Wi-Fi at the venue fast and free?
5. Will the venue provide catering for people with special dietary requirements?

These questions act as a basis for forming active partnerships with venues, to make event booking a collaborative experience. Miscommunication and mismatched expectations can be the root causes of a bad experience – not just for the delegates, but everyone involved in organising the event.

These new guidelines from Warwick Conferences show the power of partnerships and how bookers, managers and venues can work together to break down silos and create events their delegates remember for all the right reasons.

“Asking these five crucial questions at the early stages will alleviate pressure on bookers and help remove miscommunication from the booking processes,” says Rachael Bartlett, head of sales and marketing at Warwick Conferences.

“Collaboration is essential for event booking. If delegates’ and managers’ expectations are going to be met and surpassed, bookers need to think in terms of partnerships and not transactions when working with venues.

“If booking an event is only a small part of your day-to-day job, which indeed 70% of bookers stated, partnering with the right venue means you get help creating a great delegate experience every step of the way.”

Meeting Expectations is the first of four key themes covered in the Value of Expertise report. In the coming months, Warwick Conferences will be delving more into the other three themes:

• Respect: are businesses respecting their delegates and their training needs?
• Connectivity: what’s all the fuss about Wi-Fi?
• Money talks: are venues and bookers missing the mark when it comes to measuring success?

Warwick Conferences takes Gold at the M&IT Awards

Warwick Conferences is celebrating its 10th consecutive year of Meetings & Incentive Travel (M&IT) award success, after winning Gold for Best Academic Venue for the 20^th time in the awards 29 year history.

The collection of meeting venues – based at the University of Warwick – also picked up Bronze for Best UK Management Training Centre and were recognised as finalists in the Best UK Conference Centre and Best Conference and Banqueting Staff categories.

Warwick Conferences has enjoyed significant success at the M&IT Awards, which are voted for solely by event organisers and readers of M&IT magazine.

This year’s ceremony took place at Battersea Evolution and was attended by more than 1,000 meetings and events professionals to reward excellence in service.

Rachael Bartlett, head of sales and marketing at WarwickConferences, says: “We are delighted with our achievements at this year’s M&IT Awards, especially as these awards are voted for by our customers who have first-hand experience of our facilities. It is a huge honour for us to receive these awards, and we are exceptionally proud to have been recognised amongst the best in the industry by our customers.

“Our success is testament to the team’s fantastic attitude and ethos of always going above and beyond what is expected of them to ensure every customer has the best possible experience when holding an event with us. It is particularly rewarding to know that our customers recognise and appreciate this service.”

Later this year Warwick Conferences will open its new £5.3m dedicated meeting venue on the University of Warwick campus. The venue will offer 650 square metres of contemporary and highly flexible event space. 

Warwick Conferences new £5.3m venue on target for autumn opening

Warwick Conferences new £5.3m dedicated meeting venue on the University of Warwick campus in Coventry and Warwickshire is progressing on schedule with the first concrete pour of around 270 cubic metres (almost two double decker buses) taking place earlier this month.

Demand is looking strong for the new standalone facility, which sits adjacent to two of Warwick Conferences’ existing training and conference venues, with business leads reported as far ahead as December 2017.

Along with the new opening, Warwick Conferences has reviewed its strategy and the experience it delivers to ensure it continues to meet the needs of the industry. Conference, training and meeting needs are constantly evolving and it is not just about delivering four walls, a flip chart and some food, it is about delivering an experience. This involves providing the space to debate, engage, resolve, share, challenge and learn in a way which is individually tailored to the customer and their objectives.

Rachael Bartlett, head of sales and marketing at WarwickConferences, says: “We recently reviewed our strategy and how we deliver it to ensure that we continue to respond to the needs of the changing world. As part of this process, we are updating the way we look and our communications to better reflect who we are and what we can deliver to our customers.  Ultimately, it is business as usual, but better. The improvements across our brand and communications reinforce the ethos that at Warwick Conferences we take the time to understand our customer’s needs and objectives and respond by giving them a completely unique experience that is tailored to them.

“This year is set to be an extremely exciting one for Warwick Conferences with our new venue opening in the autumn. Work is progressing on schedule and we are already in a strong position in terms of enquiries for the new space. We look forward to continuing to break new ground with our training and conference solutions by delivering an experience where anything is possible.”

Warwick Conferences continues venue investment

Warwick Conferences is set to complete an extensive refurbishment in one of its distraction-free venues this spring.

The £1 million investment will see 154 bedrooms in its Radcliffe training and conference centre entirely renovated and replaced with new carpets, wall coverings, desks, beds, wardrobes and soft furnishings.

Due to be completed in March 2016, this latest refurbishment will precede Warwick Conferences’ £5.3 million investment in ‘The Canvas’ - a new customisable events venue set to open on the University of Warwick campus in Autumn 2016.

Rachael Bartlett, head of sales and marketing at Warwick Conferences, comments: “We’re extremely proud of our diverse range of facilities here at Warwick Conferences and dedicated to continuously improving the events solutions we offer for our clients. 

“2016 is set to be a busy and exciting year for the business, and the investment in our Radcliffe venue plays an important role in our ongoing commitment to enhance our facilities.”

Warwick Conferences Sets Its Sights on Gold

Warwick Conferences is in the running to continue its awards success in 2016 after being shortlisted in four categories at this year’s Meeting & Incentive Travel (M&IT) Awards.

The collection of meeting venues – based at the University of Warwick – has been nominated for four awards in total: Best UK Conference Centre, Best UK Management Training Centre, Best Academic Venue, and Best Conference and Banqueting Staff.

The M&IT Awards are the oldest established awards programme in the industry. Voted for solely by event organisers and the readers of M&IT magazine, they serve to reward excellence in the meetings and events sectors.

Rachael Bartlett, head of sales and marketing at Warwick Conferences, comments: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted in four categories at this year’s M&IT Awards. The awards are a real highlight on the calendar, and as a reflection of the valuable opinions of event industry professionals, are also extremely important to us as a business.

“2016 is set to be an exciting year for us, and we’re exceptionally proud that our facilities and services have been recognised amongst the best in the industry. On behalf of all the team at Warwick Conferences, I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to vote for us.”

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

Rachael Bartlett named as Fast Forward 15 mentee

Head of sales and marketing at Warwick Conferences, Rachael Bartlett, has been named as one of the mentees in the inaugural Fast Forward 15 programme – created to inspire, encourage, and empower women in the events industry.

The mentoring initiative – pioneered by Fay Sharpe of Zibrant – aims to help 15 women develop their events and hospitality careers by sharing knowledge and expertise with leaders in their field. In total, the Fast Forward 15 scheme attracted 139 applicants, with the chosen 15 announced at a lunch on Friday 20th March.

Rachael will be mentored in the ‘Aspirational Board Director’ category of the programme by Jo Austin, head of sales at Lime Venue Portfolio. The programme, which is endorsed by the HBAA, MPI, and the Women’s Business Council, will see mentors and mentees work together over a 12-month period to achieve specified objectives and goals.

Rachael comments: “I’m delighted to be a part of the Fast Forward 15 scheme and to have the opportunity to gain valuable insight into the wider industry. Understanding events challenges through new perspectives is key to both personal development and business growth, and it’s a privilege to have been selected from the pool of candidates that applied.

“The Fast Forward 15 scheme is a brilliant initiative for supporting women in the events industry, and I look forward to working with my mentor Jo over what I’m certain will be a hugely rewarding year.”

Warwick Conferences scores UEFA 2018 business

Warwick Conferences has been named as one of three host venues for the teams competing in the 2018 UEFA Under-17 Championship following a successful bid in partnership with Warwick Sport. The news comes after the announcement that the FA will stage the championship after England was awarded hosting rights for the Euro 2020 Finals.

The best 16 nations in Europe will descend upon the Midlands to compete and - as in the 2012 London Olympics - Warwick Conferences will act as a training base. Its Scarman and Cryfield facilities will host four international teams during May 2018, with the remaining teams accommodated at St George’s Park and Loughborough.

The competition will serve as preparation for the Euro 2020 Finals, with The FA hosting the semi-finals and final at Wembley Stadium.

Rachael Bartlett, head of sales and marketing at Warwick Conferences, comments: “We’re delighted that Warwick Conferences has won the opportunity to be a host training venue for the UEFA Under-17 Championship, and we look forward to welcoming the teams to our facilities in 2018.”

Warwick Conferences strikes gold at M&IT Awards 2015

Warwick Conferences proved winning is thrice as nice after bringing home three awards at this year’s Meetings & Incentive Travel (M&IT) Awards.

The Coventry and Warwickshire-based collection of meeting venues beat off the competition to be awarded the top accolades in two categories: as well as receiving Gold for Best Management Training Venue, Warwick Conferences was also awarded Gold for Best Academic Venue - the 19th time in the awards’ 27-year history that its venues have come out on top in this category.

Additional success for Warwick Conferences’ facilities came in the form of Silver for Best UK Conference Centre, with Warwick Conferences holding onto its crown from 2014’s awards in this fiercely competitive category.

Rachael Bartlett, head of sales and marketing at Warwick Conferences, comments: “We are thrilled with our results at this year’s M&IT Awards. Warwick Conferences is hugely proud of its identity as an academic venue and consistently champions a distraction-free approach to catering for business, so to win Gold in Best Academic Venue and Best UK Management Training Centre is a valuable endorsement of our efforts in both fields.

“Our success at this year’s awards is testament to the team’s relentless work in providing exemplary conferencing experiences – we’re competing in an increasingly challenging marketplace, and it’s terrific to still be considered so highly by our customers.”

The M&IT Awards – which serve to reward excellence within the meetings and events industry – are voted for solely by event organisers and the readers of M&IT magazine. This year’s ceremony was held on Tuesday 3rd March at Battersea Evolution.

Warwick Conferences distils industry research

Warwick Conferences has distilled a range of market research and reports in order to share the key findings with the wider industry, providing a valuable insight into the future of conferencing.

The Looking Ahead infographic serves to make the knowledge gleaned from eight industry reports - including the UK Events Market Trends Survey 2014 and the Global Meetings and Events Forecast 2015 – more accessible to events professionals.

The key findings - as identified by Warwick Conferences - cover the trends predicted to have a significant influence in 2015, the relationship between event planners and agencies, and the role of sustainability in events.

Rachael Bartlett, head of sales and marketing at Warwick Conferences, comments: “The conferencing landscape is constantly shifting and it’s crucial for event professionals to be able to forecast the influencers that will affect business in the coming months and years.

“The number of meetings is expected to rise by 1.2% in 2015, and while expenditure is returning slowly, costs remains a key decision maker for clients. This, coupled with the fact that flexibility is held as high priority means that venues must be adaptable, offering rate package options to embrace varying needs. 

“As a business at the forefront of the conferencing industry, Warwick Conferences is dedicated to making a positive contribution to drive the sector forward. Summarising the reports has helped us to refine our objectives and provide a clearer picture of where the industry is heading. We know the world of market research can be overwhelming, so we hope the Looking Ahead infographic provides a useful, easy-to-digest summary for event professionals to call upon.”

For more information and to view the Looking Ahead infographic, visit http://www.warwickconferences.com/about-us/news-and-blogs/insight-future-conferencing.

Warwick Conferences Creates New Delegate Magazine

As part of Warwick Conferences’ commitment to innovation and thought-leadership, a brand new magazine has been created for our delegates that includes inspiring articles and useful information, which can be used both in the world of work and at home. 

Each issue is themed and contains a variety of regular features to include a crash course in, one to watch, there’s an app for that, 10 ways to … and a jargon buster. Inside the current edition we’re predominantly focusing on the digital world and exploring the impact of technology and the evolution of the modern workplace - with some insightful research that may want you to rethink on the way you work, not only in the office, but also at home. Plus there’s a range of articles on the ever growing social media, our own Graham Crump – Executive Chef and British BBQ champion – giving his tips on fine dining, how to get the perfect night sleep and our take 5 on the most inspirational Ted talks.

We also reveal the top hot-spots on Warwick Conferences’ doorstep including Warwickshire’s attractions, history and culture. 

We hope you enjoy your copy of Confer when you next visit Warwick Conferences!

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.

Warwick Conferences ‘British BBQ Champion’ hosts thank you dinner

As a thank you for their business during 2014, Warwick Conferences held a BBQ event for its clients on Friday 26 September.

The BBQ event comes after the success of Warwick Conferences’ Executive Development Chef, Graham Crump, at this year’s British BBQ Battle. Graham impressed a panel of judges, led by World BBQ champion Ben Bartlett, during the live ‘cook-off’ held at Blenheim Palace in June.

Pictured are (l-r) Hannah Collins – RICS; Kate Stockley – RICS; Graham Crump - Warwick Conferences; Gemma Beasley – RICS; and Naomi Reynolds.

Join us for a glass of bubbly at Office* Show!

Conference Centres of Excellence will be attending the Office* Show next week at London Olympia.

Office* provides a unique platform where key corporate buyers can meet and do business with a range of relevant and carefully selected suppliers. Running alongside the show is a world class education and training programme which will aid personal development and attract executive support professionals from across the country. This is an event not to be missed by any PA, EA, VA or office manager!

Come along and meet our venue sales team along with representatives from member venues:

• Kents Hill Park
• Ashorne Hill
• Warwick Conferences
• Weetwood Hall

Join us between 12.30 and 3.30 for a free glass of bublly, and talk to us about our regional PA network events. Meet with like-minded professionals and discuss the subjects that matter to you…

Download our voucher and bring along on the day >

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

Warwick Conferences raised a total of £520 as part of its Cycle for Change initiative, which saw delegates and staff saddle up to cycle a mile all in the name of charity.

Having teamed up with the UK's largest bicycle retailer Halfords, would-be riders tackled the challenge on a Boardman race bike—which toured the conferencing venues and university campus on rollers—in order to raise all-important funds for Re-Cycle, a charity that sends unwanted bikes to Africa.

The charity enables people to travel to work and school, as well as allowing small-scale traders to reach customers further afield. The bikes can also be an invaluable resource for travelling health workers and provide access to training and employment, helping to improve lives in a sustainable way.

Craig Emmerson (pictured)— Office Sales Manager at Warwick Conferences—cycled 77 miles as part of the campaign.

Warwick Conferences kicks off charity cycling event

As the crowds gathered in anticipation of the Grand Départ in Leeds, over 100 miles away at the University of Warwick, Warwick Conferences embarked on a two-wheeled journey all of their own.

Warwick Conferences’ longest-serving employee set the wheels of its epic two-week ‘Cycle for Change’ biking event in motion by taking on the first mile of a 2,271 mile adventure—all in the name of charity.

Leading the valiant troops of staff and delegates in their quest to match the same distance in miles covered by the Tour de France, Keith Tayler, in his 24th year of service as a head chef at the Coventry-and-Warwickshire-based conference business saddled up at Scarman to complete mile one out of 2,271 and donate the first £1 towards the target.

Warwick Conferences have teamed up with the UK’s largest bicycle retailer Halfords to host the Cycle for Change initiative, which will run from Friday 4 July to Monday 28 July. The Boardman Race bike—which is secured on rollers—will appear at all of Warwick Conferences’ venues and across the university campus with the aim to have delegates and staff participate to collectively cycle the Tour de France route distance and raise at least £1 for each mile covered.

The funds donated by guests and staff will go to Halfords’ chosen charity Re-Cycle, an organisation that sends unwanted bikes to Africa enabling people to travel to work and school, as well as allowing small-scale traders to reach customers further afield. The bikes can also be an invaluable resource for travelling health workers and provide access to training and employment, helping to improve lives in a sustainable way.

Cyclists will even have the chance to ride away with a prize, with each rider automatically entered into a draw to win the road bike that will be used for the event.

Rachael Bartlett, head of sales and marketing at Warwick Conferences, comments: “We’re thrilled that the Cycle for Change event has got off to a great start—it was brilliant to have Keith commence the race, and we expect to see many more of our staff and customers following his lead!

“Over the next two weeks, we hope to prove that a little pedal power really can make a huge difference, raising as much as we can for what is a fantastic cause.”

To find out more about Cycle for Change and to see a schedule detailing dates and locations, please visit www.warwickconferences.com/cycle-for-change.

Warwick Conferences head chef crowned ‘British BBQ Champion’

A Coventry and Warwickshire chef is banishing the cliché of burnt sausages and lackluster burgers after being crowned British BBQ Champion at the third annual British BBQ Battle.

Graham Crump, The University of Warwick and Warwick Conferences’ Group Executive Chef, impressed a panel of judges, led by World BBQ champion Ben Bartlett, during the live ‘cook-off’ held at Blenheim Palace on 18 June. His mouth-watering winning  menu consisted of king prawns with pickled lemon, coriander and garlic butter, with yogurt and mint dressing; lamb ox-spring kebab served on a toasted flatbread, crisp salad and crunchy pork popcorn, with hickory barbecue sauce and ranch dressing; and a banana, marshmallow and chocolate, brioche dessert.

Graham comments: “The BBQ Battle was great fun, with good company, some fierce competition, and the chance to cook on some very impressive equipment, all under the kind of wonderful balmy skies we all dream of during the summer months.

“I’m really proud to have won. It's a great personal accolade but also fabulous for the University and our guests. We take food very seriously here and my winning menu was typical of the kind of food we love to serve. I’m sure the demand for barbeques is set to increase as a result of this win, and as barbequing is one of my favourite methods of cooking, that’s fine by me!”

 Graham was rewarded with an impressive prize bundle for his success, including a top of the range Crown Verity mcb-36 BBQ and accessories pack, worth £3,000.

 Bill Verity, President of Crown Verity, who had the honour of announcing the British BBQ Battle Champion, said: “There were only a few points dividing the top places, making for a very, very close competition and exciting day. Congratulations to Graham!”

The competition, hosted by foodservice equipment supplier RH Hall, exclusive distributor of Crown Verity BBQ systems in the UK and Eire, took place within the Pleasure Gardens at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, where the finalists representing four hospitality sectors - pub and bar; hotels; golf club & outdoor/event catering; and universities - had to cook a three-course meal on a Crown Verity mcb-30 barbecue and serve it within one hour.

Each cooking session was presided over by the judging panel which consisted of Ben Bartlett, BBQ Champion & President of the British BBQ Association; Chris Basten and Martin Bates from the Craft Guild of Chefs and Bill Verity, President of Crown Verity over from Canada.

The chefs were marked individually on their dishes’ taste, texture and appearance and marks were also awarded for use of the Crown Verity BBQ and hygiene practices.