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 to present research into face to face communication at CHASE

imago, the conference and events arm of Loughborough University, is once again exhibiting at the leading third sector exhibition where it will be presenting its findings into the value of face to face communication.

The 24th Charities and Associations Event - CHASE 2016 - will take place on 16 and 17 February at the Business Design Centre, London, where imago will also be showcasing why its portfolio of venues are ideally suited for events organised by charities and associations.

The research – Does the future have room for face-to-face communication - measured the value of meeting face to face amongst a sample of more than 750 event organisers, delegates, graduate and undergraduate students. imago will be discussing the results to see if its findings match the thoughts and requirements of meeting planners in the third sector.

Emma Boynton, head of sales and marketing at imago comments: “CHASE brings together senior decision makers from one of our target markets and is an ideal platform for us to discuss the importance of face to face communication. It will also allow us to gain further insight into what is important for event organisers in this area in relation to the value of meetings.”

Key findings from the research included:

• 96.6% of meetings attendees cited small face to face meetings of fewer than 10 participants as their favoured form of communication.
• Group interaction and discussion is considered the top benefit of face to face communications by 78.4% of delegates and 69.4% of students.
• On a scale of 0 to 100, delegates ranked engagement during face to face meetings at an average of 85%, with students at 73%.
• An interactive format as a tool to retain information was most favoured by both delegates (81%) and students (72.1%).

Emma adds: “As well as presenting our research, the exhibition provides us with the opportunity to showcase our venue offering and how our experience in organising meetings and events can benefit them and their members. It was highly successful for us last year which is why we have chosen to return, and we are even more delighted to be part of its education programme.” 

The research was undertaken by Loughborough University and imago.  The Right Solution provided methodology, analysis and validation of the research which was conducted using a mixture of focus groups, online and face to face questionnaires.

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. Its venues and services have achieved industry wide recognition, including achieving AIM Gold, the highest level of venue accreditation - and are widely acknowledged as some of the best academic facilities for meetings and events in the country. For more information visit www.welcometoimago.com or call 01509 633030.

imago is on Stand 30 at CHASE. Does the future have room for face to face communication will be presented on Tuesday 16 February (10.45am).

imago Wins Business Tourism Title at Leicester and Leicestershire Excellence in Tourism Awards

imago, the conference and events arm of Loughborough University, has won Gold in the Business Tourism category at the Leicester and Leicestershire Excellence in Tourism Awards 2015.

The fifth annual awards were hosted by Leicester Shire Promotions and held as part of the inaugural Leicester Business Festival 2015, with the awards ceremony being held at the Leicester Mercure Grand Hotel last week (November 5, 2015). Its winning entry will now be re-judged for the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2016.

This award acknowledges the importance of the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector of the tourism industry. The judges felt imago’s winning entry was creative, inspirational, and passionate with a focus on detail in all areas, being committed to guest requirements and constantly striving to better themselves.

It is not the first time imago has been recognised for excellence at the awards – Burleigh Court has twice won Gold in the Large Hotel of the Year category. The Link Hotel was also shortlisted in the Accommodation Provider of the Year Category at this year’s awards.

imago is one of the region’s leading business tourism providers – renowned for its commitment to excellence and customer service - offering high quality meeting and event venues and accommodation alongside sporting and leisure facilities. Its award winning portfolio includes Burleigh Court, Holywell Park, The Link Hotel and Loughborough University. These are complemented by its event management service which allows event organisers to make the most of its local knowledge and expertise.

Emma Boynton, Head of Sales and Marketing at imago, comments: “Winning the Business Tourism award highlights imago’s strength as a leading provider to the meeting and events industry within the region. 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 and recognition of our hard working, customer focused staff.”

Launched in 2003, imago unifies Loughborough University’s conference and events venues under one brand. For more information visit www.welcometoimago.com or call 01509 633030.

imago increases broadband capabilities for better connectivity

imago, the conference and events arm of Loughborough University, has invested its broadband capabilities to ensure delegates stay connected. 

The broadband provided at each of imago's venues – Burleigh Court Hotel and Conference Centre, Holywell Park, The Link Hotel and Loughborough University campus - has increased from 100mps to 200mps making internet access quicker and easier. The investment means imago can accommodate even the most challenging AV requirements and provide seamless streaming for any event. 

Emma Boynton, head of sales and marketing at imago, comments: “We recognise the importance of technology in creating successful events, particularly the ability for delegates to stay connected. As a result we are always looking at ways to improve the facilities we offer. 

“Increasing the broadband speed not only provides seamless internet connection but also demonstrates our commitment to ensuring visitors Wi-Fi needs are fully catered for. As part of our commitment, for organisation’s holding an event across a number of our venues, the Wi-Fi is linked so there is no need for delegates to login separately at each site – they simply enter their details and stay connected for the duration of their visit. Improving our broadband capabilities allows us to facilitate larger events, and alongside our wide-range of AV services means we can provide the technological requirements of any event, however challenging they may be.”

As well as high speed broadband, imago’s conference and meeting rooms are equipped with the latest communications technology and AV equipment, supported by a team of on-site technicians. Facilities include a Crestron control system so all AV equipment is connected and controlled via in-room iPads, ceiling mounted HDMI projectors, projector screens, Blu-ray players, Digital Freeview and additional speaker system. 

Increase in web traffic boosts imago enquiries

imago has recorded double digit growth in the number of people visiting its website, which is contributing to a growth in business enquiries. 

The conference and events arm of Loughborough University launched its new website in December 2013 providing a portal for each of its venues – Burleigh Court, Holywell Park, Loughborough University Campus and The Link Hotel. It was designed to give event organisers a wide range of information, including a downloadable booklet which offers advice to help event organisers get the most out of using the first class facilities available. 

In January 2015, www.welcometoimago.com saw a 12% increase in the number of website sessions compared to January 2013 when the old website was still in operation. Of those who have downloaded the e-booklet, almost 40% have gone on to make an enquiry to hold an event. 

Emma Boynton, head of sales and marketing at imago comments; “Our new website was specifically designed to boost our online presence and we are really benefiting from this, as demonstrated by the growth in visitors and enquiries. The website makes it easy for event planners to find all the information they need so they can make an informed decision. Whilst not all of the website enquiries will turn into business we are delighted that more people are discovering what imago has to offer and we’re certain this will help us win new business. It’s also a great tool for organisers who have already booked an event at one of our venues. The e-book is part of our commitment to supporting clients, from the initial enquiry through to event delivery.” 

Based in Loughborough, Leicestershire, imago provides high quality meeting spaces, venues and accommodation along with excellent sports and leisure facilities.

imago getting in the spirit for Red Nose Day

Staff at imago, Loughborough University's conference and events arm, have been raising money for Red Nose Day over the past week with activities including with a bake off and face painting all in the name of charity. 

Members of the imago team from across its portfolio of venues were encouraged to bring in their best cake and biscuit creations for a bake off and cake sale earlier this week to help raise money for Comic Relief, which raises vital funds to help change millions of lives, both in the UK and across Africa.

And on Friday 13th March staff were wearing their funniest face to work with the help of an on-site face painter.

“Comic Relief and Red Nose Day bring important aid to many deserving people both here at home and abroad,” comments Emma Boynton, head of sales and marketing at imago. “We had a lot of fun with the bake sale earlier but bringing our best funniest faces to work has been most entertaining. And we've been raising lots of money for a fantastic cause in the process." 

Launched in 2003, imago unifies Loughborough University’s conference and events venues under one brand, providing high quality meeting spaces, venues and accommodation along with excellent sports and leisure facilities. As well as Burleigh Court, imago’s portfolio of venues includes Holywell Park, Loughborough University’s conference and events facilities and The Link Hotel. 

Discover imago’s Gold winning venues at International Confex

Visitors to International Confex are being invited to discover imago’s Gold winning portfolio of venues and exclusive packages tailored specifically for event organisers. 

Situated in the heart of the UK in Loughborough, Leicestershire, imago provides a perfect backdrop for conferences of all sizes which can be easily reached by rail, road and air, making it a truly international destination. 

In addition to its location, imago is highly recognised as offering some of the UK’s finest conference facilities. In the last 12 months, it has picked up a number of prestigious accolades including: 

• AIM Gold for Burleigh Court and Holywell Park placing imago in an exclusive group of the highest quality meetings venues in the country

• Investors in People Gold standard, making it one of only a handful of venues from the meetings industry to achieve the accreditation

• Burleigh Court, Gold, Hotel of the Year, Leicester and Leicestershire Excellence in Tourism Awards. 

• Burleigh Court, Gold, Large Hotel of the Year, VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2014

• The Link Hotel, Three Star rating in its assessment by The AA. 

As well as promoting its world class facilities and full event management solutions, imago will be promoting two exclusive packages which event organisers can take advantage of when booking an event. 

imago can offer an all inclusive package for Holywell Park Conference Centre which offers a large exhibition area, ideal for product launches and networking events, nine versatile meeting rooms and a well-equipped lecture theatre. The package allows event organisers to hire the venue for as little as £7,000 (excluding VAT), includes free Wi-Fi, refreshments and lunch for up to 200 delegates throughout the day. Event organisers taking advantage of imago’s offer can also arrange accommodation at preferential rates at Burleigh Court and the Link Hotel (subject to availability). 

The second offer is aimed at large scale events which would benefit from the facilities available on Loughborough University Campus which offers conference, training and exhibition space for up to 2,000 delegates, with good quality accommodation also available. For every 15 delegates attending a meeting or event, organisers using the code Spring15 will receive one place free of charge.*

Emma Boynton, head of sales and marketing of imago, comments “Our portfolio of venues has proven time and time again to come out on top. Our location is not only easily accessible for domestic and international travellers, but means delegates are away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre allowing them to immerse themselves in the event and take away more knowledge. Our award winning venues combined with our extensive event management services allows imago to work closely with event planners so they can get the best out of their time with us. Visitors to International Confex will have an opportunity to learn more about both the venues and our exclusive packages when they join us on stand CC58.”

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. It’s portfolio of venues includes: 

• Burleigh Court; which has 26 meeting rooms, 225 bedrooms and 150sqm of exhibition space

• Holywell Park; a dedicated conference centre for up to 300 delegates

• Loughborough University; with conference, training and exhibition facilities for up to 2,000 delegates with good quality accommodation 

• The Link Hotel; an excellently located hotel for delegates to meet and network or rest before the next stage of a journey. 

imago venues recognised by BDRC Continental VenueVerdict

Two of imago’s venues have been recognised in the latest BDRC Continental VenueVerdict results. 

Holywell Park has achieved BDRC Continental VenueVerdict Gold Standard Accreditation which is given to those properties recording a twelve-month Net Promoter Score of +70 or higher from 40 or more Business Event Host responses in the twelve month period January to December 2014. Furthermore, each of the four calendar quarters is required to contain at least ten responses. In the last two years, the dedicated conference centre in Loughborough, Leicestershire, has achieved BDRC Continental VenueVerdict Gold Standard Accreditation on four occasions.

In addition to Holywell Park achieving Gold accreditation, Burleigh Court – its four star conference centre and hotel - achieved Highly Commended under the scheme. 

Emma Boynton, head of Sales and Marketing at imago, comments: “Feedback from clients is extremely important to imago. It helps us to build a strategy which allows us to continually improve our customer service. Being awarded BDRC Continental VenueVerdict Gold Standard Accreditation is recognition of the high standards we are achieving at Holywell Park. As it is calculated by responses from people who have attended events held here the accreditation is even more valuable. It is also pleasing that Burleigh Court has achieved Highly Commended and we look to build on this in future.”  

Launched in 2003, imago unifies Loughborough University’s conference and events venues under one brand, providing 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. 

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

Bumper year of events boost growth at imago Holywell Park

A bumper year of events at imago Holywell Park has boosted growth, with the venue seeing a 100% increase in the number of exclusive use bookings year on year. 

Based in Loughborough, Leicestershire, Holywell Park is one of the most popular venues in the East Midlands thanks to its extensive facilities. The purpose built event venue offers a large exhibition area, nine versatile meeting rooms and a well-equipped lecture theatre. It also benefits from spacious break out areas, free Wi-Fi, state-of-the-art AV equipment and free parking. 

Events held at Holywell Park over the last 12 months include gala dinners, product launches, small trade shows and conferences and it is forecast that total sales will be 8% ahead of target.  

Event organisers choosing Holywell Park can take advantage of its all inclusive package, which costs as little as £7,000 (excluding VAT), and the benefit of booking accommodation at preferential rates at Burleigh Court and the Link Hotel (subject to availability). 

Emma Boynton, head of sales and marketing at imago, comments: “During the last year we have seen a significant increase in the number of organisations looking for a venue which provides space and flexibility. And this is where Holywell Park comes into its own. It can be used for a wide variety of events from meetings and conferences to trade exhibitions and gala dinners. Our exclusive package has proved extremely popular – it provides event organisers with everything they need at an affordable price - and has been a factor in the venue’s growth. 

“One of its biggest assets is its location. Holywell Park’s central location and excellent transport links by road, rail and air makes it an ideal venue in the East Midlands. We are forecasting our growth to continue into the New Year and we hope that new and existing clients will take advantage of all Holywell Park offers.”

Holywell Park is one of the venues in imago’s portfolio of venues. Launched in 2003, imago unifies Loughborough University’s conference and events venues under one brand, which also includes Burleigh Court, Loughborough University’s conference and events facilities and The Link Hotel. 

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

imago achieves AIM Gold for Burleigh Court and Holywell Park

imago has achieved the highest level of venue accreditation for its flagship venues - Burleigh Court and Holywell Park – AIM Gold. 

Kay England, Chief Executive

Kay England, Chief Executive of imago, comments: “Achieving AIM Gold puts imago in an exclusive group of the highest quality meetings venues in the country. It sets us apart from other venues and is a unique point of differentiation. As a result, we believe it will help us attract more business both nationally and internationally. A huge amount of work has gone into achieving this award and I would like to congratulate all our staff for their contribution, particularly the working group, as they have all played a part in helping imago achieve its aim of excellence within the meetings industry.” 

AIM Gold is the only industry recognised mark of excellence. Achieving the standard places Burleigh Court and Holywell Park, both located in Loughborough, Leicestershire, amongst a select group of the very best venues in the country. 

Burleigh Court and Holywell Park underwent a rigorous audit process which examines all elements of the business including planning and the customer environment and service levels.

Kay continues: “The audit process provided us with some valuable lessons which will enable us to continually improve our business and we will work to ensure these are embedded in our processes as we go forward.” 

Jane Longhurst, mia’s chief executive, says: “To attain AIM Gold is a truly fantastic achievement. It is a hallmark of excellence showing bookers and planners a venue’s exceptionally high levels of service across the board. As such, it is an invaluable indicator of high quality for all those involved in the procurement of meetings and events. I offer my congratulations to Burleigh Court and Holywell Park as they continue to meet and exceed client expectations.”

The announcement was made on the same day Holywell Park was once again awarded the BDRC Continental VenueVerdict Gold Standard for the end of Q3 2014. This is given to properties recording a twelve-month Net Promoter Score of +70 or higher from 40 or more Business Event Host responses in the twelve month period October 2013 to September 2014. 

Kay adds: “imago has built a reputation based on providing our guests, whether they are here for business or pleasure, with the best possible service. Our success demonstrates our ability to deliver excellence to customers and this is something we collectively strive to achieve.” 

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

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

imago targets growth through new business development appointment

imago has appointed Richard Money as Senior Business Development Manager as the organisation focuses on building long term relationships with clients.

Richard previously held business development roles at Zibrant, Q Lifestyle (Bonvo Travel Singapore), De Vere Belton Woods and The Belfry Hotel & Golf Resort and worked as Head of Sales and Marketing at 2BP Ltd. 

In his role with imago, Richard will be proactively looking for new opportunities to increase the number of business events taking place across imago’s diverse portfolio of venues – Burleigh Court, Holywell Park, Loughborough University campus and The Link Hotel. Of his appointment he says: “imago offers businesses an unique package for a wide range of events. It is a well established company that has already experienced significant growth. I have a passion for identifying and securing new business opportunities, as well as offering excellent customer care across all aspects of my work, which will help imago increase business even further.” 

Emma Boynton, Head of Sales and Marketing at imago, commented: “We are delighted that Richard has joined our business development team. He has a proven track record in this field and will help us reach our goals as we target new areas of business and look to increase sales across imago’s portfolio of venues.” 

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.