Cotswold Conference Centre | Official Blog site | Meeting and Training in the Cotswolds

New website aimed at UK and international market

2012-01-20T15:00:00.002Z

Cotswold Conference Centre, near Broadway, has launched a new, re-branded website which should make life easier for customers.

“Our website was 10 years old,” says marketing manager Debbie Sarjant, “and, like all old websites, in need of an update. “We have worked very hard on the design, the words and the overall feel to create a site that is fresh, modern and easy to use.

“We hope visitors will be able to navigate their way around more easily; get in touch with us immediately and get a more accurate impression of our business.”

Companies from all over the UK and internationally use the conference centre’s flexible meetings spaces and 89 bedrooms on the Farncombe Estate. Later in the year, a new “umbrella” website will be created for all the Farncombe businesses, include weekend leisure courses, B&B and special interest groups.

“A new web identity was essential for reminding people of our award-winning service, our stunning location and our recent investments,” says Debbie Sarjant. “The new corporate website will be a major tool in getting our messages across.”

Top customer award goes to Cotswold Conference Centre

2012-01-09T13:16:00.000Z

Cotswold Conference Centre near Broadway has achieved a top nationwide customer service award for the third year running. The VenueVerdict Gold Award for 2011 goes to only five per cent of conference venues and hotels in the UK.

“This is fantastic recognition, based on customer feedback throughout the year,” says Nick Akerman, Head of Sales. “We are dedicated to conferences, training and teambuilding and I think people really appreciate the efforts we make on their behalf.”

Market research agency BDRC Continental operates the VenueVerdict Awards which, in 2011, were based on feedback from 23,500 customer surveys across British venues and hotel groups. Conference centres and hotels are assessed over 12 months and must achieve a Net Promoter Score of +70 to reach the Gold Standard. Only 18 properties out of 350 delivered the top level of consistently-exceptional customer service in 2011.

Cotswold Conference Centre has been taking part in the VenueVerdict programme for several years and regularly appears in the top quartile of conference venues. To find out more about the Centre, visit www.cotswoldconferencecentre.com

Kelly sprinkles Gold Medal dust at Cotswold Conference Centre

2012-01-02T14:41:00.000Z

Dame Kelly Holmes, double Gold Medal winning athlete, joined the British Triathlon team at Cotswold Conference Centre near Broadway this week for two days of inspirational teambuilding.

With core values that include respecting the environment, the triathletes were challenged to arrive at Farncombe Estate using minimal carbon footprint. Five of the super-fit team chose to cycle an average of more than 60 miles round trip to Broadway, while others car pooled, picking up fellow staff en route from all over the country.

It’s the second year that the British Triathlon team has chosen Cotswold Conference Centre for its annual meeting. The addition of Kelly Holmes brought a special meaning to this year’s Olympics theme. “Kelly came to sprinkle some gold dust on our team-building event,” said Chief Executive Zara Hyde Peters, who organised the event for the 41 staff members.

Middle-distance runner Kelly Holmes won the adoration of millions at the Athens Olympics in 2004 when she won Gold in the 800m and, only a few days later, another Gold in the 1500m. She was 34 and – having battled injury for much of her sporting career – became an inspiration to many.

After retiring, Holmes set up “On Camp with Kelly”, a mentoring programme to encourage young female middle-distance runners, and the DKH Legacy Trust to inspire disadvantaged young people. She said she was very impressed with the setting and facilities of Cotswold Conference Centre.

“I haven’t been here before but wow, it’s a great place,” she said.

The team’s two-day training day included a strategy meeting, an outdoor challenge using one of Cotswold Conference Centre’s own teambuilding activities on the 370-acre site and a celebration Christmas dinner. Other sports teams to meet at Cotswold Conference Centre include England Athletics and UK Athletics.

Book your 2012 conference or meeting with us!

2011-12-16T13:03:00.002Z

At Cotswold Conference Centre, we aim to make a difference. That’s why we have ditched the habit of sending out hundreds of paper Christmas cards for a gift that will make some real impact. With the money, we’ve bought three Oxfam goats that will benefit communities in the developing world, producing milk to drink, fertiliser for crops and “kids” that can be taken to market. Think of it as our Christmas present to you! View your present here.

As we all know, the best things in life can’t be purchased, wrapped or posted. For us, it’s all about relationships. This year, we’ve met many new faces at our Open Breakfasts, Familiarisation Trips and Show-Rounds. Our corporate sales team, Rachael, Jilly and Kathryn, plan to hold more events in 2012 than ever before, as we know that event-bookers and trainers benefit from seeing the views and the Estate, experiencing the variety of our meeting spaces and tasting the locally-sourced food. Because our lovely venue is different from any other – we guarantee you that.
Believe it or not, certain dates are already booked up in 2012, so if you want to make sure your event is in our diary, do call us soon on 0845 230 8580 or e-mail Rachael: Rachaelb@cotswoldconferencecentre.com The earlier you book, the better the availability.

We hope you’ll give us the chance to make a real difference to your training, meeting and away days next year. With all good wishes for a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Nick Akerman

Head of Sales

Eleventh Hour Meeting Packages

2011-12-02T11:05:00.000Z

It’s a last-minute world and we understand that you sometimes have to work at short notice.

You want to train, teambuild and meet face-to-face, but you’re forced to wait until the eleventh hour to make your move. Despite tight budget constraints, you still need to meet your training objectives and press on with day meetings.

Click here for full details about how Cotswold Conference Centre can turn the planning of your meeting around in 2 hours.

Our sales team will be happy to halp with your enquiry - call us on 0845 230 8580.

Dance the night away at our Souled Out 2 Funk Christmas Party!

2011-11-25T09:49:00.000Z

We still have a handful of places left on our Souled Out 2 Funk Christmas Party here at Cotswold Conference Centre.

Souled Out 2 Funk are purveyors of some of the finest top quality musical entertainment in the West Midlands and beyond!

Renowned as one of the hardest working soul revue bands, Souled Out 2 Funk are guaranteed to entertain, keep you dancing and leave you wanting more!

To book your tickets, call our reception team on 01386 858000.

Take a look at some snaps from their latest gig at the ICC in Birmingham...

Allergy-free rooms are a safe haven for sufferers

2011-11-08T11:53:00.000Z

In the approach to Indoor Allergy Week 2011 [14 to 20 November], a conference centre in Worcestershire has become the first venue of its kind in the world to qualify for an international allergy-friendly award.

Cotswold Conference Centre, on the Farncombe Estate near Broadway, has been accredited with a prestigious ECARF Seal of Quality for eight new Allergy Free bedrooms and a wide range of allergy-friendly policies.

“We are delighted to give this award to Cotswold Conference Centre, the first dedicated conference venue in the world to earn the ECARF Seal,” says Professor Torsten Zuberbier, an allergy expert from the European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation. “Conferences can be a headache for allergy sufferers, who are confined to meeting rooms and bedrooms with little chance to escape.

“Allergy at work and at school leads to lower levels of concentration and achievement. We want to find affordable ways to make people’s lives easier.”

One in four people in the UK now suffers from an allergy. Cotswold Conference Centre’s accreditation is an acknowledgement of a raft of measures to combat the problem.

This autumn, the centre completed a £3.5m bedroom courtyard of 32 bedrooms, of which eight are designated Allergy Free. No smoking, pot plants or pets are permitted. Wooden floors replace carpet, there are blinds instead of curtains and a special vacuum cleaner gives 99.9% filtration and helps eradicate dust mites.

In the dining room, kitchen staff deal with a growing number of allergies: dairy, gluten, peanut, nuts – even celery. In the bedrooms, delegates allergic to perfume can request fragrance-free toiletries.

“The body of scientific evidence shows us that allergies are getting worse,” says Professor Zuberbier. “ECARF takes a pragmatic approach, we do not want to put allergy sufferers into a sterile box, but offer support for a better life.

“Over-insulated buildings can make things worse. It always helps to be able to open a window.”

Cotswold Conference Centre’s operations manager Richard Howdle has noticed a significant increase in allergic customers in the past 10 years. “We have many different reactions to deal with these days,” he says. “If you have lactose intolerance, we will offer you a lactose-free coffee to help you concentrate on your conference or training.

“If anyone comes to us with an allergy, we do our best to make their stay just as comfortable as at home.”

Olympic fever giving you a headache?

2011-11-04T13:00:00.000Z

Run for the hills… at Cotswold Conference Centre!

If you’re based in or around London, you won’t want business to be interrupted around the time of the 2012 Olympics. But it’s an unavoidable fact that commuting around the city will be tougher than ever. Bedrooms, meeting spaces and parking will all be at a premium in the capital from 27th July (the Opening Ceremony) to 9th September, the end of the Paralympic Games.

Locog, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games, has priority over 40,000 London hotel rooms for its sponsors, officials and the media, leaving a distinct lack of space for anyone else. This is a great time to run for the hills – and where better than the 370-acre Farncombe Estate, the base for our dedicated meeting, training and teambuilding venue? You’ll have peace, quiet, privacy and some of the best panoramic views in the country.
We can help you get your business done, organise meetings and make great use of your time with training and teambuilding. At Cotswold Conference Centre, it’s going to be business as usual:
• Only 1.5 hours by train from Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh

• (For residential events) Free transfers from the station straight to our stunning Cotswold venue

• Dedicated meeting rooms for events large and small

• Lots of outdoor teambuilding activities to choose from

• Bespoke training opportunities

• We’re rural, but we’re not remote: free WiFi throughout the site and good mobile phone signal

• 370 acres of parkland with panoramic views

• 89 four-star rated en-suite bedrooms and excellent, local food

• No minimum stay required

Dodge the traffic jams and tourists and avoid elevated London prices next summer. To hear more about the advantages of being out of town, call Rachael Buttery on 0845 230 8580.

Happiness is a Conference in the Countryside

2011-11-02T10:45:00.000Z

Workplace happiness is high on the agenda at Cotswold Conference Centre this week. The dedicated meeting and training venue near Broadway is hosting a Happiness at Work conference to coincide with National Stress Awareness Day on Wednesday 2 November.

According to new research by AXA Insurance, our stress levels have doubled in the past four years and it’s not surprising: jobs are less secure and people are having to justify their position at work. The International Stress Management Association is spearheading a campaign to acknowledge the problem and hopes to get more organisations involved.

“We are delighted to be hosting the Happiness at Work Conference on behalf of The Learning Architect, a leading training organisation,” says Cotswold Conference Centre head of sales Nick Akerman. “As Investors in People, we always aim to put our staff at the top the agenda.

“With the economic challenges we all face, it’s up to forward-looking businesses to lead the way in combating stress. A healthier work culture can reduce absenteeism and empower people to take more responsibility for their own wellbeing at work.”

Cotswold Conference Centre is based on the 370-acre Farncombe Estate, with stress-busting panoramic views over the Vale of Evesham. The Happiness at Work conference features speakers such as Liggy Webb, author of The Happy Handbook - A Compendium of Modern Life Skills and Mark Williamson, director of Action for Happiness, which launched in April 2011 and already has 15,000 members.

If you’d like to discuss a meeting, training or teambuilding event at Cotswold Conference Centre, call Rachael Buttery on 0845 230 8580. Or visit www.cotswoldconferencecentre.com

Against the clock?

2011-10-27T08:14:00.000Z

Last Minute Meetings

It’s a last-minute world and here at Cotswold Conference Centre we understand that you sometimes have to work at short notice.

You want to train, teambuild and meet face-to-face, but you’re forced to wait until the eleventh hour to make your move. Despite tight budget constraints, you still need to meet your training objectives and press on with day meetings.

Click here for full details about how the Cotswold Conference Centre can turn the planning of your meeting around in 2 hours. Or you can call Rachael on 0845 230 8580.

Teambuilding with the Flying Potter at Cotswold Conference Centre

2011-10-21T11:43:00.000Z

A senior Management Training course went potty today at Cotswold Conference Centre. The group took part in a pottery masterclass run by the Flying Potter based in Herefordshire. Cotswold Conference Centre offers a wide range of unique teambuilding ideas to give any corporate event a kick.

Conferences that Care

2011-10-20T13:28:00.000Z

English Mutual case history

The English Mutual Group began life as an independent financial practice based in Worcester. Since the 1990s, it has grown into an independent financial planning agency with offices across the West Midlands, South West, the North West, London and the South East. The Group has a reputation for visionary thinking alongside advisory and administrative excellence.

The core values of the company – including a fundamental commitment to employing the best people – meant that for 14 years English Mutual did not advertise job vacancies. The company went to great lengths to seek out directors, managers, administrators and Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs) who shared the same commitment to excellence. What resulted was a “family” culture, consisting of people with great skills, a proven track record, empathy, decency – and a good sense of humour.

A striking aspect of English Mutual’s work is The Wealth of Happiness Foundation, which campaigns against poverty and financial hardship. Its activities include the annual English Mutual Lecture which is held in Worcester Cathedral, with such distinguished speakers as BBC journalist John Simpson, adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes and politician Lord Paddy Ashdown.

English Mutual’s Director of Group Development, Giles Cross, is also Director of The Wealth of Happiness Foundation. It was Giles who was looking for a conference venue which would suit the national team – and Giles who first came to visit Cotswold Conference Centre with the Spring 2011 Conference in mind.

True to form, the English Mutual takes the needs of its conference delegates very seriously. Its IFAs network is spread across the country and Giles was determined to find a venue which all staff could reach in a day.

The central location and affordable price tag means that Cotswold Conference Centre is always worthy of consideration. But on arrival, the word location takes on a new meaning. The Centre is part of the 370-acre Farncombe Estate, with one of the best panoramic views in the country. It was the perfect setting for a conference which would leave English Mutual staff feeling refreshed and inspired.

Quality was also top of Giles’s agenda. The company had been disappointed in the past by inconsistent conference food and he was determined that his 45 or so delegates would be treated really well at lunchtime.

“We enjoyed an excellent day at Cotswold Conference Centre for our spring conference – and returned again in the summer,” says Giles. “We love the food, from the home-made biscuits to the excellent lunches. We also appreciate the personal touch from a dedicated team of conference staff. Technical problems get sorted out and there is a ‘can-do’ attitude which we recognise in our own organisation.

“English Mutual conferences are all-inclusive, from the MD to the furthest-flung member of the team. We know we can trust Cotswold Conference Centre to deliver excellent customer service in a location that manages to be both convenient and inspirational at the same time.”

Cotswold Conference Centre manager celebrates 30-years career

2011-10-19T08:14:00.001Z

Nick Akerman, Head of Sales at Cotswold Conference Centre, is celebrating 30 years since he started working at Farncombe Estate, Broadway in Worcestershire.

Nick started out when the Estate was Group 4, at the tender age of 19, when he was too young to drive a company vehicle. His first role away from Broadway was based in South London. Early career memories include looking down the barrel of a shotgun during an armed robbery in London.
“We were in the cash-in-transit business then,” says Nick, “carrying money across pavements from retailers and delivering to banks. I knew my way around London pretty well.”

“One day we were in Charlton on the south side of the river, when there was a Post Office raid. With a gun pointing at me, the training kicked in and I had to give away six big bags of Post Office money. It was frightening actually. Soon after that I was moved away to a new district office in Oxford. I worked at the Unipart Head-Office by night and sold Group 4 services during the day!”

Gold Business Tourism award

Nick’s 30-year career has taken him to a number of locations – including a stint operating a new guarding contract in New Delhi – but his longest-serving roles have been based on the 370-acre Farncombe Estate, owned by the Philip-Sørensen family.

Ten years ago, Nick was part of the launch team at the Cotswold Conference Centre.

“At that time, Group 4 decided to close its training facility on Farncombe Estate and I was working at the Dormy House. I was tasked with researching the conference industry for a new venture,” says Nick. “One of our first clients was the global engineering group IMI, who still train here today.
“Highlights include us winning the first ever Gold Business Tourism Award from VisitBritain – and writing the business plan which led to the building of our new building, Maudslay Court, which has opened this autumn. This brings our bedroom capacity to 89 and takes our business to a new level.”

Not all Nick’s memories are as scary as the Post Office hold-up. Some – like escorting the late Dennis Thatcher to the bathroom at the first Birmingham SuperPrix and, in India, managing one of the largest guard forces anywhere in the world – bring a smile to his face.

“One night in India, I was doing the rounds checking in on the security guards,” he recalls. “I approached a gate house where a Sikh guard was sitting with his feet up and his eyes closed. ‘Are you relaxing?’ I asked him. The guard stood up immediately. ‘Oh no sir, my name is V.P. Singh.’”

Government Funded Training

2011-10-18T10:40:00.000Z

Government funding of up to £1,000 towards your leadership and Management Training.

As part of the investment required for the Private sector to take up the challenges in the months and years ahead, the government has, through the Skills Funding Agency, launched a scheme to assist businesses with vital training for senior managers.

In this scheme, using a simple one-page form you fill in prior to booking, you can claim back half the cost of training for senior managers, up to a maximum of £1,000.

That means you have direct access to a whole range of courses that will benefit you directly, along with all the help you need to process your application as quickly as possible.

As good as gold...

2011-10-17T14:05:00.002Z

Following the end-of-quarter assessment we are delighted to have retained VenueVerdict Gold Standard Accreditation until September 2012! The award is voted for by clients and the Venue Verdict awards, which are based on feedback given by visitors, are highly valued within the industry.

What goes on in Room 617 at Cotswold Conference Centre?

2011-10-07T12:01:00.000Z

A War Hero remembered at Farncombe Estate

Military heroes past and present were honoured in a moving ceremony at Cotswold Conference Centre, Broadway, yesterday [Thursday.]

Maudslay Court, a new £3.5m Cotswold-stone building constructed at Farncombe Estate, was officially opened by Victoria Trevelyan, niece of the Dam Busters’ hero Henry Maudslay. The Maudslay family lived on the Estate during WW2 when Henry was tragically killed in raids on six German hydroelectric dams.

To commemorate the connection with 617 Squadron, the Dam Busters’ unit of which Henry Maudslay was B Flight Commander, a plaque was also unveiled by Wing Commander Keith Taylor, currently Officer Commanding 617 Squadron.

“This beautiful building has given us a fantastic opportunity to honour an earlier resident of the Estate,” said Cotswold Conference Centre’s MD Mark Philip-Sørensen. “We would like to thank the Maudslay family and Wing Commander Taylor for making our opening ceremony so special.”

The large new wing of 32 en-suite bedrooms, constructed by skilled local tradesmen, boasts a number of ecological features, including a ground-source heat pump and solar panels. The Cotswold stone building even has its own tower.
One deluxe room - Number 617 – is themed with prints that tell the Dam Busters story, including a picture of the Lancaster Bombers in action in May 1943.

Emotional tribute

The Grand Ceremony began with the Celebration Reed and Brass Band of Hampton playing stirring renditions of the Dam Busters theme and the RAF March Past, while 80 guests and staff assembled in Maudslay Court.

The historic afternoon was completed with traditional afternoon tea – in the Estate’s dining room decorated with gingham and bunting, to the strains of Vera Lynn
Keith Taylor spoke about 617 Squadron’s heroic history, including recent tours of Afghanistan and Libya, while Victoria Trevelyan gave an emotional tribute to Henry Maudslay, the uncle she never knew. She presented Farncombe Estate with a rarely-seen portrait of her uncle – Henry had been just 21 when he died on his return from the Dam Busters’ raid.

In the 1954 film The Dam Busters, Henry Maudslay’s role was played by actor Richard Thorp, later known as Alan Turner in “Emmerdale”. A remake of the film, with a script by Stephen Fry, is expected to premiere soon.

Dam Busters hero remembered

2011-09-27T10:58:00.000Z

Henry Maudslay DFC was a hero of the Dam Busters raid of 1943. At the time, his family lived at Foxhill Manor (then called Furzehill Manor) on Farncombe Estate near Broadway in Worcestershire. This autumn [October] the current owners of Farncombe have completed a £3.5m Cotswold stone bedroom courtyard and named it in his memory.

Henry Eric Maudslay was born in Leamington Spa on July 21st 1921. War broke out while Henry was still at school and the young man volunteered for the RAF. In 1943, aged only 21, he was promoted to Squadron Leader and became B Flight Commander of the newly-formed 617 Squadron

This squadron – subsequently known as "The Dam Busters" - was formed for the single purpose of carrying out “Operation Chastise.” The object was to breach six German hydroelectric dams, causing flooding and disruption in the industrial Ruhr region. On the night of 16 May 1943, the top-secret attack was launched by nine specially-converted Lancaster bombers.

The Dam Buster raids were also famous for the deployment of the Bouncing Bomb, invented by English engineer Dr Barnes Wallis. Extreme precision was needed to drop cylindrical explosives into the face of each dam where they would “bounce” down before exploding.

A major difficulty for pilots was judging the critical release point 60 feet above water. Henry Maudslay is credited with the idea of two lamp beams converging below the fuselage at the right point. He demonstrated his Spotlight Altimeter Calibrator to his Wing Commander, Guy Gibson, and 617 Squadron were duly equipped with the lights.

As a result of the Dam Busters’ attack, the Mohne and Eder Dams were breached, causing catastrophic flooding of the Ruhr and Eder valleys. Of the nine aircraft involved, only five survived - one of them Henry Maudslay's. But on his flight back to England at around 2.30am on 17 May, Maudslay's plane was shot down close to the Dutch border. It burst into flames, with the loss of all the crew.

“We decided to name our new 32-bedroom courtyard in memory of this gifted, dedicated and brave young man,” says Farncombe Estate head of sales Nick Akerman. “We invited Victoria Trevelyan, Henry’s niece, to open the Maudslay Court and even numbered one of the bedrooms 617 to commemorate the 617 Squadron link. We were delighted that Wing Commander Keith Taylor, OC 617 Squadron, agreed to unveil a plaque in the room.”

Christmas Party squeeze favours out-of-town venues

2011-09-20T15:13:00.000Z

Businesses demanding high-quality Christmas parties on a shoe-string budget should consider an out-of-town venue instead, according to a leading Cotswold conference centre.

Directors of top London event agencies met this week [September 19] at ‘The Great Christmas Party Debate’ and concluded that “95 per cent of enquires are for £50 per-head packages.” As a consequence, almost half of delegates (41 per cent) said they did not feel excited by the prospect of their 2011 Christmas party. The event was reported in full by the e-newsletter Meetings & Incentive Travel.

But the problem can be solved by looking beyond the city centre, according to one Christmas Party venue, Cotswold Conference Centre in Broadway, Worcestershire.

“Small budgets are no news to venues outside London,” said Debbie Sarjant, Cotswold Conference Centre’s marketing manager. “But the service we provide often exceeds "shoe-string" expectations.

“Our Christmas party nights for 2011 are a steal at only £35 per head for a Robbie Tribute and disco, or £38.95 for the eight-piece band Souled Out 2 Funk. For this price, guests enjoy a great three-course dinner and stunning views over Broadway.
“Far from missing out on the magic of Christmas, we believe that there are many advantages to being an hour or two out of town.”

Cotswold Conference Centre’s Christmas Party Nights are being staged on 20th and 21st December this year. The venue, on the 370-acre Farncombe Estate with panoramic views over the Vale of Evesham, is easily accessed from the M4 and M50 motorways and only a 90 minutes’ train journey from London.

For those wishing to let their hair down, B&B is also available at a special price of £39 for a single room and £55 for a double or twin. To book, call 01386 858000 or email reception@cotswoldconferencecentre.com

Boot Camps mean Business

2011-09-08T10:27:00.000Z

Boot Camps mean Business

A new Cotswolds-based company is aiming to start a quiet revolution in business training.

Cotswold Business Boot Camps launch this autumn at Cotswold Conference Centre on the 370-acre Farncombe Estate near Broadway, Worcestershire.

“We have developed a new style of high-intensity training, as closely allied to the real workplace as humanly possible,” says CBBC director Mark Higgins. “The Boot Camp concept applies brilliantly to business training, without the need to get cold, wet or physically exhausted,” adds co-director Jeff Farish.

Each Boot Camp takes place at the Cotswold Conference Centre, which has eight dedicated training rooms, extensive outdoor spaces with team-building activities and panoramic views over the Vale of Evesham.

“The environment is a big part of what we do,” says Mark. “There aren’t sterile training rooms like you find in a hotel. The landscape is stunning and we use it to create stimulating and memorable events. The centre’s flexible approach allows us to get on with what we do best.”

High-tempo approach
Cotswold Business Boot Camps offer fast-track change that meets real business objectives. Its high-tempo approach is delivered by trainers who have years of expertise in public, private and charity sectors.

“Our philosophy is to provide clear, simple and effective programmes that enhance leadership and business performance. We don't need high ropes and assault courses to achieve that.”

Nick Akerman, head of sales at Cotswold Conference Centre, is delighted to be hosting the new Boot Camps.

“Mark and his team have been bringing customers to us for the past 12 years and we know they are some of the best trainers around,” he says.

“Their delegates return to work invigorated and ready to apply their experience to the real world. In a tough economic climate, it takes intensive training to make a real difference.”

For more information about Cotswold Business Boot Camps, visit http://www.cotswoldconferencecentre.com/ or http://www.cotswoldbusinessbootcamps.com/

Workouts for workers

2011-09-05T08:37:00.000Z

Workouts for workers
The return on investment from corporate meetings and employee training days can be maximised when physical activity is included in the day, according to organisers at the Cotswold Conference Centre near Broadway in Worcestershire.

“Many companies find that people are more engaged and energised if they are not just sitting down all day , but also have the opportunity to participate in physical activity” says the centre’s Corporate Sales Manager, Rachael Buttery. “They choose us because we have great outdoor spaces and a wide range of easy-to-use team-building activities.”

This week is Workout at Work Day. It’s designed to remind people about the importance of activity in their everyday lives. Physiotherapists suggest walking or cycling to work, along with innovative ideas such as adding exercise to the meeting agenda.
“When planning meetings, conferences and training, we always suggest that people also think about including some physical activity,” says Rachael. “In our experience, team building is a chance for delegates to stretch their limbs and their minds and generally feel more able to employ lateral thinking with increased concentration.”

Cotswold Conference Centre is based on the 370-acre Farncombe Estate with views over the Vale of Evesham. Dotted around the estate are a number of unique team-building stations known as Eye Openers.

“We have 13 innovative exercises which can be run by trainers and conference organisers without the need for outside support,” says Rachael. “Getting out and about can really help people who are here to learn.”

For more information on team building at Cotswold Conference Centre, visit http://www.cotswoldteambuilding.com/

Nick Akerman's Cotswold Way Challenge - Day 3

2011-08-30T12:19:00.000Z

Nick Akerman, our Head of Sales at Cotswold Conference Centre began his Cotswold Way Challenge on Sunday the 28th of August, in aid of Noah's Ark Trust. It is now Day 3 of his walk with daughter Libby, and they are doing extremely well. They covered 17 miles on Monday 29th of August and rang us with an update this morning while over-looking the River Severn Estury.

Today they are hoping to cover 12 miles today which will take them just North of Stroud. They're are rather tired but are enjoying the challenge for such a great cause.

If you would like to sponsor Nick then please visit his sponsorship page at : www.virginmoneygiving.com/nickakerman2

Escape the London 2012 Olympics - Come to the Cotswolds

2011-08-18T15:20:00.000Z

Escape the Olympics 2012 !

With less than 365 days to go until the London 2012 Games, venues and destinations throughout London and within a 1.5 hour travelling radius are already getting booked up and prices are extraordinary.

The Cotswolds is just far enough away to escape the excitement, madding crowds and travel chaos that only London can facilitate during major events.

We are, therefore, very pleased to announce a price cap for 2012 of £150 + VAT for 24 hour stays at CCC.

If you are going to need a discrete, rural venue like Cotswold Conference Centre (within 2 hours of London) then contact Rachael. We also offer free taxi collection from Moreton-in-Marsh train station.

Call 0845 230 8580 or email rachaelb@cotswoldconferencecentre.com

Corporate Christmas Party Nights

2011-08-18T15:00:00.000Z

Cotswold Conference Centre is hosting not to be missed Christmas Party Nights in December 2011. Based in the North of the Cotswolds, Cotswold Conference Centre is an ideal central location to meet up and enjoy a night of great food, Mike Andrew as Robbie or Sould Out 2 Funk. Tickets are priced from £35 per person. If you want to carry on partying into the night then B & B is available for £39 for a single en suite and £55 for a double. To enquire or book you team onto one of our Christmas party nights then please call our reception on 01386 858000.

Have you woken up with an Attitude of Gratitude?

2011-08-17T09:26:00.000Z

Would you like to be happier, healthier, more positive and motivated in life?
Research has indicated that people who practice gratitude on a daily basis are capable of being 25% happier. The great news is that we all have the opportunity to make ourselves happier in life; it is something that is totally within our power.

Granted, we may not always be able to control what happens to us but we can choose the way we react to things. There are so many ways that we can appreciate our lives more even in the most challenges times. In every difficult situation lies opportunity.

Your reality is your perspective. You can choose the way you view the world.

The new book Thank You by Liggy Webb is out soon, for more info visit http://www.liggywebb.com/books ...the best gift you can give is gratitude!

Rescue your budget at CCC

2011-08-09T15:37:00.000Z

Rescue your budget at Cotswold Conference Centre

We all know that budgets are tight - and to make yours go that bit further, CCC is offering budget friendly rates for meetings, training and teambuilding events the week commencing 17th October 2011.

Day delegate rates are being offered at the reduced rate of £20 + VAT, which includes training room hire, projector, screen and flipchart, unlimited tea and coffee, home-made biscuits, three course hot & cold buffet lunch and afternoon tea. There is also free wi-fi access and parking for up to 200 cars.

Or you could hold your residential event here and pay just £90 + VAT for a 24-hour rate, which will include everything you get in our day delegate package, plus a stay in our comfortable en suite bedrooms, three course dinner and breakfast.
For bookings and enquiries please contact Rachael on 0845 230 8580 or e-mail Rachaelb@cotswoldconferencecentre.com

Offer applies to new bookings only.

Happiness at Work Conference - 2nd November 2011

2011-08-04T11:41:00.000Z

The concept of “Happiness at Work” is fast becoming a hot bed of discussion and is increasingly being explored in the workplace.

There is no doubt about it; life is becoming increasingly challenging and stressful. Levels of workplace stress are alarmingly high and with the current economic challenges we face, more pressure is being put on people to increase their productivity at work with seemingly no additional reward.

As deep public-sector cuts loomed, David Cameron told a conference in 2010 that it was time "We admitted that there's more to life than money," adding: "It's time we focused not just on GDP but on GWB – general wellbeing."

The “Happiness at Work” Conference 2011 aims to raise awareness of the ways in which ‘happiness’ contributes to business success and sustainability. We have invited a range of industry experts and speakers who will deliver presentations on the benefits of happiness including essential ideas and information and solid business evidence examples.

With much evidence and many success stories emerging about the benefits of happiness and wellbeing it seems that an investment in happiness makes great business sense.

We have chosen 2nd November for the event as this is National Stress Day. Our feeling is that we want to move people away from focussing on stress and to take a more proactive approach to wellbeing by focusing on Health and Happiness in the Workplace.

We have been working very successfully on our Workplace Wellness and Modern Life Skills programmes which are proving to be increasingly popular. As a result, we are beginning to see the impact embracing happiness at work has on absenteeism and indeed mental health in the workplace. Really it is about encouraging individuals to take more personal responsibility.

We are charging £195 plus VAT for each delegate to cover costs and all profitable proceeds will be donated to the Action for Happiness charity.

What is included?

• Key note presentations

• Interactive workshops

• Discussion groups

• Network and idea sharing

• 3 course lunch

• Refreshments

• A copy of ‘The Happy Handbook’

• A very positive experience!

The main aims of the conference are to:

• Raise awareness around the importance of promoting a healthy and happy business culture

• Help organisations to reduce stress and sickness absenteeism

• Demonstrate how happy employees can make organisations more successful

• Encourage employers to genuinely put people at the heart of their organisations

• Encourage individuals to take more personal responsibility

• Support building a happier and healthier society

Places are limited and cost £195 plus VAT per delegate

To book your place call us: +44 (0)1242 700027

Email us: info@thelearningarchitect.com

Anyone For Breakfast?

2011-08-03T09:01:00.000Z

Find out why Cotswold Conference Centre can offer much more than just a meeting space .... this is a great and informal chance to see the site, meet the team, find out more about the open courses and team-building activities available here.

The Open Morning programme includes short presentations from a number of our partners. This is an informal and free event from 9am -11am - for more details please email Breakfast@CotswoldConferenceCentre.com.

So, start the day with....

Freshly brewed coffee, fair trade tea and chilled juices, locally produced Danish pastries and croissants, natural and fruit Broadway yoghurts, fresh fruits, branded cereals with farmhouse milk

Select from: grilled Cotswold bacon, locally produced bangers*, free range Cotswold eggs, Heinz beans, grilled fresh tomato, fried Bidford breads, button mushrooms, grilled kipper, toast with locally produced farmhouse butter, jams, marmalades and local honey.

*Vegetarian alternatives available

We look forward to seeing you !

Did you spot us in the Observer?

2011-08-01T08:55:00.000Z

Cotswold Conference Centre was featured in the Observer Magazine on Sunday 31st of July! If you haven't seen it yet - have a flick to page 32!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/theobserver/2011/jul/31/magazine

Olympics 2012 - Don't Travel In London, Travel Out of London

2011-07-28T13:00:00.000Z

The London 2012 Olympics is an ideal opportunity to get out of London and hold your, meeting, away-days and teambuilding events here at Cotswold Conference Centre. Travel time from London Paddington is only and hour and a half and with free taxi pick-up from the nearest train station, travelling here couldn't be easier.
Here is why you should travel out of London:

Director of London 2012 Games transport at Transport for London, Mark Evers, has said some Londoners “will need to change the way they travel” during the Olympic Games. Day three, Monday 30 July 2012, will set the stage for six weeks of “severe” transport disruption predicted by organisers.

The Times newspaper reports today, 26 July, that organisers are appealing to businesses to cancel one in three trips during the Games. The 24 million journeys on a typical London workday must be cut by seven million to ensure a smooth running spectacle, they say. Up to 800,000 visitors are likely to make an extra three million journeys on the busiest days.

To read the full article please click here.

Let us Entertain you - Cotswold Conference Centre Christmas Parties

2011-07-27T13:33:00.002Z

Let us Entertain You!

Bring your works party to Broadway this Christmas
Dance the night away at Cotswold Conference Centre on 20th and 21st December. We have some fantastic music, a three-course menu and a fab location for your works do.

Souled Out 2 Funk - 20th Dec

An outstanding Soul & Funk 8-piece band providing the biggest Funky Soul Sound around. If you're looking for the ultimate in good time, all-singing, all-dancing, non-stop entertainment and party music, then join us and get Souled Out 2 Funk!

Robbie - 21st Dec

Mike Andrew has quickly become one of, if not 'the' No 1 Robbie Williams tribute act in the UK and has even gained recognition from Robbie's own father Pete Conway.

Mike's unbelievable resemblance to Robbie including his mannerisms, his look & his cheekiness on stage, not to mention his vocal similarity, are second to none. The show covers all of Robbie's hits, including 'Let me entertain you' and 'Millenium'

You’ll love the tinsel and the party atmosphere in our newly-refurbished dining rooms on the Farncombe Estate.

Tickets are just £35 for the Robbie night and £38.95 for the Souled Out 2 Funk evening and include all entertainment and a 3-course meal.

Why not stay over? B & B for a single ensuite £39 or £55 for a double/twin.
Book soon by calling us on 01386 858000 or e-mailing reception@cotswoldconferencecentre.com

We expect to fill up fast!

The Cost Effective Manager - Still places available & it's free!

2011-07-25T08:50:00.000Z

Times 9.30am - 1.30pm (includes 3-course lunch)

This is a short interactive and free seminar for directors and managers who have a responsibility for managing and developing people to meet organisational budgets, run by Active Learning & Development Ltd.

WHEN YOU ATTEND THIS SEMINAR, YOU CAN EXPECT TO GET:

•A new approach to developing your managers to direct, supervise and make decisions in favour of cost efficiency.

•A new look at how people can add value.

•Practical ideas to help individuals and teams meet increasingly demanding budgets.

WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND THIS SEMINAR:
•To find out what are the two measures of personal efficiency

•Recognise value added behaviour

•An awareness of setting and operating to self-determined budgets

•How to balance decision-making using notional costs

•How to manage time cost effectively

To Book FREE places (max 2 per company) email gill_green@aldltd.co.uk or call 01386 422244

Charity Challenge Celebration!

2011-07-20T12:43:00.000Z

Cotswold Conference Centres first ever charity team challeng took place on the 15th of July. Thank you to all of those who took part including Irwin Mitchell and Midshire Communications. With your support we have boosted our current fundraising and are closer to our pledge of raising £10,000 for Noah's Ark Trust.

We would like to say a huge thank you to Three Counties Signs for providing the t-shirts and to all the team at Cotswold Conference Centre for making the day a great success.

And finally well done to the winning team from Midshire Communications:

Hot off the press August offer

2011-07-18T10:47:00.000Z

The summer sunshine has gone to our heads. For one month only, we are pouring cold water on our prices at Cotswold Conference Centre. Any new event booked to take place during August will qualify for any of THREE special offers.

Only new events qualify for our HOT off the press rate. Existing bookings do not qualify. To grab your August bargain, call Rachael Buttery on 0845 230 8580

Offer 1
Reduced Day Delegate rate of just £20+VAT. Includes training room hire, projector and screen, 3 course lunch, unlimited tea and coffee, free wifi and parking

Eyes Wide Open
Offer 2
2-for-1 on teambuilding. Our “Eye-Openers” help you break the ice, challenge your wits and discover your strengths. During August, you can experience two eye-opener teambuilding activities for the price of one.* Visit our brand new teambuilding website to see what's on offer http://www.cotswoldteambuilding.com/

*All Eye-Openers except Kanw are included in this offer

Offer 3
Just £90+VAT for a 24-hour stay. Includes training room hire, projector and screen, free wifi and parking, 3 course lunch, unlimited tea and coffee, 3 course dinner, accommodation and a full English breakfast.

Teambuilding in the Cotswolds

2011-07-13T10:31:00.001Z

Cotswold Conference Centre offers a range of innovative teambuilding and leadership activities, uniquely designed to make the most of our 370-acre estate.

We have imaginative ways of exposing people to all sorts of life lessons. Teams can learn to build trust, develop leadership skills, solve problems and think tactically. They will have lots of fun en route.

Eye Openers

These are self-contained activities designed to be run without the need for outside support. They are exceptional value for trainers wishing to add an experiential element to their programmes.

Cleverly designed in the form of sculptures, the Eye Openers really are ‘pieces of art’ as well as being educational. They aim to inspire and delight as well as enlighten their users.

Eye Openers can be booked individually or as a group, and although principally training tools, can also be used simply to refresh delegates during a meeting or training course

Check out all of our Eye-Openers and teambuilding options at http://www.cotswoldteambuilding.com/

The Learning Architect hosts event at CCC

2011-07-12T13:52:00.001Z

Introducing the NEW Modern Life Skills Academy for Students at CCC on the 4th of September.

The University of Life - FREE TASTER SESSION

Students are taught and learn how to pass exams. However when they graduate, they still lack the skills that will really enable them to excel in the workplace and the majority are not even aware that these skills exist or are desirable to an employer. They are however fully aware of the fierce competition within the graduate marketplace so they want to really stand out in the crowd.

Why not harness this ability, the desire to learn, and teach them how to succeed in the workplace as part of your recruitment strategy?

Working in partnership with Bright Futures, The Learning Architect, in collaboration with key experts, have researched the key skills required for individuals to cope with modern living. Our Modern Life Skills Academy is based on the UNESCO model and will equip students with essential life skills including:

• Emotional Resilience

• Self Awareness

• Assertiveness

• Change Ability

• Creativity

• Goal Setting

For more information or to book your place please e-mail Kate on Kate@thelearningarchitect.com.

Cotswold Conference Centre plans to unveil new bedroom block.

2011-07-11T10:47:00.000Z

The formal Opening of Cotswold Conference Centre's brand new building project will be taking place on the 6th of October. We are pleased to confirm that the new accommodation will be named Maudslay Court after Henry Maudslay DFC and his family, who lived on the Estate in Foxhill Manor.

Henry Maudslay DFC was a pilot in 617 Squadron that carried out the dambusters raid, armed with the famous 'bouncing bomb'. We are delighted that members of the Maudslay family have agreed to open Maudslay Court.

We are honoured to have the current OC of 617 Squadron attend the official opening of Maudslay Court. Wing Commander Taylor will open room 617.

CCC is recommended on TripAdvisor!

2011-07-07T14:35:00.000Z

Cotswold Conference Centre has been recommended on TripAdvisor. The recommendation recognizes the Centre for having an average rating of 4.0 or higher, based on five or more user reviews on our website.

We even have a nice sticker to acknowledge this achievement.

Award Nomination for Frankie

2011-07-05T15:48:00.000Z

Private Dining - At your service

Customer-service stories often begin with a headache and end with a very happy customer. Every company makes the occasional mistake: it’s the way we mend our mistakes that matters.

Cotswold Conference Centre’s “can do” approach to customer service extends beyond the average job description. For Frankie Brennan, assistant catering manager, it has even meant leaping into action outside working hours.

This story begins one evening with the arrival of new corporate client EDF, the energy supplier, at the beautiful site on Farncombe Estate. EDF’s 13 delegates had not visited the centre previously and turned up expecting a private dining service. However, the kitchen team, which usually serves buffet-style meals in its dining room, had not been informed.

Exceptional

A phone call later – and without any persuasion - Frankie made the 45-minute drive back into work. The 21-year-old took it on herself to organise EDF’s private event, with waitress service, despite the lack of available staff and no warning.

Frankie’s hard work rescued the evening and Frankie received special thanks from Sharon Davies, EDF’s Head of Training. In feedback, she commended Frankie’s ‘‘exceptional customer service’’.

Cotswold Conference Centre is well aware of the importance of any customer service that goes beyond the call of duty. In this case, a new client who might have turned away for good became a potentially loyal customer who had learned – not too painfully - that it was in safe hands.

A bonus and a box of chocs

As a result of her efforts, Frankie was awarded over-time, a bonus and a box of chocolates by sales staff. It’s just one example from a year in which Frankie has been noticed for her customer focus – even designing an all-egg menu for a customer who would eat nothing else.

In this time, dining at Cotswold Conference Centre has gone from strength to strength. For instance, BMW recently gave ‘’high praise’’ for the dining service and Carphone Warehouse said it was “blown away” by the quality of service provided by the catering team.

The icing on the cake? Cotswold Conference Centre’s catering partner, Wilson Vale, asked Frankie to represent the company when The Duchess of Cornwall visited another of its sites. It was judged that Frankie Brennan, 21-year-old assistant catering manager, would be the perfect person to serve royalty.

CCC went for gold and got it!

2011-07-01T13:21:00.000Z

Feedback analysts, BDRC Continental, have recently announced the national VenueVerdict Awards for customer service at UK hotels and meeting venues. Cotswold Conference Centre, near Stratford-upon-Avon, has again been awarded the VenueVerdict Gold Standard for 2011, an accolade only awarded to venues delivering consistently high levels of customer service over the previous 12 month period. This is the second year in a row.

The VenueVerdict awards are determined by the scores given by meeting and event customers in post-event feedback surveys. Independently operated by BDRC Continental, the VenueVerdict programme currently includes over 200 UK conference venues and hotels, providing real-time customer feedback, trends, share-of-budget data and competitor benchmarking. The 2011 awards were determined by nearly 17,500 customer feedback surveys across the VenueVerdict membership.

CCC Launches Training Programme

2011-06-29T16:54:00.002Z

When times are hard, training can be the best way to develop your team or invest in your future. This is the thinking behind a new programme of affordable open training courses launched today [Friday 4th July] by Cotswold Conference Centre.

From September 2011, a year-round programme will cater for companies and organisations at its venue between Cheltenham and Stratford-upon-Avon. Delegates will be able to enrol on subjects from Business Basics through to Management and Personal Development.

“We aim to reach out to companies and organisation who want to retain and develop their staff in difficult economic times. Our open courses are very competitively priced,” said head of sales Nick Akerman.

“We also anticipate demand for bespoke training, designed to suit the needs of our corporate customers and organisations.”

Cotswold Training‘s open programme has been scheduled in off-peak periods, allowing prices to be pegged. Some courses are run on quieter dates in the conference week. Summer schools will give people the chance to refresh their skills at a time when business can be slow.

It’s a model which allows the venue to maximise the use of its space and create affordable, flexible training for its corporate client base. Leadership, finance and practical skills will be covered, along with sales techniques, customer care and even Happiness at Work.

“Training is a part of our heritage and our success,” said Nick Akerman. “We already have the setting, the hospitality and the people in place. We have 50 years’ experience and a great relationship with some of the best trainers in their field.
“We look forward to delivering great quality training to some of the country’s top businesses and organisations.”
Delegates can book a Cotswold Training course with refreshments and lunch from only £299 +VAT. Dinner, bed and breakfast can be added on for just £80 +VAT per night.

Anyone wanting to book or order a brochure should call 0333 121 8580 or visit http://www.traincotswolds.com/

Released 29th June 2011

ROI: How do your meetings measure up?

2011-06-28T18:23:00.035Z

Conference News magazine has recently reported that less than 10 per cent of meetings are currently measured for business value, according to a new Meeting Professionals International (MPI) study.

The Business Value of Meetings report identifies key meetings industry benchmarks and identified many businesses rely on the current marketplace definition that there is implied business value if participants are satisfied with the meeting or event objectives.


Rachael Buttery

Rachael Buttery, Corporate Sales Manager at Cotswold Conference Centre explains “Finding the right venue for corporate training or business events can make a huge difference to the success of the activity. Here at CCC we recognise the importance of measuring quality as well as value – we have many returning clients that tell us time and time again that our dedicated training facilities and business focus return them a better ROI for their businesses.”

Cotswold Conference Centre is a member of Conference Centres of Excellence, the UK’s leading consortium of venues that offer more productive environments for profitable business. Members such as Cotswold Conference Centre are required to maintain the highest professional standards in the meetings industry and a dedicated business focus.

24-hour team mini-breaks - make the best of the British summer!

2011-06-23T14:53:00.000Z

Come and enjoy a 24-hour team mini-break on our stunning west-facing Estate.

Rain or shine, we make the most of the Great Outdoors!

When you book your group into the Cotswold Conference Centre during the school holidays, we will reward you with a great seasonal package. Bring your team for some summer bonding, or book an out-of-season conference and enjoy the following fantastic extras:
• Use of our 'Eye Opener' outdoor teambuilding activities*
• Cotswold Cream Tea with locally-sourced jams and cream
• Pimms served on the terrace while you enjoy the last rays of the summer sun
• Use of a training room for a team update/conference

All for only £140 +VAT per person for a 24-hour stay between 25 July and the end of August.
We have just been awarded the Worcestershire Welcome Business Tourism Award for 2011. Our bedrooms are rated 4-star Guest Accommodation by VisitBritain and our dining room serves excellent, locally-sourced food.

The Cotswold Conference Centre in Summer: it's almost like being on holiday.

Also available:
• Guided evening walk through parkland to the pretty Cotswold market town of Broadway - with taxis back to the Conference Centre
• BBQ night on the restaurant terrace
• Bespoke pub quiz (can include a round on your own company!) with Question Master

* Except Kanw, which carries a supplement

For more information call Rachael on 0845 230 8580 or email rachaelb@CotswoldConferenceCentre.com

Worcestershire's Finest Welcome!

2011-06-22T11:57:00.000Z

Cotswold Conference Centre is the proud holder of the Worcestershire Welcome Business Tourism Award for 2011. The announcement was made on Friday night at the Malvern Showground, scene of the famous Three Counties show.

Business Tourism is one of several award categories organised by Destination Worcestershire and it qualifies us to compete for VisitEngland's national Excellence Awards.

"I am thrilled we won on the night," said Head of Sales Nick Akerman, "but particularly because the final shortlist was based on customer nominations."

Bill Munn, HR Director at construction company Thomas Vale, judged the Business Tourism category and praised our outstanding customer service.

Girl Guides just wanna have fun!

2011-06-17T05:34:00.000Z

Evesham Girl Guides enjoyed a free night of noisy team building at Farncombe Estate this summer.

“I asked if we could bring the guides over to Farncombe as a favour,” said Leader in Charge Amy Cooke. “The Cotswold Conference Centre was delighted to help and invited us to use their on-site teambuilding activities for an evening of fun.

“The members really enjoyed the fact they could go off on their own to look for clues without having to be wary of the road. The leaders felt it was a very safe environment and it also allowed the girls to make a fair bit of noise without worrying that they were disturbing anyone.”

Dedicated team building activities called Eye Openers are arranged around the site at Cotswold Conference Centre and gave the chance for the senior Guides to try problem solving and trust games.

“We always try to help out with deserving local causes,” said Nick Akerman, head of sales at Cotswold Conference Centre. “Our teambuilding Eye Openers are the perfect physical and mental challenge for young adult groups like trainee graduates – and in this case the Girl Guides.”

Geoff's winning bid

2011-06-16T15:52:00.004Z

Marking its 10th birthday, Cotswold Conference Centre is spending the year raising money for local charity Noah's Ark Trust. One of the fund-raising events included a Christmas Charity Auction at The Cotswold Conference Centre in December.

Continuity Shop Director Geoff Howard was the winning bidder for a tour of the Japanese Garden followed by lunch at the Barn Owl bar at the Hotel.

Geoff thoroughly enjoyed his visit to the garden and explains "I have pressed the buzzer at the barrier on the Farncombe Estate more than a hundred times, unaware that hardly fifty yards away is an exquisite garden. I learnt of its existence at a charity auction where I placed a winning bid to be taken on a tour of it. The garden was the idea of the late Jørgen Philip-Sørensen and has been in existence for less than 20 years, but appears to have been there for ever."

" It possesses quintessential qualities of a Japanese garden - a magnificent vista framed by delicate acers. There are streams, ponds, stone lanterns, a sun-house, oriental flowers and above all tranquility."

For details on how you can help raise money for Noah's Ark Trust - email Ellie Jones or call 0845 230 8580

Shaking it up at Cotswold Conference Centre!

2011-06-16T07:42:00.000Z

Every business needs shaking up from time to time – and ground sphereing is the latest way to excite and revitalise your team.

Imagine climbing into a giant inflatable ball and running, hamster-style, into your opponents while they try to guide or outwit you. It’s a hilarious and breath-taking team-building exercise that gets everyone involved – and afterwards keeps them talking.

Cotswold Conference Centre is one of the first venues to offer ground sphereing as a teambuilding exercise – and Dalcour Maclaren, a firm of chartered surveyors, was the first company to take up the challenge. “We had such a good time,” says Dalcour Maclaren’s Julia Rouse-Taylor.

“We were looking for some really original ways to bring our team together and ground sphereing was something new to all of us.” Sphereing is branded as Zorbing at Cotswold Conference Centre, where the great outdoors is a big selling point for corporate groups. Dalcour Maclaren brought 31 people on a treat and team-building weekend that included Archery, Laser Clay and Rabbit Run. You can read more about these activities in our teambuilding pages.

“Ground zorbing is much more than a mad-cap bumping frenzy,” says Tom Farrell of Leisure Matters, the sphereing company for Cotswold Conference Centre. “As a corporate or team building activity it can be adapted to create competitive races, time trials or relays for any number of participants.” Team members dive into the 20mx20m inflatable spheres, take the controls and run like mad, bouncing and bashing into their opponents. “Each competitor is able to set a pace to suit their own physical ability,” says Tom. “Anyone not wishing to ‘zorb’ can still be part of the team by holding the ball for their colleagues, shouting instructions and helping at the relay points.”

Sphereing is a fantastic new activity which is fun, challenging and involves everyone. To book your session, call Rachael Buttery on 0845 230 8580.

A short film about the work of the Noah's Ark Trust

2011-06-09T08:06:00.000Z

This year Cotswold Conference Centre is celebrating its 10th birthday. During our 10th year we will be focusing on our chosen charity of 2011, Noah’s Ark Trust, a charity supporting bereaved children and their families in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

If you work for a local business, please come and join our Team Challenge event on 15 July - it will be great fun, a worthwhile team building activity, and will be raising funds to support the ongoing work of this wonderful regional charity.

For further details simple complete our online enquiry form or email ellie@cotswoldconferencecentre.com

Introducing Cotswold Business Boot Camps at CCC

2011-06-09T07:38:00.000Z

The philosophy of Cotswold Business Boot Camps is to provide clear, simple and effective programmes that enhance leadership and performance within your business.
Most of us think of boot camp as a high-intensity physical challenge, but the concept also applies brilliantly to business training. The approach is to deliver fast track to change by:

providing a vibrant, intensive and memorable experience
being challenging yet supportive
having a flexible approach to maximise the learning being principles-based
using scenarios that are relevant to you
providing pre-camp preparation and post-camp support

This means that people return to work invigorated and ready to apply their experience to make a real difference. All camps are high tempo and facilitated by a team of exceptionally well-qualified and experienced people with wide expertise of consulting at strategic and operational levels in public, private and charity sectors.
Cotswold Conference Centre was chosen to be the home of Cotswold Business Boot Camps because it provides;

Total flexibility to meet business needs 24/7
A stunning location that lends itself to experiential learning
First class accommodation and food
Outstanding customer service

For dates and further information visit www.cotswoldbusinessbootcamps.com

Two Nights in the Cotswolds for only £78

2011-06-03T14:19:00.002Z

Special offer for June !

Why not take a last minute break in the Cotswolds this summer ?

Farncombe Estate are offering specially reduced rates for b&b bookings made for June.

Just outside the picturesque village of Broadway, we are only a short distance from the M5 and M42 with easy access to Stratford-upon-Avon, Cheltenham, and the surrounding Cotswold countryside. We have 89 comfortably furnished ensuite bedrooms, gym, wifi access, free parking and licensed bar and dining facilities.

Take advantage of our special June offer !

Bed & breakfast from only £39 per room for a standard single

Bed & Breakfast from only £59 per room for a standard double/twin

Add a 2-course dinner for only £10 per person

Prices are per night and include VAT. Upgrades available from £10 subject to availability.

To check availability please contact our reception team on 01386 858000 or e-mail reception@cotswoldconferencecentre.com

Green Tourism Week – Delegates ‘dig it’ at Cotswold Conference Centre 6-13 June!

2011-06-02T09:39:00.006Z

The UK’s first Green Tourism Week is taking place 6th–13th June. This special week of events is being organised by leading eco-label the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) to highlight the bottom-line benefits of green-mindedness to tourism businesses.

Here at Cotswold Conference Centre we are really passionate about our environment and we care about the impact our business activities may have on the local economy and the people who live close by. We already hold the GTBS Silver Award and during Green Tourism Week our delegates will plant a tree for each event running during the week!

For more details about the launch of Green Tourism Week visit www.greentourismweek.co.uk or to find out more about Cotswold Conference Centre call 0845 230 8580.

Green Tourism Week - We are rooting for it!

2011-06-01T09:06:00.001Z

The UK’s first Green Tourism Week is taking place 6th–13th June. This special week of events is being organised by leading eco-label the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) to highlight the bottom-line benefits of green-mindedness to tourism businesses.

Here at Cotswold Conference Centre we are really passionate about our environment and we care about the impact our business activities may have on the local economy and the people who live close by. We already hold the GTBS Silver Award and during Green Tourism Week our delegates will plant a tree for each event running during the week!

For more details about the launch of Green Tourism Week visit www.greentourismweek.co.uk or to find out more about Cotswold Conference Centre call 0845 230 8580.

Cotswold Conference Centre catering: keeping it local

2011-05-27T09:24:00.001Z

Cotswold Conference Centre prides itself on using local grocers and suppliers of high quality and seasonal food and drink, delivered in controlled temperatures. For most of the fresh fruit and vegetables delivered to the Farncombe Estate, the Catering Team will now be using Worcester Produce in Pershore. Worcester Produce was started over 100 years ago and have farms in Offenham and Harvington, and along with their local location have a solid ethos of purchasing and sourcing the goods they offer from surrounding farms and growers, in addition to the items that they grow on their own farms.

Just a few of the other ways in which we try to keep our “food miles” down;

Our kitchen uses a nearby farm shop for all jams, marmalades and honey and returns the jars for re-use
Goff’s, a local brewery, bottles Ewe Nutter exclusively for our bar and dining room
A ‘Pure Water’ filtration system enables us to bottle and carbonate water on the estate. We wash and re-use our own branded bottles to reduce food miles further.

For more information about dining options at Cotswold Conference Centre contact Rachael on 0845 230 8580 or visit www.cotswoldconferencecentre.com

Discover Night-Line at Cotswold Conference Centre

2011-05-26T09:36:00.004Z

Night-Line is our brand new teambuilding activity. It is a communication and co-ordination task which follows a string trail around a number of obstacles. The teambuilding activity can be completed at night or during the day with blindfolds.

A complex route for the team to follow is constructed within the woods. The route is non-linear and requires the team to make decisions along the way to complete the task. The process is further complicated by the team being unable to see once they set out on their journey.

Night-line is suitable for one team or as a competitive versus collaborative task for a number of teams. It can be adapted to suit a number of training scenarios. In its simplest form it is a straightforward trust and communication task. More complex set-ups can be used which require the team to complete one or more tasks along the way - it can be used as a quick icebreaker of 15 minutes or up to 45 minutes in a more complex guise.

For more information on this new exciting activity please call Rachael on 0845 230 8580 or visit www.cotswoldconferencecentre.com

Graduate Recruitment Days that mean business

2011-05-26T09:36:00.003Z

For some companies, Graduate Training means a royal welcome, a city-centre hotel room and a hangover. New recruits can quickly get the wrong idea about the world of work. Do you really want your graduates to think that business is about nights on the town, rather than days being on the ball?

At Cotswold Conference Centre, we believe a graduate’s first impression can set the tone for his or her working life. Our inspirational location is far removed from the distractions of pubs, clubs and expense accounts. This is your best chance to get your company story across: to convey your values and aspirations in a meaningful way.

Our campus, based on the Farncombe Estate in the West Midlands, has all the facilities you’d expect from a modern, award-winning training centre. We provide a dedicated learning environment which gets young people into a business frame of mind. Our training rooms are set in 370 acres of managed parkland with stunning views over the Vale of Evesham, yet easily reached from the M5 and M40.

It’s a generous natural setting that’s big enough to soak up buckets of youthful energy. We can offer outdoor activities to challenge your team and make the most of our special location. Show them you mean business.

Cotswold Conference Centre has 10 years’ experience serving organisations from all over the UK and abroad. Companies like Toyota, G4S and Assystem come to us for their Graduate Training Programmes. They believe it’s the right setting to focus and inspire the leaders and managers of the future.

We have excellent credentials: a “Silver” Green Tourism accreditation and the 2011 vote for best independent residential conference venue for customer services in the UK. Our 89 en-suite bedrooms are rated “4-star guest accommodation” and we serve great food using locally-sourced produce where possible. We also know how to create the first impression your business deserves.

We hope to welcome your graduate programme here soon.

For more details visit www.cotswoldconferencecentre.co.uk or call Rachael on 0845 230 8580.

“If you believe first impressions count and are lasting, the right environment for the graduate intake and development programme of any business is key to its future culture and success.”

New date for Charity Team Challenge at Cotswold Conference Centre!

2011-05-25T10:48:00.001Z

A new date has been announced for our Charity Challenge in aid of Noah's Ark Trust. The event will now take place on the 15th July 2011 here at the Centre.

Lots of companies have signed up, but we still have space for teams on this great day of teambuilding and networking. Noah's Ark Trust is Cotswold Conference Centre's Charity of the Year and has pledged to raise £10,000 for Noah's Ark.

If you would like further details on how to enter, please click here or call Ellie Jones on 01386 854169.

Cotswolds Green Scheme accreditation for Cotswold Conference Centre

2011-05-25T10:41:00.000Z

Cotswold Conference Centre has been accredited under the Cotswolds Green Scheme, proving a sound commitment to sustainability in business practices.

Cotswold & Forest of Dean Tourism, West Oxfordshire Tourism and the Cotswolds Conservation Board have introduced the ‘Cotswolds Green Scheme’ as a local sustainable tourism initiative. In this scheme, tourism businesses are invited to complete a questionnaire to measures a commitment to environmental issues such as car-free tourism, use of local produce, nature and conservation, recycling and resource use, and energy efficiency.

Cotswold Conference Centre has been widely recognised for it’s commitment to sustainable business within the hospitality and training industry and is currently working towards achieving a Gold award under the Green Business Tourism Scheme. The training venue, based in the north of the Cotswolds received the Green Tourism silver award in 2011.

For more information about the Cotswolds Green Scheme visit www.cotswolds.com/site/membership/cotswolds-green-scheme

Further details about training facilities and corporate team building at Cotswold Conference Centre is available from www.CotswoldConferenceCentre.com

We're expanding...!

2011-05-25T08:35:00.000Z

It’s not often you’ll see us in hard hats, but we just had to get a closer look at our new £3.5m accommodation block.
(Left-to-right) Chris, Ellie, Nick, Jilly and Rachael abandoned the safety of the sales and marketing office to inspect the rapidly-growing courtyard of 32 bedrooms with wi-fi throughout. They’ll be ready to book in September.

For more details visit www.CotswoldConferenceCentre.com or call Rachael on 0845 230 8580.

Great news! We are shortlisted for the Worcestershire Welcome Business Tourism Award 2011

2011-05-24T09:12:00.002Z

Cotswold Conference Centre have been shortlisted for the Worcestershire Welcome Business Tourism Award 2011!

The Worcestershire Welcome Awards are aimed at everyone involved in the county’s tourism industry.

Created by Destination Worcestershire the awards recognise businesses of all sizes that go the extra mile to make a stay in Worcestershire special.

The winners will be announced at the Worcestershire Welcome Awards’ Ceremony which is being held on the evening of 17th June at the opening day of the Three Counties Show 2011.

Hosted by Helen Wheels of Wyvern’s Breakfast Show, the winner of each category will receive a commemorative plaque and go forward to the national awards.

For more details about the awards visit www.visitworcestershire.org/awards.

Cotswold Conference Centre is on the Farncombe Estate in the Heart of England. It is set in 370 acres of parkland, with stunning views and a peaceful, secure environment dedicated to corporate training and team-building activities. Find out more from www.CotswoldConferenceCentre.com or call 0845 230 8580.

We're being slated!

2011-05-18T15:08:00.000Z

The roof is up and the slates are being put into place - we can't wait to reveal the finished project to you!

Pimms on the terrace watching the sun go down over the Malverns

2011-05-12T10:01:00.000Z

Book a 3 day or longer residential event to run in June for a minimum of 10 delegates and receive a complimentary upgrade to private dining one evening – to include pre dinner Pimms reception, private dining room hire, waitress service and use of the room after dinner for any after dinner speakers or Q&A sessions you may wish to run. For more details or to book call Rachael on 0845 230 8580. Offer subject to availability.

Meet the team...Rachael

2011-05-10T10:55:00.003Z

Rachael Buttery, our Corporate Sales Manager, tells us a little more about herself.

Position: Corporate Sales Manager

What do you do: I'm responsible for corporate sales, managing incoming enquiries and maximising availability of the conference diary.

How long at the company: Coming up to 5 years, it's gone fast...

What do you enjoy about coming to work: The environment and working with lovely people - both the team here and our clients.

What are your hobbies: Typical female, shopping!

Likes and dislikes: Likes - New York & Cornwall, seeing friends, reading Vogue, being an Aunty. Dislikes - rudeness and I have a phobia of seaweed.

Please write one thing that no-one at work knows about you: One of my most prized possessions is a letter from Nelson Mandela.

Meet the team...Lesley

2011-05-04T08:23:00.004Z

Please meet Lesley (she is on the right in the photo)

Position: Reception and Events Co-ordinating Manager

What do you do:
Once an event has been confirmed I am responsible for collecting and collating information from the client, ordering any special equipment required, allocating training rooms and bedrooms, and entering details on our database. Organise weekly Operations Meetings where I pass on the information for the following week’s events to the various department heads. Send a copy of the training room allocation to Control and Mark. Oversee any bed and breakfast bookings. Collect and collate information from the Farncombe database and transfer to the KX data base. Contact tutors for training room requirements. Enter details onto Training Room allocation Sheet. Check delegates/guest in and out. Create and check invoices at the end of an event, and also create deposit invoices. Throughout the week update the various departments of any changes which take place. Take b&b bookings and enter onto KX; update the nightly summary sheet for b&b bookings. Deal with client and delegate requests. Keep reception tidy. Fire Liaison officer. First Aider. Liaise with department heads

How long have you worked for the company: 10 years

What do you enjoy about coming to work:
The company/friends; being part of a team; knowing that I have the responsibility of organising details for events and that others trust me to do this ; meeting people

What are your hobbies: swimming

Likes and dislikes:
Like – eating out, being with friends, going to the cinema and theatre

Dislike – being shouted at and sausages

Please write one thing that no-one at work knows about you: I’m far too open about things – cant think of anything!

Get to know the team at Cotswold Conference Centre

2011-04-20T15:45:00.001Z

Over the coming weeks we will be blogging about all of the sales & operations staff here at Cotswold Conference Centre. If you have booked an event with us then these are the people you are likely to have spoken to or met along the way...

Please meet our Head of Sales, Nick Akerman

What do you do:
Endeavour to make the sales & marketing team really successful through effective guidance & leadership.

How long have you been at the company:
10 years.

What do you enjoy about coming to work:
Teamwork, meeting new people, doing deals and of course, the commute ! (Nick lives less than a mile away from work!)

What are your hobbies:
Walking, strumming guitar and DIY

Likes and dislikes:
Likes - Home grown food, real ale, Rugby and all things green. Dislikes – Greenwash, Health&Safety, poor written English e.g. ‘myself’ when ‘me’ should be used or verbally my daughters using ‘like’ every few minutes!

Please write one thing that no-one at work knows about you:
Doing a VIP security job in London in 1982, I kissed the newly crowned Miss World - Mariasela Margarita Álvarez Lebrón. (It was only a peck on the cheek!)

A sizzling Summer Offer...

2011-04-19T08:49:00.001Z

Our Summer Sizzler offer is for any residential booking we receive for August. We will upgrade a residential group from a meal in our dining room to our delicious BBQ package at no extra cost. Enjoy a warm Summer's evening with great food cooked in front of you by our chef and wonderful views of the Vale.

For more information please contact Rachael on 0845 230 8580.

Foxtrot in Foxhill...

2011-04-06T10:14:00.000Z

The doors of our ballroom in Foxhill Manor were opened for a dance group, for the first time on Saturday.

The ballroom is perfectly suited for dance groups, with a varnished wooden floor, great ambience and lighting. If you would like more information about the use of the ballroom please contact Ellie Jones - 01386 854169.

New Night Line Activity - Coming Soon

2011-04-04T14:55:00.000Z

New Night-Line Activity at Cotswold Conference Centre

Night-Line is our brand new activity. It is a communication and co-ordination task which follows a string trail around a number of obstacles. The teambuilding activity can be completed at night or during the day with blindfolds.

A complex route for the team to follow is constructed within the woods. The route is non-linear and requires the team to make decisions along the way to complete the task. The process is further complicated by the team being unable to see once they set out on their journey.

For more information on this new exciting activity please call Rachael on 0845 230 8580.

Things are on the up!

2011-03-23T11:30:00.000Z

Another sneak preview at our new 32 bedroom complex, the roof is taking shape!

Welcome to our new receptionist Jo....

2011-03-22T10:36:00.002Z

We would like to introduce and welcome our new receptionist Jo Holloway. Jo joined the team here at Cotswold Conference Centre at the end of February. Jo attended Stratford upon Avon Grammar School for Girls to take A-levels in Law, Geography, Politics and Government; before that attended St. Benedicts High School, Alcester.

Jo worked at Landmark in Broadway as sales assistant from June 2009 until Jan 2011 before joining us here on the Estate. She currently lives in Chipping Campden but will be moving to Broadway soon. We would like to take this opportunity to wish Jo the best of luck in her new role.

A sneaky peek at some construction pictures of our new building block!

2011-03-10T14:20:00.000Z

Special Offer for April

2011-03-08T10:38:00.000Z

1 in 4 go free at CCC during 04/2011 start 01/04/2011.

During April, the fourth month of the year, Cotswold Conference Centre are offering 1 complimentary place for every fourth delegate on any new enquiry taken during March for April.

Only an April fool would miss out on this great offer !

To check availability or to book your event please call Rachael Buttery on 0845 230 8580 or email rachaelb@cotswoldconferencecentre.com

Offer is subject to availability. CCC’s standard terms and conditions will apply

Asparamad about Asparagus?

2011-03-07T10:08:00.000Z

Cotswold Conference Centre are once again supporters of the Apsaragus Festival and a member of the Community Interest Company.

Worcestershire is launching the worlds, first-ever Asparapancake Race as a prelude to the British Asparagus Festival which runs from April to June.

Evesham will host the race at 11am on Shrove Tuesday and participants, including Gus the Asparagus Man, will all be sporting green in tribute to this special vegetable.

Local celebrity chef, Felice Tocchini, will be cooking up the pancakes for the race which will incorporate local asparagus. However; the search is on to find a pancake recipe that will withstand the most flipping.

Commenting on the race, organizer Angela Tidmarsh said:

"This year's British Asparagus Festival launches on St Georges' Day which is also Easter Saturday and is set to be bigger than ever, taking over the town for a whole day. To get people in the mood for madness, we thought an asparapancake race was just the thing. Given it's the first time we've done this, we're hoping people might be able to suggest recipes for a pancake that will endure some rough handling".

For more information on the Festival please contact 01386 565373 or email info@britishasparagusfestival.org

The Expansion of the Smallbrook Suite is now complete

2011-03-03T14:06:00.002Z

Cotswold Conference Centre is proud to announce the completion of the expansion to Smallbrook Suite, making this the Centres new largest meeting room.

Now that the Conference Centre is expanding to an 89 bedroom venue the need for a larger meeting room was recognised. Smallbrook Suite can now hold 120 theatre style and included in all rates it contains flipcharts, document camera, 2 new 47 " plasma TV's, Video, Screens and LCD projection.

The new Smallbrook Suite will be launched at our Open Breakfast on the 10th of March. If you would like to come and have a look around please call Ellie Jones on 01386 854169.

A layout plan of the room is available on request.

There is still chance to book one of our Race Day Packages at Cotswold Conference Centre

2011-03-02T13:46:00.000Z

15-18 March 2011

•Join in the fun of the Cheltenham Festival 2011 Centenary

•Enjoy a ‘Virtual’ afternoon at the Races

•Themed nibbles freshly prepared by our chefs

•Watch the races on the big screen in the Conference Centre bar

•An optional sweepstake for the main race at 3.20pm in Conference Centre bar

Please contact Rachael Buttery for more details 0845 230 8580.

Race nights also available throughout March.

Active Learning and Development are offering a "Life after redundancy" workshop

2011-02-25T14:13:00.000Z

Active Learning and Development are offering a one day workshop "Life after Redundancy" at Cotswold Conference Centre. The course is designed to help people who may be feeling vulnerable about impending redundancy. The workshop will help them to develop the self-confidence to understand their strengths, to sell themselves in a positive manner and to identify new employment opportunities.

There is a choice of 2 dates; 19th April 2011 and 1st July 2011 and the cost per person will be £225 plus VAT. This price includes all training materials, a personalised profile with action plan, all refreshments and lunch in the Dining Room.

If you would like to book place(s) or further information, please contact Gill at Active Learning and Development on FREEPHONE 0800 988 2155

Join us for our Open Breakfast and the launch of the newly refurbished Smallbrook Suite

2011-02-15T10:40:00.003Z

The Directors and the Team at Cotswold Conference Centre would be delighted if you could join them for a delicious Cotswold breakfast from 9am-11am on Thursday 10 March 2011. See our venue facilities and discover more about our training activities, team-building and the corporate entertainment available to your business. We will be also delighted to show you our newly refurbished Smallbrook Suite, our new largest meeting space.

Although this is an informal event we would be very grateful for a reply to ensure the catering arrangements can be made.

Please RSVP by Tuesday 1st March 2011 to Breakfast@CotswoldConferenceCentre.com

We look forward to seeing you!

Charity Team Challenge

2011-02-14T13:00:00.001Z

The Challenge will be based on the Cotswold Conference Centre orienteering course; each team will

collect clues to win credits that will buy them a raft building kit. Then use the skilfully made raft to
cross the lake. The winner will be the first team to cross the finish line after successfully completing
the challenge.

• Entry for teams of up to 6

• Entry Fee of £100 (plus VAT) per team

• There is a minimum sponsorship pledge of £500 per team.

• The day will offer companies and staff members great PR coverage, a good teambuilding opportunity for team members and networking opportunities at the post challenge BBQ.

• The day will start at 11am and the BBQ and networking at 2.30pm.

• B & B will be available at a discounted rate for those who would like to stay the evening before the challenge.

Noah’s Ark Trust supports bereaved children and their families in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

The Team challenge will help raise the £10,000 target set by the Cotswold Conference Centre.

Training For Autism Trainers

2011-02-07T13:19:00.003Z

Cotswold Conference Centre 24-25th March 2011

How would we recognise good autism training? What are the key performance areas in terms of workforce development?

Interested?

We have an exciting two day course which provides a solid platform of training skills and training ideas for new or existing trainers to enable them to deliver autism training that is engaging, imaginative, positive, adult learning.

“In my job as lead Professional for ASD I deliver a lot of training to teachers and other professionals. I have never felt confident in actually presenting and welcomed the opportunity to attend the residential course on Autism training in the Cotswolds.

It's rare to attend courses that you can actually say changed your life but for me it has been so."

Cotswold Conference Centre combines meetings with a ‘Day at the Races’

2011-02-04T12:11:00.002Z

Cheltenham Gold Cup week is a significant event in the annual diary of the Cotswolds and the surrounding area so with this in mind Cotswold Conference Centre is putting together a ‘Race Week’ event, which will offer corporate delegates attending meeting and training events an opportunity to enjoy a themed ‘afternoon at the races’ in our bar.

Themed nibbles to tie in with each day of the festival will be served, for example on St.Patrick’s day delegates will be tucking into delicious Guinness marinated beef and Guinness Brownies with Baileys cream, lovingly prepared by our chefs.

Delegates can also take part in a friendly (and optional) sweepstake on the main race at 3.20pm.

Cotswold Conference Centre is also offering FREE Race Nights on any new residential corporate event booked for March. Guests will also be invited to place bet’s using fun money on pre-recorded races. It will also include private dining at its best with a delicious three course meal carefully tailored for the event by our Chefs.

Cheltenham Gold Cup Week is the county's biggest single revenue earning event. The Festival brings around £50 million into the economy which supports local hotels, restaurants and pubs etc.

For more information on our Race Week events please contact Rachael Buttery on 0845 230 8580.

Cotswold Conference Centre - a greener conference venue

2011-02-01T13:25:00.013Z

We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded Silver by the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) for our environmental commitment and good practice.

Cotswold Conference Centre is currently the only conference venue in the West Midlands to have achieved Silver. The team here really are passionate about this environment and, as local people themselves, they care about the impact CCC has on the local economy and the people who live close by.

Nick Akerman, Head of Sales, said: "When I heard we had attained GTBS Silver level I was really very pleased. The team here has worked really hard to improve our green credentials and we are committed to keep improving. At CCC, we see our ongoing sustainable initiatives as a journey rather than an end and will keep on going – hopefully to get Gold one day!"

Over the last few years the centre has planted 19,000 trees to help support the local environment, and has taken steps to incorporate fresh local produce into the restaurant menu.

Eco-minded organisations with a strong interest in ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ can rely on the Cotswold Conference Centre as an ethical partner.

The GTBS is the UK’s leading green tourism certification scheme which recognises and rates businesses demonstrating high levels of commitment to protecting the environment and promoting sustainability with Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. The GTBS is now recognised by UK Government as a crucial part of its drive towards sustainability. Businesses are graded by a qualified assessor against over 150 separate measures of best practice, covering energy and water efficiency, waste management, bio diversity and more.

Cotswold Conference Centre for sale on Ebay!

2011-01-28T11:55:00.000Z

We have now branched out into selling our meeting space on Ebay. We have a day meeting up for sale to the highest bidder, which includes:

Main meeting room hire & AV equipment, flip charts, bottled water

Unlimited tea, coffee, biscuits and cake

Three course hot and cold lunch in our Dining Room

Free Wi-Fi

Free Parking

Going once, going twice.....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260727014817

New Wine Menu

2011-01-26T17:50:00.000Z

If you'd like a copy please contact rachaelb@cotswoldconferencecentre.com

Graduate Intake

2011-01-25T17:37:00.001Z

A survey of more than 200 employers in the UK reveals an 8.9% annual increase in graduate jobs (BBC News)

If you believe first impressions count and are lasting, the right environment for the graduate intake and development programme of any business is key to its future culture and success.

The conference centre concept specialises in productive environments for profitable business and our team at the Cotswold Conference Centre only look after business people - all the time. Companies like Danfoss, IMI, Morgan Ashurst and GE Aerospace tell us the environment here is conducive to learning.

We understand you need a plenary room with all the kit built in, where everything works with lots of natural daylight and plenty of syndicates available for group work. You might also want to make use of our outdoor experiential activities either as an ice breaker, energiser or learning tool.
If you think our environment might fit with your business culture, we would be delighted to hear from you.

New Private Dining Menu

2011-01-24T16:20:00.000Z

Private dining options at Cotswold Conference Centre - our new private dining menu :

Starters

Roast Tomato & Garlic Soup Served with Basil Croutons

Leek & Stilton Tartlets Served with a Balsamic Reduction

Mains

Slow Roasted Belly of Pork

Served with Crispy Sage Leaves, Smoked Swede Puree & a Cider Jus

Marinated Fillet of Salmon

Served on a Bed of Sweet Potato Mash with Chilli Jam, Pan Fried Chorizo & Topped with Chive Sour Cream

Roasted Mediterranean Vegetable Mille Fuille

Served with a Béarnaise Sauce & Red Pepper Dressing

Desserts

Chocolate Tart Served with Baileys Whipped Cream

Lemon Pannacotta Served with Raspberry Compote

Selection of English & Continental Cheeses

Attached to the Dining Room, the Broadway Room is ideal for private dining up to 30 people.

Tempted ? Call Rachael on 0845 230 8580 or email rachaelb@cotswoldconferencecentre.com

ROO Evaluation

2011-01-21T10:37:00.002Z

We are entirely dedicated to meetings and training, keeping our focus on providing one of the finest learning environments in the country. This in turn will make your investment count and help you achieve a sound Return On Objectives Evaluation.

We have flexible rates in February 2011 - so why not achieve your ROO with Team Building and a Private Dining Food Experience?!

Contact Rachael on 0845 230 8580 or email Rachaelb@CotswoldConferenceCentre.com for more details.

Choose Farncombe Estate for your event in 2012

2011-01-20T09:45:00.000Z

Just a reminder that our facilities and the surrounding 300 acres of Farncombe Estate are available for organisations and groups to enjoy 7days a week.

From 2012 we will have 89 ensuite bedrooms, plus 10 fully equipped meeting/training rooms to accommodate all manner of events and gatherings. All the facilities you need are on site including a dining room and fully licensed bar. For the more energetic, we offer a gym, tennis courts and Nature Trail.

Weekend availability in 2011 is already very limited. Contact Rachael on 0845 230 8580 to ask about dates and prices for 2012 and the facilities we have on offer for your group.

Complimentary use of Team Building activities in February

2011-01-19T09:54:00.000Z

Book your event now for January or February 2011 and get complimentary use of our Team Building activities worth over £600*. Find out more by calling Rachael on 0845 230 8580.

*T&C's apply.

We're 10 years old!

2011-01-18T09:37:00.010Z

Clients help CCC celebrate. From left, Caroline Lewis, Andy Roach, Nick Akerman, Richard Sivers, Iain Logie, Rob Good and Rachael Buttery.

We made it! Cotswold Conference Centre is celebrating its 10th birthday this month. Last week we had a little birthday party to celebrate (pictured).

For our birthday we have been promised 32 lovely new bedrooms later in the year. The work has started well – even though the weather has been a little unkind to the builders recently! The builders are also in Smallbrook at this time expanding the meeting space to include the former corridor. We intend to have regular updates on progress throughout the year and will keep you informed. Of course, there is always an open invitation for you to visit at anytime to view progress. Call Rachael on 0845 230 8580 to set a date.

To help us mark our 10th year we will be working hard to raise £10,000 for our chosen charity, Noah's Ark Trust, a local charity supporting young people who have suffered a bereavement. Events will be held in aid of Noah's Ark throughout 2011. We'll keep you updated.

Cotswold Conference Centre team tops the feedback polls again

2011-01-12T16:38:00.002Z

It's official – In 2010 the Cotswold Conference Centre has been recognised as the best independent residential conference venue for customer service in the UK.

Feedback analysts, BDRC Continental, have this week announced the national VenueVerdict Awards for customer service at UK hotels and meeting venues. Cotswold Conference Centre, near Stratford-upon-Avon, has again been awarded the VenueVerdict Gold Standard for 2010, an accolade only awarded to venues delivering consistently high levels of customer service over the previous 12 month period. This is the second year in a row.
The VenueVerdict awards are determined by the scores given by meeting and event customers in post-event feedback surveys. Independently operated by BDRC Continental, the VenueVerdict programme currently includes over 200 UK conference venues and hotels, providing real-time customer feedback, trends, share-of-budget data and competitor benchmarking. The 2010 awards were determined by nearly 17,500 customer feedback surveys across the VenueVerdict membership.
Nick Akerman, Head of Sales explains: “It’s great for the Cotswold Conference Centre team to be recognised for their dedication to first class service. This award is based on feedback from our customers which makes it all the more special. 2010 was another tough year for all venues and we, again, shone through. As a small niche rural training venue we try very hard to compete with the big brands. The difference here is the people. Our team really deserve this prestigious ‘pat on the back’."

BDRC continental was founded in 1991 and is a leading full service market research agency. Cotswold Conference Centre has been taking part in their VenueVerdict programme for several years and has consistently been in the top quartile of conference venues.

Team-building using Musikscool

2011-01-11T09:34:00.000Z

If you have just donated to the latest Musikscool Event and want to have a listen to the songs created on 15th December follow this link www.makingthelink.co.uk/not-for-profit/schools-and-colleges

Making the Link partner with Musikscool(TM) to deliver musical learning events. This unique approach enables participants to develop key life skills.

Training For Autism Trainers 24-25th March 2011

2011-01-10T11:30:00.000Z

This exciting two day course aims to provide a solid platform of training skills and training ideas for new or existing trainers to enable them to deliver autism training that is engaging, imaginative, positive, adult learning.

For more information or to book visit http://www.positiveaboutautism.co.uk/page3/page13/page13.html

FREE Seminar: The Cost Effective Manager

2011-01-07T09:47:00.003Z

Friday 4th February 2011 from 9.30am - 1.30pm (includes lunch)

This is a short interactive and free seminar for directors and managers who have a responsibility for managing and developing people to meet organisational budgets, run by Active Learning & Development Ltd.

WHEN YOU ATTEND THIS SEMINAR, YOU CAN EXPECT TO GET:

A new approach to developing your managers to direct, supervise and make decisions in favour of cost efficiency
A new look at how people can add value
Practical ideas to help individuals and teams meet increasingly demanding budgets.

WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND THIS SEMINAR:

To find out what are the two measures of personal efficiency
Recognise value added behaviour
An awareness of setting and operating to self-determined budgets
How to balance decision-making using notional costs
How to manage time cost effectively.

To Book FREE places (max 2 per company) email gill_green@aldltd.co.uk or call 01386 422244

Places still left on the Modern Life Skills Event - 18th January

2011-01-07T09:10:00.000Z

Come along to a complimentary taster of Modern Life Skills presented by The Learning Architect - designed to help you to save money and engage your people!

This showcase event will be presented by Modern Life Skills expert and presenter Liggy Webb, author of How to Work Wonders - Your Guide to Workplace Wellness, The Happy Handbook - A Compendium of Modern Life Skills and Thank you - Your Guide to Appreciating Life

Event Agenda
10.30 - Arrival Reception & Light Refreshments
11.00 - Showcase of Modern Life Skills. This will be an interactive, fun and informative event where you will savour and sample our nibble and bite sessions that cover our new portfolio
13.00 - Complimentary 3 course lunch provided by Cotswold Conference Centre.

The Learning Architect has developed a practical and relevant set of Modern Life Skills to help you to fully equip and support all the people in your organisation in challenging times. These carefully researched, designed and constructed modules can be delivered in 45 minute nibble or 90 minute bite sized sessions. We will tailor these to fully suit the specific needs of your organisation and will help you to embed the learning quickly and evaluate your successful return on your investment.

To book your place contact: rachaelb@cotswoldconferencecentre.com

Half day outdoor laser activities at CCC

2011-01-06T09:33:00.001Z

Until 31/3/11 Marksman Leisure are happy to offer CCC customers discounted prices on their outdoor laser activities and archery.

Enjoy either of the below options for £35+VAT per player:

Half day session - Laser Tag & Laser Clay
Half day session - Archery & Laser Tag

Call Rachael on 0845 230 8580 for more information or visit www.marksmanleisure.co.uk.

Offer is subject to availability.

2011 Introductory Delegate Rates

2011-01-05T09:59:00.000Z

For details of our 2011 introductory rates please do get in touch - 0845 230 8580

Farncombe Estate team help bridal couple beat the blizzard

2010-12-30T20:53:00.000Z

With the snow fall before Christmas causing havoc on the roads, our Farncombe Estate team stepped in to help a couple getting married at our local sister company the Dormy House Hotel. The team helped to ferry the couple and the wedding party to the hotel in tractors and 4x4's, through 2ft of snow!

See some pictures of the happy couple...http://blog.weddingideasmag.com/2010/12/the-bridal-couple-who-beat-the-blizzard-and-went-by-tractor/

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Workshop - 4th March at Cotswold Conference Centre

2010-12-08T10:07:00.000Z

A Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Workshop is taking place at Cotswold Conference Centre on 4th March 2011. For more details visit the Conference Centre Diary or call Rachael Buttery on 0845 230 1414

CBF Security Ltd - specialised security training at Cotswold Conference Centre

2010-12-02T08:56:00.001Z

CBF Security Ltd provides Consultancy and specialised training for Government and Security organisations that is current, relevant and underpinned by recent operational experience. This is complemented by highly qualified and experienced trainers who provide training within a global environment.

CBF Security Ltd - specialised security training at Cotswold Conference Centre

Keeping Christmas local at Cotswold Conference Centre - our Christmas menu is brimming with local produce ...

2010-12-02T07:10:00.002Z

Christmas Menu 2010 at Cotswold Conference Centre

Starters
Ham Hock Terrine Served with Crostinis and Piccalilli
Evesham Leek & Mushroom Tartlets
Spiced Vale Parsnip Soup Served with Croutons
Poached Salmon Timbale Served with Christmas Dressing

Mains
Roast Warwickshire Turkey served with Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce & Gravy
Traditional Nut Roast served with Vegetarian Stuffing & Vegetable Gravy
Grilled Fillet of Plaice served with Saffron Cream, Tomato Concasse and Chervil
Gloucestershire Belly of Pork served on a Bed of Celeriac Mash, with Cider Jus & Caramelised Farncombe Estate Apples

All served with a Selection of Seasonal Vegetables & Potatoes

Desserts
Christmas Pudding Served with Brandy Sauce
Chocolate Pots with Served with Orange Shortbread Biscuits
Poached Worcestershire Pears with Chantilly Cream & Christmas Spiced Syrup
Vanilla Baked Cheesecake with Local Plum and Ginger Compote

Cotswold Conference Centre - Sample Christmas menu 2010 - ring 0845 230 8580 for more details or to make a booking !

Logical thinker…or driven by emotion?

2010-11-24T10:13:00.002Z

A one-day Cognitive Behavioural Therapy workshop in the Cotswolds, at the Cotswold Conference Centre on the beautiful Farncombe estate near Broadway, Worcestershire.

Friday, January 21st, 2011 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Easy Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques
Understand yourself better, feel better
A day out that anyone can enjoy

Presenters: Louise Ritson and Rod Whiteley

This workshop explores CBT from its beginnings, and gives you practical techniques for understanding and dealing with your day-to-day thinking and emotions.

Three-course lunch and refreshments throughout the day are included.
Accommodation may be available at the venue or nearby — enquire for details.

Limited to 20 people.
£85 per person
Click here to view the Conference Centre Diary or call 0845 230 8580 for more details.

Graduate Recruitment Training Boost for Cotswold Conference Centre

2010-11-24T09:06:00.000Z

An increase in demand for graduate recruitment-based training courses has been experienced at Cotswold Conference Centre (CCC) this autumn suggesting an upturn in this niche training market. New client Assystem UK, have taken on a record number of graduates this year and G4S Care and Justice have launched a new graduate intake programme in 2010 with the first event being held at CCC.

Ashley Clulow, Head of Human Resources at Assystem UK, praised CCC for its rural location and said visiting Directors were very impressed with the facility. Assystem UK, as a multi-site business, opted for CCC because of its location in the ‘spine of the country’ and made full use of the centre’s outdoor facilities in organising team building challenges across the lake. Mr Clulow said: “A five-star hotel would not have been applicable for our graduate training course – the learning environment would be completely wrong. The environment, given the constraints of a hotel, would not have been conducive to a training programme which at times was quite boisterous. Our team building projects would have resulted in delegates returning to bedrooms leaving trails of muddy footprints across hotel receptions whereas we could retreat back to our houses on the campus, spruce up and relax in communal areas in the evenings. CCC presented a perfect professional and business focused environment.”

Likewise, Liz Veasey of G4S said: “since this was our first graduate scheme it was important that we got their development right from the start. The unique setting of the Cotswolds Conference Centre meant that we were able to combine classroom learning with outdoor and evening events such as kayaking, treasure hunts, bowling and BBQs. Nick and the team were brilliant at arranging everything for us and it certainly got our graduates off to a flying start.”

Nick Akerman, head of sales, concurs that dedicated conference and training venues such as CCC have many advantages over hotels for training courses for graduates as they better mirror the working environment and set the new recruits off on the right foot regarding the importance of appropriate environments for learning outcomes rather than lavish surroundings and long lunches.. He said: “it’s important, especially for young graduates new to the world of work, to get the right first impression about the employers culture These days, hotels need to be all things to all men and therefore can’t guarantee a dedicated business environment throughout the stay.”

The Cotswold Conference Centre has just secured a ‘Silver’ in the Business Tourism Awards at the annual Heart of England Regional Tourism Awards and work has begun on a £3.5m new build project which will see 32 more rooms coming on stream by the end of 2011.

Despite the economic downturn, CCC has seen an increase in revenues and the facility continues to go from strength to strength under the leadership of recently appointed managing director Mark Philip-Sorensen.

Mark chose to take on the running of the Farncombe Estate which specialises in 24/7 training and learning for the corporate and leisure markets when his father, Jorgen Philip-Sorensen died earlier this year. Mark said of the decision: “we have superb facilities here and a great team of people. The environment we have in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is also complemented by the ‘can-do’ culture of our long serving staff.”

Graduate Recruitment Training Boost for Cotswold Conference Centre