imago retains Investors in People Gold

imago has retained its Investors in People Gold accreditation following its latest audit, maintaining its reputation for achieving high standards. 

The conference and events arm of Loughborough University first achieved Investors in People Gold accreditation two years ago. imago employs 300 people across its portfolio of venues – Burleigh Court, Holywell Park, The Link Hotel and Loughborough University campus, and believes in providing its staff with excellent working conditions and career development opportunities. 

Investors in People is the UK's leading accreditation for business improvement through people management, and provides a framework to help businesses get the best from their people. imago has used the framework improve its processes, communication and staff engagement to establish best practice. 

Emma Boynton, Head of Sales and Marketing at imago, says providing staff with training and development and excellent working conditions contributes to its success. She comments: “Investors in People is a commitment to the people that make your business a success. Measuring our performance against the standard’s objectives creates clarity around where we can improve and channel our resources more effectively. This allows us to harness the talent of staff towards achieving company goals. We are committed to the continual improvement of our employees, and by investing in our staff and working to the Investors in People framework we can help our team achieve their full potential. To retain our Gold accreditation recognises the systems we have in place and demonstrates our ability to deliver excellence to customers.”

Kay England, imago’s Chief Executive adds: “As a company in its 25th year, imago’s ambition has always been to provide customer excellence delivered by excellent staff. Integrating the Investors in People standard into our business strategy gives us the framework to challenge ourselves; to look for opportunities to develop so that we deliver service excellence through consistently high standards and team work. Having Investors in People Gold improves our company. It helps recruit high quality people and attracts and retains more customers. It is much, much more than an award.” 

The Investors in People standard is also valued by imago’s client base. Mike Stirzaker, Director of Prescience Business Learning, commented “As a leadership development provider, we work at many venues throughout the UK on behalf of our various clients. imago is our preferred choice and the benchmark against which we assess all others. Not only does imago have the right facilities, what makes it stand out is the capability and support of the staff in ensuring everything works, and works well.  Such levels of customer service don’t happen by chance and, as learning and development practitioners ourselves, we recognise the focus given to training and development in helping establish a culture that is personable, welcoming and at all times highly professional.” 

imago unifies Loughborough University’s conference and events venues under one brand which offers high quality meeting spaces, venues and accommodation along with excellent sports and leisure facilities. imago manages Burleigh Court, Holywell Park, Loughborough University’s conference and events facilities and The Link Hotel. 

imago marks 25th anniversary

imago, the conference and events arm of Loughborough University, is marking its 25th anniversary. 

Since the organisation came into operation with the opening of its four star conference centre and hotel at Burleigh Court, imago has grown and has now become one of the leading academic venues for meetings and events in the UK. 

Emma Boynton, imago’s head of sales and marketing comments on the occasion: “During the last 25 years, imago has gone from strength to strength. We are delighted to be marking our 25th anniversary and everything we have achieved during the last quarter of a century.” 

Kay England, imago’s CEO, has been with the company during the last 25 years and says the business has come a long way since 1991. She comments: “I couldn’t be more proud of what imago has achieved over the past 25 years. Burleigh Court was established on a green field site on Loughborough University campus in 1991. Since then with the help of some fantastic staff we have gone from strength to strength adding Holywell Park, Campus Conferences, The Link Hotel and Event Management to our award winning portfolio. We now have a successful, progressive and vibrant conference, hospitality and meeting group that puts our customers and staff at the heart of everything we do.”

To mark the occasion, imago will be holding a celebratory event on 28th October in support of imago’s partner charities Minnie’s Friends and Twenty Twenty. The event is an opportunity for imago to thank clients for their support over the years and to establish new connections for the future, as well as building on its support of vital local community projects. 

For those unable to attend, visitors to The Meetings Show are also invited to celebrate imago’s 25 years of conferencing excellence at a drinks reception being held on Wednesday June 15 (4-5pm, Stand L600) to raise a glass and capture the moment in their photo booth. 

imago unifies Loughborough University’s conference and events venues under one brand which offers high quality meeting spaces, venues and accommodation along with excellent sports and leisure facilities. imago manages Burleigh Court, Holywell Park, Loughborough University’s conference and events facilities and The Link Hotel. 

Offsite meetings valued by employees, imago research reveals

Research into the value of face to face communication showed that employees value offsite meetings compared to those held in-house.

The research - Does the future have room for face-to-face communication - was conducted amongst a sample of more than 750 event organisers, delegates, graduate and undergraduate students.

The research revealed that delegates felt getting to know colleagues outside the office was the most valuable element of an offsite meeting, followed by increasing learning ability away from office distractions and meeting new people that encouraged new thinking.

Respondents who took part in the focus group sessions agreed that a neutral environment encouraged a fresh approach to thinking, with interactive sessions and good food showed investment in employees to make them feel rewarded.

Emma Boynton, Head of Sales and Marketing at imago, commented: “All too often meetings are arranged in-house. Whilst this is convenient it often doesn’t lead to productive outcomes for those attending or the organisers. Holding a meeting offsite should not just be seen as a day away from the office. As our research revealed that employees get more out of going to meetings that are not held in familiar surroundings – it encourages them to get to know their colleagues, increases their learning ability and by meeting new people i9t encourages a different way of thinking. All of these elements are beneficial to those attending and the businesses they work for as it provides a greater return on investment.”

The research was undertaken by Loughborough University and imago.  The Right Solution provided methodology, analysis and validation of the research which was conducted amongst 779 respondents using a mixture of focus groups, online and face to face questionnaires.  The final research paper is available from http://go.welcometoimago.com/meet-the-future. Follow the debate and share thoughts about the research on Twitter via #futureF2F.

Such has been the success of imago’s research, the organisation is planning a follow-up research project, which will be launched later this year. Emma adds: “The feedback from the research and its findings have been extremely positive. As an organisation it is helping us shape successful meetings for our clients and improve the services we offer. The purpose of the next research project is to look into individual areas in more detail and we look forward to seeing the results.”

imago unifies Loughborough University’s conference and events venues under one brand offering high quality meeting spaces, venues and accommodation along with excellent sports and leisure facilities. imago manages the AIM Gold accredited Burleigh Court and Holywell Park as well as 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.

Burleigh Court continues award winning streak with Gold at VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2014

imago’s four star conference centre and hotel Burleigh Court has won Gold in the Large Hotel of the Year category at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2014. 

“This is a fantastic accolade for the venue and our hard working, customer focused staff,” said head of sales and marketing, Emma Boynton. “In particular, as a university owned hotel originally built as part of a conference facility, winning what is essentially the country’s leading leisure hotel award is testament to the high standards we aim for and achieve.  Our fellow finalists were all stately homes, castles and luxury resorts so it was a real opportunity to demonstrate why a business focused venue can compete at the very highest levels in the hospitality sector.”

The awards ceremony took place at Cheltenham Racecourse on Monday May 12, 2014. Finalists were judged on key criteria such as customer service, commitment to excellence, staff training and development, accessibility, marketing and promotion, quality improvement and development and sustainability. 

Burleigh Court was invited to submit an application for the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2014 after winning Gold in the Hotel of the Year category at the Leicester and Leicestershire Excellence in Tourism Awards.

Burleigh Court is part of imago’s portfolio of venues, offering business and leisure guests 26 meeting rooms, 150 square metres of exhibition space and 225 en-suite bedrooms with a range of facilities to suit all needs. Other on-site features include a well-equipped gym complete with swimming pool, sauna and a spa offering a range of relaxing treatments. 

imago was recently awarded the Investors in People Gold standard, making it one of only a handful of venues from the meetings industry to achieve the accreditation.  

Launched in 2003, imago unifies Loughborough University’s conference and events venues under one brand, offering high quality meeting spaces, venues and accommodation alongside excellent sports and leisure facilities. 

Burleigh Court’s Natasha Hughes honoured in miaList 2014

The miaList recognises individuals from within the meetings industry who are willing to go that little bit further in pursuit of excellence for their client, employer or colleagues. Natasha was named as one of the 10 winners at a celebratory lunch at Church House Conference Centre on April 7. 

The rigorous judging process involved an initial written submission about the nominated individual from which judges selected a shortlist. Those shortlisted were invited to a group lunch where both the nominator and nominee took part in a video interview which was then viewed by the judges who decided on the final list. 

A Loughborough University graduate, 28-year-old Natasha joined Burleigh Court 18 months ago – her first job in the hotel and conference industry. During her time in the role, Natasha has introduced the venue’s ‘Employee Voice’ initiative alongside a colleague, which engages directly with all employees to explore ways of improving the business. As a result of her efforts, Burleigh Court has seen performance improvements in all key measurement areas including the BDRC Guest Rate and Venue Verdict benchmarks and Review Pro, which she introduced to monitor, track and manage the venue’s online reputation.  Natasha was also instrumental in Burleigh Court’s success at the recent M&IT awards, where the venue picked up Gold in the Best Academic Venue category and Silver in the Best Conference and Banqueting Staff category. 

Natasha was nominated for the miaList by Burleigh Court’s Operations Manager Guy Hodge. He says: “In a very short period of time Natasha has had a significant impact on our service delivery and culture. She leads from the front and sets a fantastic example to the team with her commitment, focus, enthusiasm and passion for offering the very best customer service. Natasha is a true champion and ambassador for our brand, our people and our customer service and has been a catalyst for change and re-invention within our organisation. I’m delighted that Natasha’s commitment has been recognised by the miaList, it is a fantastic achievement”. 

Natasha adds: “I am delighted to be included in the miaList 2014 as it’s a reflection of Burleigh Court. They have helped me achieve my goals and make improvements wherever possible.”

Burleigh Court, part of imago’s portfolio of venues,  is one of the UK's leading residential conference centres and provides the ideal environment for training and conference events offering 26 meeting rooms, 150 square metres of exhibition space and 225 en-suite bedrooms. 

imago gets into gear for Sports Relief challenge

Staff from the conference arm of Loughborough University are cycling, swimming and running during a charity challenge in aid of Sports Relief. 

More than 50 members of the imago team are participating in the Sports Relief Challenge, which will see them cover more than 570 miles – the distance between Loughborough and its twin town of Epinal in France – over the course of seven days.  The triathlon is taking place across imago’s portfolio of venues including Burleigh Court, Hollywell Park and The Link Hotel. 

In addition to the triathlon, imago staff will also raise funds by taking part in a Retro Sports Day, a great British Bake-Off and a Slumber Party. 

The fundraising campaign has been co-ordinated by Natasha Hughes, Customer Relations Manager at Burleigh Court. She says: “It’s always good for the team to get together, have some fun and raise money. We decided to make it more challenging by making it long distance, which is why we chose to cycle, swim and run to Loughborough’s twin town. We’re getting as many people as possible involved to raise money for such a worthy cause.” 

imago has a long association with sports. Loughborough University was the official preparation camp for Team GB for the 2012 Olympic Games - imago provided conference facilities and accommodation at its four star hotel Burleigh Court whilst hosting the ‘Team GB experience’ at Holywell Park. It was also the preparation camp for the Rugby Football League (RFL) and is awaiting confirmation that it has been chosen as a base camp for the Rugby Football Union (RFU) ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup. 

Emma Boynton, Head of Sales and Marketing at imago, adds: “Loughborough University is well known for its first class sporting facilities and are we are excited to be undertaking a sporting challenge for charity. The university’s sports offering sits at the heart of our event portfolio. Groups can make use of our expertise as a conference venue in the morning, whilst relaxing or playing a game on a top quality pitch (for almost any sport) in the afternoon. We can also engage sports coaches, trainers and researchers with events at any level, including speaking.”

imago scoops two M&IT Awards

imago has scooped two awards at the Meetings & Incentive Travel (M&IT) Awards for its four star hotel and conference centre Burleigh Court.

Burleigh Court won Gold in the Best Academic Venue category and Silver in the Best Conference and Banqueting Staff category. It is the fifth year running that imago has been recognised by the prestigious meeting industry awards. 

Organised by Meetings & Incentive Travel (M&IT) magazine, the awards brings the meetings industry together to measure market reaction with the winners being chosen by customer feedback and votes. This year’s awards were held on 25 February at Battersea Evolution, London. 

Burleigh Court’s awards were collected by Natasha Hughes, Burleigh Court’s Customer Relations Manager and Guy Hodge, Burleigh Court’s Operations Manager. 

Kay England, Chief Executive of imago, says: “We are delighted that we have been recognised at the M&IT Awards. Winning such prestigious industry awards demonstrates that we are providing our customers with the highest levels of customer service. Our success depends on staff consistently providing the best level of care. We achieve this by investing in our staff and helping them reach their full potential. We were nominated against some of the best venues in the country and to come out on top is a testament to the experience and knowledge of our team. The M&IT Awards are voted for by customers and we are grateful to them for their continued support.” 

Launched in 2003, imago unifies Loughborough University’s conference and events venues under one brand which offers high quality meeting spaces, venues and accommodation along with excellent sports and leisure facilities.

imago joins forces with Enterprise to improve access for international event and conference delegates

imago has entered into a partnership with car rental specialist Enterprise to make it even easier for international delegates to travel to and from the venue. 

Under the partnership, delegates and organisers coming to events at imago can hire vehicles from as little as £22 per day (plus petrol). 

Enterprise is one of the UK’s leading car rental companies. With locations at East Midlands and Birmingham airports as well as Loughborough itself, delegates travelling to the region will find it easier than ever to get to the venue. 

imago will be showcasing the partnerships with Enterprise as well as its superb access and Leicester wide event management offering at EIBTM 2013 on stand B50.

Emma Boynton, Head of Sales & Marketing at imago, says: “Our venues are easily accessible by road, rail and air. But the new partnership with Enterprise makes it even easier for delegates, particularly those travelling from international destinations to arrange transport. We offer full event solutions and do everything we can to help event organisers and attendees, and this extends to travel arrangements too. The partnership will offer great benefits to delegates and we hope they take advantage of the service they offer.” 

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

imago set to support England rugby football league squad during 2013 World Cup

Leading event, conference, and meetings provider imago, has welcomed the England Rugby Football League team following the announcement that Loughborough University will be its official base in the build-up to and during the Rugby League World Cup 2013.

The imago team will be responsible for nutrition and accommodation at its four star hotel Burleigh Court. The England team will arrive in Loughborough in mid-October to commence preparations for the tournament that will bring together the top 14 rugby league teams in the world.

Kay England, imago Chief Executive, said: “Loughborough University and the imago team gained a lot of experience during its time as the official preparation camp for Team GB. We understand the importance of providing athletes with a varied and interesting diet as well as the role that a relaxing space, provided through high-quality accommodation, plays during an intense training schedule. 

“The team has frequently used the fantastic facilities at the University since its first preparation camp in October 2010. We’re looking forward to welcoming them back and supporting the whole team as it strives for a first class performance.” 

Kevin Sinfield, the England Rugby League Captain, added: “There’s a familiarly with us coming to Loughborough now. To be in this sort of environment where everybody here is trying to learn, improve or better themselves, we fit in great because that’s what we are trying to do.

“The (Burleigh Court) hotel is fantastic and they really look after us. The facilities here are as good as you can get anywhere and really suit what we need.”

Peter Keen, Director of Sport at Loughborough University, concludes: “It is hugely significant to have a team like England Rugby League here preparing for the biggest matches of their lives.

“For me, it validates everything that we are about and stand for. It confirms that we have what you need to operate at the highest level in sport, that we are able to put together the kind of environment, package and support that makes sense for them, given the choices they have, to come and prepare here.”

The Rugby League World Cup 2013 starts on 26th October with a clash against fierce rivals England and Australia at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.  The final will be played at Old Trafford, Manchester on 30th November.

Further information, including ticket details, can be found on the Rugby League World Cup 2013 website at http://www.rlwc2013.com/world_cup.

Awards Dinner and Annual Conference 2013

Conference Centres of Excellence is delighted to be holding its 2013 conference and awards dinner at imago, Loughborough. 

Thursday 18th/ Friday 19th July 2013

This annual event provides an opportunity for CCE Members, industry professionals and suppliers to network and discuss the latest issues affecting our industry in a friendly and supportive environment.

The awards dinner is an opportunity for Conference Centres of Excellence to recognise quality venues and suppliers to the meetings and events industry and the celebratory dinner kicks off the conference in style.

Anthony Lishman, Executive Director said: 

"The peer to peer networking and educational benefits speak for themselves, but the whole event is designed to not only move our consortium forward and demonstrate our passion for our industry, but also give us a glimpse into what very large organisations are doing to get the best out of their most precious resources.

I’m delighted that this year’s conference returns for its third year with a stronger line up of speakers and workshops than ever. It is a great opportunity to reward your team for a job well done in these most challenging of times. "

For the full conference schedule and booking details visit our website today or email summerconference@cceonline.co.uk

Youth Sport Trust Donation Marks Finale of Burleigh Court Anniversary

Following a year full of events and activities in celebration of its 21st anniversary, four star venue Burleigh Court has presented the Youth Sport Trust with a cheque for over £2,500 which will go to sporting programmes for young people in Loughborough. 

In its 21st year, the Loughborough University based hotel and conference venue celebrated with a gala dinner, special discounts for customers and a trek across the three peaks in Yorkshire, which was so successful that it raised half of the final total. Burleigh Court also welcomed Team GB as the University campus became the team’s official preparation camp ahead of the London 2012 Olympics, adding to the excitement felt around the whole building during its anniversary year.  

On presenting the cheque, Guy Hodge said: “2012 was a unique year for Burleigh Court and a really exciting time for the whole team - we wanted to celebrate by giving something back to the community. The Youth Sports Trust seemed like the perfect fit due to our link with Team GB and other major sporting events.  We know that this donation is going to a great cause and will help children get a ‘sporting start’ in life. We hope to see some of them using the world-class sporting facilities at Loughborough University in the future!” 

The Youth Sport Trust is an independent charity devoted to changing young people's lives through sport. Established in 1994, the trust helps young people to achieve their full potential in life by delivering high quality physical education and sport opportunities.

imago Business Development Manager to build on academic and olympic legacy

imago, the hotel, conference and events brand of Loughborough University, has appointed Trevor Miller as Business Development Manager to capitalise on the unique credentials it gained in 2012 as part of Team GB’s official preparation camp.

Having previously worked for Leicester Conferences at the University of Leicester, Mr Miller has a strong foundation in the hospitality industry and the region as a whole. Trevor joins imago to manage the four strong sales team whilst building on the international and academic credibility gained by hosting Team GB in the run up to the 2012 Games.  

Trevor commented: “Loughborough University and imago have a fantastic reputation in their respective sectors and I really believe in the strength of the East Midlands as a location for conferences and events. Its centrality makes it ideal for the association market and regionally based businesses where delegates may be from numerous locations and the abundance of airports and easy access to London makes it suitable for an international audience.  

“We are very confident that our business will continue to grow as we focus on our core strengths; being part of a respected academic institution combined with a year round hotel offering, which puts us in a unique position to offer choice and flexibility to all customers.” 

Emma Boynton, Head of Sales and Marketing at imago, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Trevor on board. His expertise within the conference and hospitality industry is invaluable to the team and a key part of our strategy to take our venues from strength to strength following an outstanding year in 2012.”

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