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The Venues Collection Achieves Significant Milestones in Future First Charter Goals for 2024

The Venues Collection is proud to announce that it has already achieved many of its ambitious 2024 Future First Charter goals, demonstrating the Group’s strong commitment to sustainability and environmental leadership. Highlights of Achievements:Reduced the Impact of Facilities: Zero Waste to Landfill: This goal has been achieved as all waste produced is either recycled, composted, or sent to energy recovery, ensuring zero waste goes to landfill. Energy Monitoring and Reduction: The Group has successfully installed energy monitoring systems on all five sites, with the last two installations completed this year. Tailored energy reduction strategies are now in place for each site. Water Saving Measures: This goal has been achieved with 640,000 litres of water saved per year across five venues. This has been achieved with the installation of low-flow showerheads during room refurbishments and regular maintenance. Waste Recycling: The Group has achieved the goal of recycling over 50% of overall waste last year and are on track to increase this to 60% this year. CO2 Emissions Reduction: The Venues Collection is on track to achieve the goal of reducing CO2 emissions by over 500 tonnes by the end of the year by installing energy efficient technology. Renewable Energy Generation: All of the electricity coming into venues is now from renewable sources. The venues are also on track to generate over 1 million kWh of renewable electricity, including 540,000 kWh from combined heat and power (CHP) systems. The additional energy from solar panels will be enough to drive an electric vehicle from the UK to Australia and back 26 times. Supported Natural Eco-systems: Static Aerated Compost System: The Group has already exceeded this target with the creation of static aerated compost systems at two venues (Sedgebrook Hall and Eastwood Hall) and will have rolled this out to all venues by the end of the year (the target was one venue) Solar Electric Vehicle Charging: As the first hotel group in the UK, The Venues Collection is proud to be installing solar electric vehicle charging points at all venues this year. Wildlife Support: Maintenance of native hedgerows and woodlands, as well as the creation of wildflower and meadow grass areas, continues to support local wildlife at all venues. For example, at Milton Hill Hotel there are areas left to wild flowers, with mowed paths for delegates to walk through and enjoy, whilst at Sedgebrook Hall and Eastwood Hall there are areas by the hotels left for wild flowers. Kents Hill Park has an area of woodland that is maintained but left to natural woodland. Biodiversity Initiatives: All venues are equipped with bat boxes, bird boxes, and insect hotels. There are beehives at three venues and even a Barn owl at Milton Hill Hotel to promote biodiversity. Sustainable Farming Education: The Venues Collection supports their sister company, Levy UK, with their Bio Hub Farm initiative, which educates current and future chefs and farmers on sustainable farming practices. Eco-friendly Travel: The team encourage the use of environmentally friendly transportation methods for travel to and from venues. All sites have bike racks and shower facilities for staff and delegates who wish to cycle. "Our dedication to environmental sustainability is evident through the significant progress we have made towards our 2024 goals," said Joanne Barratt, Managing Director of The Venues Collection. "These achievements underscore our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our venues and the events we host. A venue has a significant role to play in ensuring events are as sustainable as possible; organisers choose TVC venues because they can be sure we are doing everything we can to help them to create more sustainable events." The Future First Charter is a framework designed to shape and deliver the Group's social purpose initiatives and targets. With a focus on People Pledge, Food Focus, and Enriching Environments, The Venues Collection continues to lead the way in sustainable hospitality practices. The Venue Collection’s sustainable credentials also include attaining the 'silver' level in the Green Tourism 'Green Meetings' Standard, the world's largest sustainable certification program and achieving Venue Directory’s Green Accreditation. The Group was also the first to introduce carbon labelling on all menus (June 2022) and has a commitment to reach Climate Net Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030.For more information about The Venues Collection and our Future First Charter goals, please visit https://www.thevenuescollection.co.uk/future-first-charter

The Venues Collection Achieves Significant Milestones in Future First Charter Goals for 2024

The Venues Collection is proud to announce that it has already achieved many of its ambitious 2024 Future First Charter goals, demonstrating the Group’s strong commitment to sustainability and environmental leadership.

Highlights of Achievements:

Reduced the Impact of Facilities:

  • Zero Waste to Landfill: This goal has been achieved as all waste produced is either recycled, composted, or sent to energy recovery, ensuring zero waste goes to landfill.
  • Energy Monitoring and Reduction: The Group has successfully installed energy monitoring systems on all five sites, with the last two installations completed this year. Tailored energy reduction strategies are now in place for each site.
  • Water Saving Measures: This goal has been achieved with 640,000 litres of water saved per year across five venues. This has been achieved with the installation of low-flow showerheads during room refurbishments and regular maintenance.
  • Waste Recycling: The Group has achieved the goal of recycling over 50% of overall waste last year and are on track to increase this to 60% this year.
  • CO2 Emissions Reduction: The Venues Collection is on track to achieve the goal of reducing CO2 emissions by over 500 tonnes by the end of the year by installing energy efficient technology.
  • Renewable Energy Generation: All of the electricity coming into venues is now from renewable sources. The venues are also on track to generate over 1 million kWh of renewable electricity, including 540,000 kWh from combined heat and power (CHP) systems. The additional energy from solar panels will be enough to drive an electric vehicle from the UK to Australia and back 26 times.

Supported Natural Eco-systems:

  • Static Aerated Compost System: The Group has already exceeded this target with the creation of static aerated compost systems at two venues (Sedgebrook Hall and Eastwood Hall) and will have rolled this out to all venues by the end of the year (the target was one venue)
  • Solar Electric Vehicle Charging: As the first hotel group in the UK, The Venues Collection is proud to be installing solar electric vehicle charging points at all venues this year.
  • Wildlife Support: Maintenance of native hedgerows and woodlands, as well as the creation of wildflower and meadow grass areas, continues to support local wildlife at all venues. For example, at Milton Hill Hotel there are areas left to wild flowers, with mowed paths for delegates to walk through and enjoy, whilst at Sedgebrook Hall and Eastwood Hall there are areas by the hotels left for wild flowers. Kents Hill Park has an area of woodland that is maintained but left to natural woodland.
  • Biodiversity Initiatives: All venues are equipped with bat boxes, bird boxes, and insect hotels. There are beehives at three venues and even a Barn owl at Milton Hill Hotel to promote biodiversity.
  • Sustainable Farming Education: The Venues Collection supports their sister company, Levy UK, with their Bio Hub Farm initiative, which educates current and future chefs and farmers on sustainable farming practices.
  • Eco-friendly Travel: The team encourage the use of environmentally friendly transportation methods for travel to and from venues. All sites have bike racks and shower facilities for staff and delegates who wish to cycle.

"Our dedication to environmental sustainability is evident through the significant progress we have made towards our 2024 goals," said Joanne Barratt, Managing Director of The Venues Collection. "These achievements underscore our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our venues and the events we host. A venue has a significant role to play in ensuring events are as sustainable as possible; organisers choose TVC venues because they can be sure we are doing everything we can to help them to create more sustainable events."

The Future First Charter is a framework designed to shape and deliver the Group's social purpose initiatives and targets. With a focus on People Pledge, Food Focus, and Enriching Environments, The Venues Collection continues to lead the way in sustainable hospitality practices.

The Venue Collection’s sustainable credentials also include attaining the 'silver' level in the Green Tourism 'Green Meetings' Standard, the world's largest sustainable certification program and achieving Venue Directory’s Green Accreditation. The Group was also the first to introduce carbon labelling on all menus (June 2022) and has a commitment to reach Climate Net Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030.

For more information about The Venues Collection and our Future First Charter goals, please visit https://www.thevenuescollection.co.uk/future-first-charter

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The Venues Collection is proud to announce that it has already achieved many of its ambitious 2024 Future First Charter goals, demonstrating the Group’s strong commitment to sustainability and environmental leadership. Highlights of Achievements:Reduced the Impact of Facilities: Zero Waste to Landfill: This goal has been achieved as all waste produced is either recycled, composted, or sent to energy recovery, ensuring zero waste goes to landfill. Energy Monitoring and Reduction: The Group has successfully installed energy monitoring systems on all five sites, with the last two installations completed this year. Tailored energy reduction strategies are now in place for each site. Water Saving Measures: This goal has been achieved with 640,000 litres of water saved per year across five venues. This has been achieved with the installation of low-flow showerheads during room refurbishments and regular maintenance. Waste Recycling: The Group has achieved the goal of recycling over 50% of overall waste last year and are on track to increase this to 60% this year. CO2 Emissions Reduction: The Venues Collection is on track to achieve the goal of reducing CO2 emissions by over 500 tonnes by the end of the year by installing energy efficient technology. Renewable Energy Generation: All of the electricity coming into venues is now from renewable sources. The venues are also on track to generate over 1 million kWh of renewable electricity, including 540,000 kWh from combined heat and power (CHP) systems. The additional energy from solar panels will be enough to drive an electric vehicle from the UK to Australia and back 26 times. Supported Natural Eco-systems: Static Aerated Compost System: The Group has already exceeded this target with the creation of static aerated compost systems at two venues (Sedgebrook Hall and Eastwood Hall) and will have rolled this out to all venues by the end of the year (the target was one venue) Solar Electric Vehicle Charging: As the first hotel group in the UK, The Venues Collection is proud to be installing solar electric vehicle charging points at all venues this year. Wildlife Support: Maintenance of native hedgerows and woodlands, as well as the creation of wildflower and meadow grass areas, continues to support local wildlife at all venues. For example, at Milton Hill Hotel there are areas left to wild flowers, with mowed paths for delegates to walk through and enjoy, whilst at Sedgebrook Hall and Eastwood Hall there are areas by the hotels left for wild flowers. Kents Hill Park has an area of woodland that is maintained but left to natural woodland. Biodiversity Initiatives: All venues are equipped with bat boxes, bird boxes, and insect hotels. There are beehives at three venues and even a Barn owl at Milton Hill Hotel to promote biodiversity. Sustainable Farming Education: The Venues Collection supports their sister company, Levy UK, with their Bio Hub Farm initiative, which educates current and future chefs and farmers on sustainable farming practices. Eco-friendly Travel: The team encourage the use of environmentally friendly transportation methods for travel to and from venues. All sites have bike racks and shower facilities for staff and delegates who wish to cycle. "Our dedication to environmental sustainability is evident through the significant progress we have made towards our 2024 goals," said Joanne Barratt, Managing Director of The Venues Collection. "These achievements underscore our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our venues and the events we host. A venue has a significant role to play in ensuring events are as sustainable as possible; organisers choose TVC venues because they can be sure we are doing everything we can to help them to create more sustainable events." The Future First Charter is a framework designed to shape and deliver the Group's social purpose initiatives and targets. With a focus on People Pledge, Food Focus, and Enriching Environments, The Venues Collection continues to lead the way in sustainable hospitality practices. The Venue Collection’s sustainable credentials also include attaining the 'silver' level in the Green Tourism 'Green Meetings' Standard, the world's largest sustainable certification program and achieving Venue Directory’s Green Accreditation. The Group was also the first to introduce carbon labelling on all menus (June 2022) and has a commitment to reach Climate Net Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030.For more information about The Venues Collection and our Future First Charter goals, please visit https://www.thevenuescollection.co.uk/future-first-charter

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The Venues Collection is proud to announce that it has already achieved many of its ambitious 2024 Future First Charter goals, demonstrating the Group’s strong commitment to sustainability and environmental leadership. Highlights of Achievements:Reduced the Impact of Facilities: Zero Waste to Landfill: This goal has been achieved as all waste produced is either recycled, composted, or sent to energy recovery, ensuring zero waste goes to landfill. Energy Monitoring and Reduction: The Group has successfully installed energy monitoring systems on all five sites, with the last two installations completed this year. Tailored energy reduction strategies are now in place for each site. Water Saving Measures: This goal has been achieved with 640,000 litres of water saved per year across five venues. This has been achieved with the installation of low-flow showerheads during room refurbishments and regular maintenance. Waste Recycling: The Group has achieved the goal of recycling over 50% of overall waste last year and are on track to increase this to 60% this year. CO2 Emissions Reduction: The Venues Collection is on track to achieve the goal of reducing CO2 emissions by over 500 tonnes by the end of the year by installing energy efficient technology. Renewable Energy Generation: All of the electricity coming into venues is now from renewable sources. The venues are also on track to generate over 1 million kWh of renewable electricity, including 540,000 kWh from combined heat and power (CHP) systems. The additional energy from solar panels will be enough to drive an electric vehicle from the UK to Australia and back 26 times. Supported Natural Eco-systems: Static Aerated Compost System: The Group has already exceeded this target with the creation of static aerated compost systems at two venues (Sedgebrook Hall and Eastwood Hall) and will have rolled this out to all venues by the end of the year (the target was one venue) Solar Electric Vehicle Charging: As the first hotel group in the UK, The Venues Collection is proud to be installing solar electric vehicle charging points at all venues this year. Wildlife Support: Maintenance of native hedgerows and woodlands, as well as the creation of wildflower and meadow grass areas, continues to support local wildlife at all venues. For example, at Milton Hill Hotel there are areas left to wild flowers, with mowed paths for delegates to walk through and enjoy, whilst at Sedgebrook Hall and Eastwood Hall there are areas by the hotels left for wild flowers. Kents Hill Park has an area of woodland that is maintained but left to natural woodland. Biodiversity Initiatives: All venues are equipped with bat boxes, bird boxes, and insect hotels. There are beehives at three venues and even a Barn owl at Milton Hill Hotel to promote biodiversity. Sustainable Farming Education: The Venues Collection supports their sister company, Levy UK, with their Bio Hub Farm initiative, which educates current and future chefs and farmers on sustainable farming practices. Eco-friendly Travel: The team encourage the use of environmentally friendly transportation methods for travel to and from venues. All sites have bike racks and shower facilities for staff and delegates who wish to cycle. "Our dedication to environmental sustainability is evident through the significant progress we have made towards our 2024 goals," said Joanne Barratt, Managing Director of The Venues Collection. "These achievements underscore our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our venues and the events we host. A venue has a significant role to play in ensuring events are as sustainable as possible; organisers choose TVC venues because they can be sure we are doing everything we can to help them to create more sustainable events." The Future First Charter is a framework designed to shape and deliver the Group's social purpose initiatives and targets. With a focus on People Pledge, Food Focus, and Enriching Environments, The Venues Collection continues to lead the way in sustainable hospitality practices. The Venue Collection’s sustainable credentials also include attaining the 'silver' level in the Green Tourism 'Green Meetings' Standard, the world's largest sustainable certification program and achieving Venue Directory’s Green Accreditation. The Group was also the first to introduce carbon labelling on all menus (June 2022) and has a commitment to reach Climate Net Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030.For more information about The Venues Collection and our Future First Charter goals, please visit https://www.thevenuescollection.co.uk/future-first-charter

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 Riding the Wave of Success: Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel Team Reels In Aimbridge ‘Whale of a Win’ Award
19/09/24 Riding the Wave of Success: Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel Team Reels In Aimbridge ‘Whale of a Win’ Award

The Mercure Manchester Piccadilly hotel team won the Aimbridge Hospitality's ‘Whale of a Win’ Award 2024 – a 4ft soft cuddly whale named Amy, which honours “AMY-zing results”.

The recognition followed the announcement that the hotel's meeting and booking revenue has grown by 55% in the year to April, following a £3million refurbishment project of 280 bedrooms and reception area, plus a major investment in people.

This focus on employees featured an extensive recruitment drive to hire 53 conference, events, and hotel staff locally. The appointment of two leadership positions has been key to the business making significant strides in its commitment to excellence in events, hospitality, and service. Stephen Cox has been appointed Conference & Events Operations Manager, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. Within a few months, Stephen has already overhauled the hotel’s conference and events offering for organisers and delegates, and VenueVerdict scores are now consistently achieving 9/10.

Dhiraj Kumar has also been hired as Head Chef. With more than two decades of experience working with major hotel brands, Dhiraj brings a wealth of culinary knowledge and creativity.

Aziza Yessi, Sales Director, Mercure Manchester Piccadilly, commented: “Our teams have achieved a phenomenal uplift in the M&E segment, fuelled by a standout performance in February. Our events and hotel teams have shown exceptional foresight, strategic planning, tenacity, and commitment to client satisfaction and retention. We are delighted to have our hard work and achievements recognised with this fun Aimbridge Award for April.”

This is the second Aimbridge award for Mercure Manchester Piccadilly this year. In January, the business won the Aimbridge Hospitality Award for the most improved Accor hotel in EMEA, with a 12.7% increase in performance and guest reputation.

  • 18/09/24 Hilton Cambridge City Centre Awarded Business of the Year at SME Cambridgeshire Business Awards

    Hilton Cambridge City Centre was recognised by the SME Cambridgeshire Business Awards with a Business of the Year (More than 50 Employees) Award for 2024. The award honours businesses that consistently show outstanding initiative, boldness and imagination in the enterprise, sound management practices, and sustainable growth.

    "We are incredibly honoured to be recognised as 'Business of the Year (More than 50 Employees)' by the SME Cambridgeshire Business Awards,” said Richard Finn, general manager, Hilton Cambridge City Centre. “This accolade is a testament to the dedication, innovation, and hard work of our entire team at Hilton Cambridge City Centre”

    Over the past year, Hilton Cambridge City Centre have focused on becoming the leading choice for guests in the city by enhancing their commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Through initiatives which support Hilton’s Travel with Purpose ESG strategy such as the 'Conserve to Preserve' programme and the installation of the H2Ousewater self-bottling system, the team is dedicated to environmental responsibility and providing exceptional guest experiences.

    “We take pride in our strong partnerships with local charities, our commitment to minimizing our environmental impact, and our dedication to the professional growth of our team. These efforts have made a meaningful difference in both our organisation and the community we serve” added Richard.

    Hilton Cambridge City Centre provides a complement of services and brand amenities, including 198 guest rooms, six meeting & events rooms up to 220 guests, restaurant & lounge bar, 24-hour room service, executive lounge, concierge and fitness centre. Each guest room includes modern conveniences including contactless check-in via Digital Key.

  • 16/09/24 Arena Racing Company Unveils ‘Christmas Live Lounge’ Concept as Demand Grows for Laid-back Celebrations

    Arena Racing Company (ARC), the UK's largest racecourse group, has launched a Christmas Live Lounge at Newcastle Racecourse for the 2024 corporate festive party season. ARC's new shared party concept promises to revolutionise the traditional Christmas party experience.

    A New Era of Christmas Parties

    Christmas Live Lounge will provide a relaxed atmosphere and a unique party vibe, with local bands and DJs for entertainment and Christmas-themed Street food, perfect for those seeking a less formal, yet highly enjoyable evening.

    Set in the iconic Grandstand Hall at Newcastle Racecourse, the event will accommodate around 500 guests for one night only on 14 December with performances from three top local bands and DJs, all renowned for playing in popular local pubs and clubs. These acts will rotate throughout the night, ensuring a continuous stream of fantastic music and dancing.

    Unlike traditional Christmas parties, the Christmas Live Lounge features a bench-style seating arrangement and street food that guests can enjoy throughout the night with mouth-watering options including a hog roast and turkey baps, perfect for any palate.

    In addition to Christmas Live Lounge, ARC will be offering an innovative range of both shared and private corporate Christmas party options at its 21 venues and 16 premier racecourses across the UK. For example, Doncaster Racecourse has already announced its plans for a series of Christmas LIVE events, featuring a night at the movies with classic tunes such as Moulin Rouge’s Lady Marmalade to Mama Mia’s Dancing Queen. The venue will also be transformed into an 80’s and 90’s disco for one night only with a famous guest DJ and festive street food.

    Other Christmas party celebrations across ARC’s venues include thrilling race days, hospitality packages, themed party nights, high-end dinners, and team-building activities, such as wreath-making workshops.

    Commenting on the new Live Lounge concept, Paul Elliott, Executive Director at Newcastle Racecourse, said: "We wanted to create an event that is more intimate and less formal that focuses on having fun. While there is still demand for formal gatherings, there is a growing trend for laid-back corporate events, especially as street food continues to gain popularity. Many are looking for an alternative, something fresh and different, without the pressure of a dress code, and we believe the Christmas Live Lounge fills that gap perfectly and enhances our extensive Christmas Party Programme across our venues nationwide."

  • 12/09/24 PenniBlack delights guests with Harvest Moon concept dining launch at Kachette

    Culinary concept caterer PenniBlack launched its Autumn and Winter concept at Shoreditch hot spot Kachette, on Tuesday.

    A hundred corporate bookers and event agents from firms including Orange, Sugar & Rind and Snook were immersed in a sensory experience from the moment they stepped into the venue.  

    Enveloped in Harvest Moonlight, created by Halo Lighting, guests were offered a choice of the delectable ‘Autumn Orchard Fizz’ mocktail, or the whisky based ‘Honey Loves Pit,’ the English sparkling based ‘Kent 75’ or a refreshing ‘Cucumber Martini.’ Smokey aroma bubbles were added at guests’ request adding to the magical nature of the night.

    A QR code led guests to the menu of delicacies served by waiting staff attired in grey collarless shirts and simple makeup offering corn chowder in a crusty charcoal loaf with corn ribs, pumpkin risotto, popcorn cauli with deep fried olives and as a sweet treat farmer Macdonald’s apple pie with a honey mead shot all served on Ya Hire’s divinely decorated platters with autumnal leaves.

    Awaiting guests in the right arch were several Harvest Moon Bounty Boards groaning with smokey boar bao buns with apple sauce and crackling pots, failed harvest charcoal buns with smoked chicken, micro rocket and lemon and chive mayo and pumpkin and goats cheese half-moon pasties, to name but three. Against a background of hooting owls, crying wolves and violinist supremo Matthew Glossop playing classical Vivaldi’s Autumn, and other pieces, beautifully interspersed with music from DJ Mike Roberts.

    Lucinda Baldwin from Orange Events said “It’s such a magical concept, PenniBlack has really delivered. The food, drinks, styling and music choice are all uniquely distinctive. I feel I’ve been transported into another world. This isn’t just a showcase it’s a PenniBlack showcase.”

    Culinary concept creator and PenniBlack CEO said “I wanted to show our guests how PenniBlack has matured. It’s not just theming, it’s about a whole concept which takes events to the next level. I’m really happy with how it was received and the lovely comments I’ve had both personally and on social media.”

    As a final hurrah PenniBlack and Halo Lighting are offering a 10% discount to anyone who books an event for 2025 by the end of October.

    Charlotte finished by saying “We couldn’t have done it without our collaborators and a big thank you goes to all of them: Halo Lighting, Studio 68B, Bloomsbury Event Group, Ya Hire, Big Wednesday PR, Let’s Grow and Kershaw Partners.”