Ashorne Hill in the community

One of the core values at Ashorne Hill is to have a positive impact upon the local community and support worthwhile causes. 2015-16 was no exception to this and the venue team are proud to have been involved in a number of activities to benefit others:

We kicked-off the year in supporting Breast Cancer awareness with a number of staff wearing pink for a day and enjoying a range of games and quizzes, together with hosting a cake sale for delegates and staff.

In November 2015, Ashorne Hill responded to calls for volunteers from DIY SOS, one of the nation's best-loved television shows. DIY SOS were planning a BIG Build in Bidford-on-Avon, just a few miles away from us for 20 year old Chloe Print-Lambert who suffers from Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.
We saw this as a fantastic opportunity to put ourselves forward to support this project in the only way we knew possible…. delivering a fantastic range of refreshments prepared by our award winning chefs. Our selection of refreshments included sandwiches, chocolate brownies, doughnuts and hot drinks all of which really helped to rally the volunteers on a cold December afternoon.
It was a huge privilege for us to be selected to support the volunteers at the BIG build, as they created Chloe’s dream family home. The show is due to air in September 2016.

Christmas is a time for giving and with this in mind Ashorne Hill decided to support our local Salvation Army with their Christmas present appeal in 2015. The Christmas present appeal was formed to help make Christmas special for those less fortunate by taking donations of unwrapped toys and gifts. These were then distributed within the local area to children, families, the elderly and the homeless.
The support from the staff at Ashorne Hill with this initiative was huge, and donations for this important appeal came flooding in. Toys, puzzles, books, toiletries, DVDs and chocolate were some of the items that were distributed in and around Leamington Spa making a difference to a number of families and people over the festive period.

For a number of years we have supported Myton Hospice as our chosen charity. In 2015-16 we set a target to raise £2,000. Throughout the past year staff have taken part in a number of fundraising activities and in addition; a tuck shop was provided by our fantastic accounts team, staff got into the festive feeling and wore Christmas jumpers, and a Christmas raffle featured at our staff Christmas lunch with a number of prizes donated by our suppliers. We are delighted to have exceed our target and raised a total of £2,362.50.

Our Managing Director, John Carson, fully supported each of the events and stated, ‘For me, supporting local causes is ingrained in our values and I am extremely proud that each fundraiser is always met with enthusiasm from across the whole business. We make it fun, although I am not sure I will wear a pink shirt again! But seriously, the funds we raise do make a difference and we will continue to support local causes and charities throughout this and future years’.
.

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.

Ashorne Hill recently awarded CMI Midlands Centre of the Year 2015

Ashorne Hill was recently awarded the CMI (CharteredManagement Institute) Midlands Centre of the Year 2015.

Ashorne Hill is a dedicated conference centre and learning solutions provider based around a grade II listed manor house, set in 35 acres of stunning Warwickshire countryside, just 2 miles off the M40.

With a dedicated in-house Learning Solutions team, and proud to have been a CMI Centre since 2009, Ashorne Hill has been a training solutions partner to major organisations across industry sectors for over fifty years. 

By working in partnership with organisations, the in-house team discuss the requirements in collaboration, offering the opportunity to provide a blended solution with appropriate objectives and measureable outcomes. Customised programmes can include blending trainer-led, experiential, and e-learning solutions.

On all aspects of accreditation,expert advice and programme design leads to achievement of an appropriate management award, certificate or diploma for learners from the CMI - an internationally-recognised accreditation body.

With a dedicated CMI Centre Manager, the experienced in-house operations team manages pre-programme communications, prepares learning materials, and compiles ongoing programme evaluation and feedback reports. They also manage a tracking system, the process of assignment marking, external verification and certification associated with programme accreditation.

Key features and benefits for organisations and learners are:

• clear process and communication

• tailored guidelines for learners with accessibility to online study guides and contactable Assessors

• an assessment team with clear guidelines that meet annual to review standardisation

• our expert Learning Solutions team encourage learners to make the link between their work place and the learning they acquire

Comments from the CMI Centre Reports include:

“Excellent standard of learner work observed. Possible use of case studies to promote good practice at Ashorne Hill. Overall some excellent practice observed. Good tracking systems in place and Assessment/IV matrix to show sampling strategies. This centre has robust policies and implements them effectively.” CMI Centre visit report 2013

“This centre is well run and the team work well together to provide high quality services to their clients. They have adopted the CMI assessment materials and are finding these to work well. Staff are well qualified and a new IV has been recruited this year too. If there are ever any questions or concerns, Emma contacts me to sort it out immediately which is very reassuring.” CMI Centre visit report 2014

 For more information contact training@ashornehill.co.uk or call the team on 01926 488 016.

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

Ashorne Hill's Fam Trip leaves guests stirred, not shaken

Ashorne Hill’s latest agency familiarisation trip was a great success. Agencies from all across the country including, Book-o-Tel , Ellis Salsby, Zibrant and Inntel arrived at Ashorne Hill for reception drinks and welcome in the Great Hall.

The evening began with a tour of Ashorne Hill’s building and grounds. The conferencing and events team led the tour showcasing the very best of the facilities. The agents were able to view many styles of meeting rooms which were set up in a number of different layouts, enabling them to visualise how their clients could utilise Ashorne Hill’s facilities. Looking out over the 3rd floor balconies - the sun was setting as guests took in the view of the rolling Warwickshire countryside and landscaped grounds.

The 80s theme for the evening proved very popular with the agents. The entertainment began with a ‘Tom Cruise’ style cocktail demonstration. Individuals were chosen from the audience to take centre stage and attempt to mix the cocktails in the same flamboyant way as the mixologists causing great amusement amongst fellow guests.

During the course of the evening every guest was given the opportunity to re-create some of the most popular cocktails. With the sounds of the 80s being played throughout the evening, vases filled with retro sweets, glow sticks and the decor to match guests were truly transported back in time. 

Ashorne Hill provided guests with a ‘Bowl food’ offering, enabling the agencies to sample multiple dishes throughout the evening. 

The event culminated in an 80s disco – people partied until the small hours of the morning and good fun was had by all. 

What our guests said...

“A BIG thank you to you and all the team for a wonderful evening and thanks for all the hospitality. We never realised what a great venue you have.”-Linda Mansfield

“The venue was breathtaking and what a super time we had , we will certainly be pushing any future enquiries your way. Thanks again for your hospitality and we look forward to working with you soon” - Derek Storer and Helen Higgins – Hotelsmart

“It was an absolutely fabulous night, the showround was great and very informative. The bowl food, cocktail making and disco were all really good fun too.” Faye Parker – Book-o-tel

“We all had a wonderful time, we felt the trip was of great value. Not only to bring Ashorne Hill back to the front of our minds but to see the fantastic product you have to offer. I would have absolutely no problems recommending you to my client and neither would my colleagues.” - Nichola Silvester – Ellis Salsby

To view Ashorne Hill's film tour, visit: http://www.cceonline.co.uk/venue/ashorne-hill/

New Chair for Conference Centres of Excellence board as it celebrates 21 years of Excellence

John Carson, Managing Director at Warwickshire’s renowned training and development and conference venue Ashorne Hill, has become the new Chair of Conference Centres of Excellence.

John was appointed Chair in May 2013, having been both a stalwart supporter of Conference Centres of Excellence and serving member of the board during the period of his company’s almost 9 years of membership.

Celebrating 21 years as the UK’s only marketing consortium to represent specialist, quality conference and training centres in the UK, Conference Centres of Excellence now has 34 members nationwide, including many of the country’s best known specialist conference and training venues, covering a geographical area extending from the South East of England to Scotland. Before joining, venues have to meet stringent criteria in terms of quality, facilities, accommodation and customer care. 

John is quite different from past Chairs having spent his former years as an officer in the Royal Navy and more latterly as an HR Director. Taking over Ashorne Hill was a real career change and membership of Conference Centres of Excellence gave him an ideal opportunity to benefit from the experience of his peers. He is convinced this was really beneficial in his transition from one career to another. He still believes that he has more to learn! 

John said, “I am absolutely proud to be taking over the Chair of Conference Centres of Excellence and hope to grow membership and membership value through the promotion of an organisation that clients can trust to deliver real quality’.

Executive Director Anthony Lishman said “John has been an active Board Member for the majority of the past 6 years, his business and management knowledge combined with great foresight will ensure our consortium thrives under his leadership. I know John will give the Chairmanship his full attention and steer the business in the right direction over the coming months".

Conference Centres of Excellence also welcomes Shaun Bowles, General Manager of Eynsham Hall in Oxfordshire, as a board member.

Summer Special Offers from Ashorne Hill

Hold your event at Ashorne Hill during the summer and take advantage of summer special offers!

From the 1st - 31st August 2013 

24 hour rate from £130 + VAT Day rate from £30 + VA

Pimms O’Clock

Pimms and Croquet 

every evening for those on a 24 hour rate

from 6-8pm on the terrace throughout August 2013

Delightful Dinners

From the 1st - 31st August 2013 

On Thursday evenings from the 8th of August we will be having a themed food night for those on a 24 hour rate.*

8th August 2013 

Tapas evening*

15th August 2013 

Italian evening*

22nd August 2013 

Mexican evening*

29th August 2013 

Greek Evening*

To take advantage of the offers please call us on 0845 230 1414 or email: info@cceonline.co.uk 

* Theme food option must be booked 2 weeks in advance.

An introduction to 'Lean Thinking' for CCE Members

Operations improvement consultants OEE present 'Lean Thinking' to Conference Centres of Excellence members.

At the first members event of 2013, held on Friday 1st February at Ashorne Hill, Warwickshire,  OEE presented an introduction to ‘Lean Thinking’ and customer driven service excellence.

Mark Palmer, Managing Director of OEE presented on how 'Lean Thinking' works in a customer focused industry such as hospitality, and engaged General Managers from several venues in lively discussion about how this can be put into practice.

“Mark’s presentation on ‘lean thinking’ fits very well with our goals of achieving service excellence, and opened up interesting discussions about how looking at our day to day business operations can ensure the customer experience is exceptional from start to finish” commented Kay England, Chief Executive of imago.

About OEE:

OEE are operations improvement consultants at the forefront of Lean service. We are constantly improving and adapting our approach and applying our unique experience in designing and implementing Lean in high complexity service environments where a “Lean manufacturing” approach is inappropriate. We operate in a wide range of global organisations including Financial Services, Contract Services, Utilities, Manufacturing and Public Sector.

Behind the scenes at new website photo shoot

In the run up to our new website launch on 1^st March, the Conference Centres of Excellence team embarked on a whistle stop tour of member venues, which provided the backdrops for our new website images.

Having worked over the last few months on the customer journey, functionality, search features, layout and graphics of the new website, last week found us ready for an exciting photo shoot for our new images.

Working with highly recommended photographer Andrew Hatfield we visited three member venues to capture the essence of Conference Centres of Excellence – quality standards, dedicated venues and service excellence.

Working with Andrew offered an insight into venue photography with preparation, lighting, and attention to detail proving vital in making our day successful. Having spent considerable time in preparing a detailed brief, outlining the style and context of the images along with technical requirements for the new site, Andrew totally understood our goals and helped us achieve fantastic results.

snapshots from the shoot

Having the support of the dedicated staff at each venue ensured we kept to a tight schedule, although will-power was required when presented with such amazing food to photograph!

Thanks again to our member venues Ashorne Hill, Warwick Conferences and Conference Aston and to all those who supported us.

Don't forget to visit the new site on 1st March to see the final results.

Bewitching Offers at Ashorne Hill

In the heart of England, set in 35 acres of landscaped grounds and yet only a few miles from the hub of the Midlands motorway network, Ashorne Hill is set around a beautiful Grade II listed building. Ashorne Hill offers a choice of well-equipped facilities to meet training and meeting needs including 13 acres of landscaped grounds - ideal for team building exercises and an array of leisure facilities. Our innovative, award-winning chefs offer a wide choice and variety, all freshly prepared using seasonal local produce. Ashorne Hill also provides a comprehensive range of training solutions in addition to the venue facilities, expert training consultants are happy to discuss both open courses and the design of bespoke training solutions.

Ashorne Hill

For more information about the latest offer from Ashorne Hill call the Conference Centres of Excellence hotline on 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline.co.uk

An invitation to visit Ashorne Hill

Olympic offer at Ashorne Hill

Take advantage of the Jubilee Offer at Ashorne Hill

Fabulous spring offers at Ashorne Hill

Fall in Love with Ashorne Hill

Special Christmas Rates at Ashorne Hill

Book a Christmas meeting at Ashorne Hill to take place between 19th - 23rd December 2011 and take advantage of some great rates!

Day Rate: £35.00 + VAT

24 Hour Rate: £125.00 + VAT


You will be able to relax in our festively decorated Great Hall while tucking into fresh mince pies!!

** Applies to all new bookings taken for this period

Call the Hotline team now on 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline.co.uk

Success after success for Ashorne Hill

The training and conference centre team at Ashorne Hill near Leamington Spa is currently celebrating three exciting new developments in the same week! Ashorne Hill is based around a Grade II listed mansion set in the heart of the Warwickshire countryside, and has been a dedicated training and conference centre for over fifty years.

A £2.4M refurbishment project, transforming the restaurant and part of the training/conference room facilities, has now been formally opened by Mr. Andrew Robb, Chairman of Tata Steel Europe. Mr. Robb is also a board member of Jaguar Land Rover – and both organisations are key customers of Ashorne Hill. The opening ceremony was followed by a gala reception and dinner for over a hundred customers and guests.

The following day it was announced that a chef at Ashorne Hill has won second place in the UK Chef’s Challenge. This is a very tough national competition and so to be placed overall second in the UK is a fantastic achievement.

And all of this good news comes on top of the confirmation that Ashorne Hill has been selected by the UK government’s Technology Strategy Board as sole provider for the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) Associate training programme, responsible for design, residential training, delivery and project management for the next four-year contract period. Debbie Buckley-Golder, Head of Knowledge Exchange at the Technology Strategy Board, said: “KTP is the leading programme in Europe helping businesses to improve their competitiveness, productivity and performance through partnerships with higher education institutions and research organisations, so it is vital that new KTP Associates are provided with the best possible management skills to enable them to make a success of their assignment. We are delighted that Ashorne Hill will be providing these important training programmes and look forward to working with them.”

John Carson, MD of Ashorne Hill, commented “Our team at Ashorne Hill is renowned for our high standard of customer service, and making this much progress in just one week reflects that commitment. These developments take us to a new level, from which we can continue to create excellent training and conference solutions for our customers.”

Ashorne Hill completes £2.5 million refurbishment project

Ashorne Hill training and conference centre has recently completed its biggest facilities investment in 50 Years, a £2.5 million pounds upgrade of its kitchen and dining facilities, together with a modern façade to the existing pre-cast concrete building from the 1960s.

The refurbishment has turned the dining room, into a beautiful space including a mezzanine level. The extension will enable Ashorne to seat around 200 guests. The interior has been completely transformed into a welcoming space ideal for dining, private functions and weddings. In addition, a beautifully laid patio has been built overlooking the grounds and is perfect for a drinks reception with outdoor lighting showcasing the true beauty of the Grade II listed manor house.

The project has given a real boost to the local economy with all sub-contractors working on the project based in the West Midlands. Along with contractors, many local craftsman were commissioned to design and manufacture bespoke items such as; furniture, fabric and artwork. John Carson, Managing Director of Ashorne Hill said: 'The investment will cement our reputation as a leading centre for management training and conferencing. We are committed to continued investment to ensure that companies know they will receive the best training, conferencing and events provisions. This work is hot on the heels of the unveiling of five new meeting rooms here at Ashorne Hill'

November availability at Ashorne Hill!

November availability at Ashorne Hill!

We now have the following space left available in November!



14th/15th November - 1 x meeting room plus 50 beds

24th/25th November - 1 x meeting room plus 30 beds

29th/30th November – 1 x meeting room plus 30 beds

Take advantage of a ‘super low’ last minute 24hr rate of £130 and day rate of £30 (plus VAT) by booking these dates now!


Call us now on 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline.co.uk

Spookily low rates at Ashorne Hill!

Book your conference or meeting at Ashorne Hill between 24 and 30 October 2011 and take advantage of our special offers

24 hour delegate rate of £125 + VAT
Day delegate rate of £35 + VAT

Call us now on 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline.co.uk

Offer applies to all new bookings taken for this period.