AROUND

ITN’S

ALASTAIR

THE HOSPITALITY NETWORK AUTUMN 2014 STEWART OBE

E C A INTERVIEWS F FACE 22 DEBBIE WHITE CHIEF EXECUTIVE, Interview & lunch SODEXO UK & Monday 22 September 2014 ,

On Monday 22 September Sodexo UK & delivery excellence in a full range of hard and head of reports for YouGov, will share Ireland’s chief executive, Debbie White, soft services. Debbie also sees this approach valuable information and learnings as he will make her Arena debut. She will also as crucial for maintaining the 95% client presents its in-depth and ground-breaking make Arena history as she becomes the retention rate that Sodexo has enjoyed under consumer research that shines a light on the very first female industry leader to take her leadership. foodservice cost sector. Utilising its panel of on the challenge of the renowned Debbie’s progressive commitment to people 442,000 people, YouGov has assessed and Face2Face Interview and the development will also be explored by Alastair. discovered unique insights that open up the interviewing prowess of the celebrated To some, employee engagement is simply a cost sector world, revealing important emerging trends and competitive Alastair Stewart OBE. buzz word but to Debbie it is essential for business success and two-way open advantages that are shaping this sector of YouGov will complement the interview communication with employees is now the industry. themes with an in-depth and beneficial established in the Sodexo culture. This was A truly beneficial event, The Arena look into the shape of the industry’s confirmed last year when Sodexo achieved Face2Face Interview & Lunch is a must for all diverse foodservice cost sector. the Investors in People bronze award, a real associated with contract catering, service The right woman for the job: triumph considering the diverse workforce of provision and the foodservice cost sector. Debbie is certainly a worthy candidate for 35,000 people in various industries and Starting at 10.30am with the YouGov this popular event that attracts over 200 regions. Sights are now firmly set on the gold presentation, attendees will then be able industry professionals. Her impressive status. take full advantage of the networking achievements and ambitions at Sodexo, The recognition and promotion of diversity is opportunities created by the drinks reception together with her progressive and successful an area of employee engagement that prior to the live interview, and the superb work in the wider industry, more than Debbie takes incredibly seriously, both in three-course lunch that follows. warrant the ‘Alastair Stewart treatment’. Sodexo and the wider industry. She is This event is sponsored by: ITN’s famous anchor man never disappoints passionate about championing the gender and attendees can expect to gain a genuine balance and presenting a strong role model insight into the strategies driving real growth for the female leaders of tomorrow. To date, at Sodexo UK & Ireland, the motivations of Debbie has increased the number of women the lady herself, and a glimpse into what the on the UK and Ireland executive team so The event wine partner is: The event is supported by: future holds for them both. that women now represent 38% – securing In her first two years as Sodexo’s CEO Sodexo a place in The Times Top 50 Debbie made a strong impact, strengthening Employers for Women – and is now working its market position and increasing revenues to replicate this in wider management and by 9%. Maintaining profitable growth operational management roles. ARENA FACE2FACE remains her primary focus. This will be fed Emerging trends and competitive INTERVIEW & LUNCH through Sodexo’s mission to improve the advantage: WHEN Monday 22 September 2014 quality of life where it operates and by the International full-service market research WHERE The Dorchester, London continued development of the integrated agency YouGov has carried out extensive COST £145 + VAT for Arena members and facilities management strategy, building on research into the foodservice and catering £195 + VAT for non-members the business where Sodexo is strategic operations within schools, hospitals, BOOK Online at www.arena.org.uk or contact partner to clients, providing expertise and universities, prisons and care homes. On the Lorraine on 07803 853 618/ morning of the event, Stephen Harmston, [email protected]

IN THIS ISSUE

RACING WITH ARENA SUMMER EVENT REVIEW MEMBERS’ NEWS NEW CORPORATE MEMBERS AROUND ARENA AUTUMN 2014 Welcome I hope all of you have had a fantastic summer and experiencing the always brilliant interview technique managed to get away to some sunnier climes. of Alastair Stewart OBE as he delves into the business prowess and personal drivers of Debbie White, the Arena has enjoyed an incredibly exciting and chief executive of Sodexo UK & Ireland, YouGov will progressive six months. We have delivered excellent also be revealing fascinating facts and figures from events, headlined by very inspirational speakers and the foodservice cost sector world during its morning featuring first-rate industry insight and analysis presentation. presentations. We have also seen a real boost in membership with a 15% growth. This just goes to I look forward to seeing you soon. show that the foodservice and hospitality industry really does believe in the importance of face-to-face networking and I look forward to continuing to meet many of you at our future events. This month’s Arena Face2Face Interview & Lunch T 07803 853 618 really is an event not to be missed. As well as Lorraine Wood Director Arena E [email protected] CHARITY CORNER How Hospitality Action Helps Springboard has an exciting range of events lined up over the next few months, starting n In 2013 Hospitality Action supported 3,244 o with on 25 i people. Of these, 1,696 were assisted via its National Waiters Day t September. A Waiters Race is being held at c successful grants and befriending scheme,

A Hyde Park on this day, starting at 4pm. National

spending £508,000 in the process. d

r

y Waiters Day is aimed at promoting front-of- a

t Mr Davis is one of the people Hospitality i

o house careers, whilst sparking a little l Action helped: b a competition between waiters taking t g i Mr Davis worked as a silver service waiter for part in the race. There will also be a n p over ten years. Now elderly and living alone he is i s r range of have-a-go activities to get o

struggling to cope with long-term cancer. Ridden with worry and p involved with at Hyde Park to inspire S

H afraid of receiving further treatment Mr Davis was inconsolable. and excite people about front-of-house His illness meant that he felt the cold more and together with skills and the amazing careers within the financing a healthier diet his bills rose dramatically. When his industry. Thanks to the sponsors cooker broke down he could no longer cope and turned to BaxterStorey, Bunzl, Zenith and ISS. Hospitality Action who bought a replacement and assisted with living costs, enabling Mr Davis to stop worrying and focus on The ever popular Springboard recovering his health. Quiz Night will take place on 6 By attending Hospitality Action events like the ones below, November with a Bonfire Night Special you will be helping many more people like Mr Davis. at The Old Explorer, Oxford Circus. The winning team will walk away with the Sporting Legends Luncheon main prize but all teams get the chance to Meet your all-time sporting heroes at this special lunch take some of the fantastic raffle prizes away with them. at the 5* Jumeirah Carlton Tower on Friday 17 The beautiful Christmas Carols also returns to the October. Host Mark Durden-Smith and guest speaker Springboard events calendar on 1 December. This is a truly and Rugby World Cup winner Matt Dawson atmospheric evening of carols and readings at the Church of the MBE will entertain guests throughout the afternoon with Annunciation, followed by a mulled wine and canapé reception at sporting anecdotes and memories. the Hyatt Regency-The Churchill. A Star-filled Christmas All events help raise funds to support the work of the charity and Hospitality Action is known for its spectacular Christmas help young, disadvantaged and unemployed people into work events and this year will be no exception. On Monday 1 within the hospitality industry. December the award-winning Nathan Outlaw, Simon Your support of any of Springboard’s activities is greatly Hulstone and Eric Lanlard will come together in support of the charity at Brasserie Joël within the appreciated. To get involved or find out more visit Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London. www.springboard.uk.net or contact 0207 921 0420 For further information visit www.hospitalityaction.org.uk/events or contact [email protected] / 0203 004 5504 GOOD VIBRATIONS AT Racing with Arena! It was fun, fun, fun all round at the very first Arena charity networking party! On what was a glorious summer’s evening, guests at Racing with Arena in association with Jockey Club Catering and Epsom Racecourse enjoyed superb hospitality and a great view of the finishing line and the Beach Boys from a private balcony.

The relaxed and intimate through to The Queen – the unique amazing evening. The atmosphere, together with the event is a major operation that is immediate feedback on excitement of the races, encouraged always a year in the planning but our first smaller and guests to effortlessly mingle and due to a local act governing usage of more informal event network, with many new connections the hill, is just a nail-biting ten days has been incredible. made by the time feet were tapping in the making! Everyone got involved and hips were swinging to the The short presentation was followed and the interaction inimitable sound of the Beach Boys. by a specially-prepared and delicious and atmosphere Nick Campbell, the COO of Compass’ three-course meal, perfect for the between new and Jockey Club Catering, and Simon occasion and the balmy old acquaintances Durrant, the general manager of temperature. The hospitality and was fantastic. It was also great to Epsom Downs Racecourse, opened service provided was first class, with have the extra opportunity the evening with an insight into the a great and attentive team taking to raise funds for phenomenal feat and challenge of care of everyone throughout the Hospitality Action putting on ‘London’s greatest day evening and into the night. and Springboard. I out’ , The Derby. Attracting 120,000 thank all the guests As well as having their own personal for their generosity and people on the main Saturday, flutter on the horses, guests were including Her Majesty the Queen, everyone who donated also most generous in aid of the the wonderful prizes. logistics such as catering, hospitality, industry's valuable charities security and staffing, are complex I have been told that Hospitality Action and Springboard more of this style of and on a grand scale. With an UK. emphasis on getting the experience event is a must! So watch right for the customer – from the Lorraine Wood said: “ Racing with this space...” general public on the famous hill Arena was a great success and an

VIEW FROM THE CHAIR A warm welcome I hope you have all had a great summer and time to enjoy the to our new corporate members fabulous weather. This summer brought an Arena first at Epsom Downs Racecourse, YouGov is an international, full-service market where we enjoyed the opportunity to network and raise money for research agency and is considered to be the our charities in a more informal environment. A great meal was pioneer of online market research. Our suite of followed by racing fun and dancing to the Beach Boys, who played syndicated, proprietary data products includes: live and took some of us back to our youth! BrandIndex, daily brand perception tracker; SoMA, social media audience analysis tool; The successful Arena Summer Event really brought home to me Profiles, tool for media planning, market what Arena is all about; ensuring we give our members useful segmentation and forecasting; and Reports, providing insights into current trends, the opportunity to hear great speakers comprehensive market intelligence on a range of sectors. The that inspire and inform with their unique stories and take on our YouGov Omnibus provides a fast and cost-effective service for industry, and the ability to network with business and industry obtaining answers to research questions from national and selected colleagues and build long-lasting relationships. samples. Our custom research business conducts a wide range of In an age of e-communications there really is no substitute for face- quantative and qualitative research, tailored to meet our clients’ to-face networking and shared experiences. People understand the specific requirements. value of Arena events and this, I am sure, is why we are seeing membership grow and an increase in event attendance. At Vestey Foods we specialise in the sourcing, development, import and delivery of food products to the UK market. Our I look forward to welcoming you to our next great expertise covers poultry, pork, beef, lamb and fish event in September. and seafood, in addition to ration packs and a full catering range serviced from our own distribution network. Our goal is to be the pivotal link in the food chain, enabling our customers to access the supply market more effectively whilst providing Jan Matthews competitive advantage through our innovation. Chairman Arena E [email protected] AROUND ARENA AUTUMN 2014

THE ARENA SUMMER EVENT One of the first decisions was that they would not offer food as they did not want to work with chefs. However, when an old Opticians in the young, professional Southfield area of Bristol presented the perfect venue, its plans included a kitchen! The knowledge, expertise and verve of industry commentator Peter This proved to be the happiest of all happy Martin and industry success story Alex Reilley – the entrepreneurial accidents. With no contingency for failure co-founder and managing director of Loungers – ensured guests at The but a strong belief that they had created Arena Summer Event 2014 were updated on the latest developments something special, the first Lounge opened in August 2002. Alex clearly, and fondly, in the UK eating and drinking out market and inspired by the remembered their first ever customer who abundance of opportunities and possibilities our industry has to offer. confidently walked in as if they had always been there, and how the three of them drank Peter Martin opened the event with his The café, bar and restaurant group, by his every sip of her cappuccino with her. enlightening and dynamically-delivered own admission, is not a concept that can be presentation outlining the Ten Winning easily pigeon-holed but with a rolling Trends shaping the sector. From optimism customer base spanning the generations, it is and growth, marketing, and localisation one that works. Each venue, located on “Peter Martin’s presentation was through to premiumisation, the rise of secondary suburban high streets and oozing spot on… Alex [Reilley] is a true Wetherspoons, and technology, Peter used ‘granny chic’ style, has its own sense of inspiration.” his expertise and compelling CGA Peach data identity, offers “all the comfort of home but to paint a clear picture of the real better” , serves fresh, imaginative and Gavin Scott opportunities and challenges there for the affordable food, and gives customers many Director, Elite Foodservice taking. ‘excuses’ to visit throughout the day. Describing the here and now as “the most Since its birth in 2002, Loungers has grown competitive time I’ve ever known, and the aggressively, with 50 sites employing 1,300 Testament to its success, the second Lounge most exciting and innovative” , Peter advised the expected tally by the end of 2014. At opened just ten months later, with three operators not to expect too much growth in this year’s staff festival, Loungefest, Alex more Bristol sites in the three years that the immediate year ahead, but to be on their indeed wondered how they got so big so followed, and the first site outside of the city guard as optimistic, entrepreneurial and quickly. Not surprising considering there was in 2007. competitive small companies enter the originally just three of them – Alex, his long- In 2008, the trio found themselves in a new market with gusto. term friend Jake Bishop and Dave Reid. world with private equity on the agenda and Acknowledging that there will be losers, he Alex got his first taste and love of catering Piper Private Equity showing a keen interest. reminded the audience that by before college working as a waiter at The Alex and Jake also decided that they needed understanding what the customer wants and Case in Leicester to fund his travels. Once at to be in the business full time. As the delivering the very best experience through college he soon discovered that academia recession hit and the world became a strange the very best teams, it is more than possible was not for him and returned to The Case as place, the proposed deal was binned. Alex, to be a winner. trainee manager. Jake and Dave, however, remained excited The discussion continued into the networking A move to Bristol in 1996 was significant. It drinks reception that generated excellent was here that Alex and Jake met Dave and interaction between attendees. Likewise, the dynamic trio starting dreaming of over the delicious lunch the buzz in the room starting a business. A trip to and was indicative of the first-rate networking in New Zealand that filled Dave with full flow. enthusiasm for its café/bar culture was to be Alex Reilley then took to the stage and gave the catalyst. With £10,000 each to invest, a a relaxed and somewhat modest overview of £20,000 bank loan, and Alex and Jake still the phenomenal success he has enjoyed with working as general managers at the Glass Loungers. Boat Company, the dream became a reality. EVENT REVIEW

Arena Events SEPTEMBER 22 The Arena Face2Face Interview & Lunch: ITN’s Alastair Stewart OBE interviews Debbie White, Chief Executive, Sodexo UK & Ireland – The Dorchester, London

DECEMBER 1 The Arena Christmas Event – The Mandarin Oriental, London 2014 Visit www.arena.org.uk for information and tickets. about the future. Wisely, recession had been factored Hospitality Events into their plans with value for money always at Loungers’ core. Seizing the benefits of reduced site SEPTEMBER costs and greater talent in the labour pool, and maintaining their strong belief in the business, they 18-20 Springboard Team Velo Challenge - London-Paris www.springboard.uk.net/events did not panic when like-for-likes fell in the first few months of recession, nor did they discount. In fact, in 20- British Food Fortnight - Nationwide 2009 they opened two more sites and in 2010 5 Oct www.lovebritishfood.co.uk launched the first Cosy Club venue. 23 Lunch Business Grab & Go Awards - London Art House In 2011, private equity reared its head again and www.lunchbusiness.co.uk/awards with Dave indicating that he wanted to ‘get off the bus’ by 2013, the time was right. Following a couple 23-24 lunch! - Business Design Centre, London www.lunchshow.co.uk of false starts, exclusivity with Piper was signed on Good Friday 2012 for £15.5 million in a deal valuing 24 universal cookery & food festival - River Cottage HQ, Axminster the business at £35 million, and Dave took his leave. www.cookeryandfoodfestival.co.uk

By the end of 2012 Loungers boasted 29 sites, with 25 Restaurant Conference 2014 - The Landmark, London new sites 80% funded by cash generated by the www.therestaurantconference.co.uk business, and ambitious expansion plans were in 25 National Waiters Day - Hyde Park, London place. Alex confirmed to the Arena audience that the www.nationalwaitersday.com business is on target for 90 sites by 2017 and well- placed to become a national brand. OCTOBER He revealed that the biggest challenge in achieving 1-3 NACC Training & Development Forum 2014 - East Midlands this goal is cultural. Customers assume their Lounge Conference Centre, Nottingham is independent or in their town only – making it, in www.mcculloughmoore.co.uk/nacc Alex’s words, “ a cuddly, squishy, lovable, anti-brand rogue.” The fear is that if customers know the truth, 2 Foodservice Forum - Kings Place, London they may not like it. This challenge has been named www.foodservice-forum.com ‘The Cause’ and it reminds them why they first set 6-8 The Restaurant Show - Earls Court 2, London up Loungers, not to make rash decisions, that they www.therestaurantshow.co.uk employ people and not staff, and of their very first customer and her cappuccino. Alex is very clear and 7 National Chef of the Year & Young Chef of the Year Finals - determined that: “We have a responsibility to protect Earls Court 2, London – www.craftguildofchefs.org this.” 10 Foodservice Cateys - Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London The general managers will play a vital role in www.foodservicecateys.com protecting Loungers’ unique culture. They will live in 17 HA’s Sporting Legends Luncheon - Jumeirah Carlton Tower the area, know the people on the street, and not , London – www.hospitalityaction.org.uk/events follow a generic management style. They will be flexible, adapt to the environment, and engage the NOVEMBER community in their own special way, provoking the all-important question ‘is this your place?’ Alex 6 Springboard’s Quiz Night - The Old Explorer Pub, Oxford Circus, confidently confirmed that with the right people, this London – www.springboard.uk.net/events culture is definitely scalable. 13 The Pub Retail Summit 2014 - The Landmark, London Contact [email protected] / 01293 846 578

13-14 CESA Conference 2014 - Heythrop Park Resort, Oxfordshire Thank you to the www.cesaconference2014.co.uk event sponsor: The wine partner: 18-20 Food Matters Live - ExCel, London www.foodmatterslive.com The event supporter: 28 Hotel Cateys - Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London www.hotelcateys.com AROUND ARENA AUTUMN 2014

party for the Mercedes-Benz Formula One team and they now appear in 17% fewer dishes than last year. a full season of Christmas events at the fashionable The term ‘gluten-free’ was found on 8% more menus Members’News Troxy in East London. year-on-year, as they become more explanatory and Speaking of Christmas, Smart also launched its accommodating of dietary needs. Bidvest 3663 signed a new four-year partnership festive extravaganzas, including the masked London with Sunderland AFC. It will work alongside the New Year’s Eve Ball at Battersea Evolution, and Sodexo UK & Ireland announced further football club’s catering team and external events spectacular themed Christmas parties in West and contract wins across the business, division at The Stadium of Light in areas such as East London, Manchester and St Albans. Take a look including a five-year contract with City food product supply, menu at www.smartchristmasparties.co.uk. University London, worth £2million a development and the provision year, to provide catering and hospitality of catering equipment. The Foodservice Packaging services at the Northampton Square site (FPA) became a serving more than 14,000 students and Just four months after the Association supporting partner of staff; a five-year catering and hospitality inaugural Casual Dining Simply Cups – a services agreement with The Lady Eleanor show, Diversified Holles School in Hampton, Middlesex, Communications UK programme that collects post-consumer paper cups commencing this month; and a four-year triumphed at the exhibition from business premises contract for catering services at Brighton industry’s AEO Excellence Awards. (initially within the M25 and & Hove Albion Football Club’s brand new, Casual Dining was crowned Best the Thames Valley) for local state-of-the-art training facility that will Tradeshow Exhibition under 2,000sq.m, reprocessing, with the recovered fibre generate around £400,000 in annual impressing the judges with its well- used for new end-use products within the UK. turnover. identified market, great marketing The services company also achieved the and strong innovative ideas that The next FPA Environment Seminar was also bronze Food for Life Catering Mark at the University produced high customer satisfaction confirmed for 15 January 2015 at the East Midlands of Bradford for the quality, provenance and levels. Conference Centre, with lead guest speaker the BaxterStorey chairman, Alastair Storey. Get more sustainability of the food provided, whilst its catering The trade event organisers also info and book at [email protected]. team for The Scottish Government picked up the confirmed Henry Dimbleby, co-founder of Healthier Living Award at the Catering in Leon and a founding director of the Sustainable Excellence Awards. Restaurant Association, Steve Flanagan, UK Levy Restaurants UK agreed an international marketing and category director at Starbucks, and partnership with Chelsea Football Club. The Sodexo Prestige celebrated success at the 2014 Sarah Doyle, brand director at EAT, as just three of continuing collaboration sees the sport, leisure and Stadium Experience Awards, with a total prize scoop the big name speakers to appear at this year’s hospitality business of Compass Group UK & of four gold, four silver and one bronze awards. The lunch! show on 23-24 September. Ireland as the club’s official catering partner venue and event company also unveiled its Christmas responsible for the catering across the Chelsea party portfolio. With over 20 venues for shared and Creed Foodservice’s Annual Football Club estate. private parties, sports stadiums, river cruisers, Golf Day brought together Compass’ ESS Support Services Worldwide won a gardens, racecourses, castles, museums and historic customers and suppliers and new three-year contract, worth £10.5 million, to houses are all on the menu. Take a look at raised a fantastic £5,612 for provide hotel and catering services to Dolphin www.prestigevenuesandevents.sodexo.com. LINC, WellChild, Winston’s Drilling Ltd across seven levels of accommodation Wish, Wiggly Worm, on board its new deepwater drillship, the Bolette Nestlé Professional ® UK&I signed up to the F9 Salt Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and Dolphin. Reduction 2017 pledge. The latest initiative from the Sue Ryder. The record turnout of over And its education arm, Chartwells, embarked on a Department of Health, launched in May, sets new 110 guests included rugby legend Phil Vickery and new joint venture to provide food and caretaking targets for salt reduction across 76 specific food ‘Fabulous Baker Brothers’ Tom and Henry Herbert services with the London Borough of categories to be met by 2017 and replaces the old F2 from Hobbs House Bakery. Hounslow Council worth an pledge. expected £6.1 million per Tea from the Manor, e-foods’ sister company and year. Premier Foods was crowned Outstanding Supplier of tea supplier, won blind taste tests with its everyday the Year for the second year running at the LACA Finally, Compass in Scotland tea – against top branded teas – on taste and price, Awards for Excellence and picked up the committed to working with saving one group 17% compared to its existing Innovation Zone ‘Best Concept’ for its the Scottish Government to supplier. It is also creating bespoke loose leaf blends Dysphagia Solutions Programme. for customers, including Earl Grey, cornflower and support the voluntary It also launched its Ambrosia ‘Mini Pots rose petal. commitments set out for caterers in its Supporting Healthy for Massive Imaginations’ competition to encourage school caterers and pupils First Milk’s latest range of Lake District Dairy Co. Choices industry-wide framework. to work together to win kitchen Cooking Sauces scooped Best Brand Extension equipment worth £6,000 plus art at the World Dairy Innovation Awards Acquire’s new website www.acquireservices.com equipment, and confirmed that Bisto is 2014. Available in Tikka, Garlic & Herb has enjoyed a huge surge in traffic since launch. The supporting British Sausage Week with a campaign to and Tomato & Basil, the new varieties of increased interest is seen as a clear get caterers adding more bangers to their menus. the naturally low-in-fat and high-in- indication that catering-based Visit www.premierfoodservice.co.uk to find out more. protein sauces launched in August procurement continues to evolve and use Quark as a base. beyond cost saving, with the best systems online, in the cloud and Fourth urged eating-out companies to act as the government released advice on the new allergen and M&C Report and Restaurant scaleable, with a wide range of nutrition laws – which it sees as one of the biggest Magazine’s 72 hours in Chicago was functionality that adapts to user challenges facing hospitality businesses this year – confirmed for 14-17 May 2015. Senior retailers needs. and make sure they read the guidance and fully attend the high-paced concept and study tour to understand what is required of them. the heart of the world’s most competitive eating Solo Cup Europe signed up as a founder and drinking out marketplace, which also takes in member of the paper cup recycling initiative, Simply The software company also implored publicans to be the NRA Show. Contact Emily Croft for more details Cups, that aims to reduce significantly the 2.5 fully aware of their pension responsibilities to staff, at [email protected] / 01293 846 578. million paper cups that are sent to landfill or following a trade survey of licensees that showed over incinerated every year in the UK. half did not have a pension. Smart Group’s creative arm Smart LIVE celebrated its first anniversary Horizon’s research revealed more A YouGov report showed that lower prices would in July and is looking forward to hand-held, easy-to-eat foods on persuade more people to buy food and drink at delivering even more ambitious Britain’s menus as diners plump railway stations or on trains, with healthy options and exciting projects in the year for casual dining over formal and increased quality also desired. 72% of ahead, including transforming the occasions. Burgers are still the respondents thought the food at railway Gleneagles Equestrian Centre for number one main course but stations overpriced, with only 8% the Ryder Cup, creating a stunning their popularity has peaked as saying it represents good value for MEMBER FOCUS money. Arena members can enjoy a 35% discount Willett, Wyboston Lakes, Bedfordshire, Daniel The stock people also crowned on the full report cost – contact Greg Dagger at Lee, Brooklands Hotel, Surrey, James Goodyear , Danny Young, a chef at Nigel [email protected] / 0207 Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, Haworth’s Northcote Manor, as 012 6181 and quote Oxfordshire, and Luke Selby , Belmond Le Manoir aux the Essential Cuisine 2014 North West ArenaAugust. Quat’ Saisons, Oxfordshire. Young Chef.

Pelican Procurement A survey of 1,000 UK consumers by UCC Coffee UK Unilever Food Solutions joined forces with Bidvest Services is reviewing & Ireland revealed that 75% are dissatisfied with 3663 to make online purchasing even easier for Middlesbrough Football the quality of coffee in their hotel bedroom, rating it customers, launching a ‘Buy It Now’ ecommerce Clubs’ food-related either poor or average. It also found that the coffee functionality on its website. An online wholesale TRY procurement, with a view of quality would influence a leisure ME FREE e-voucher sample drive for Bidvest creating annualised savings of travellers’ decision to stay 3663’s customers to try a free full-size £30,000. Through a supplier again, with 30% saying they jar of Knorr Create More Spicy Tomato retendering process Pelican has already achieved a would consider not Concentrated Sauce ran alongside 10% saving for the club’s Food Wholesale category. returning to a hotel that the launch. Pelican’s Piranha – Online Menu Costing, Allergen & served poor coffee. UFS also launched a monthly ‘spot Nutritional Analysis is also launching this month. the ball’ competition for pubs, The new system enables caterers to quickly cost Westbury Street Holdings reflecting major football, tennis, cricket menus online and closely monitor costs, taking ‘live’ (WSH) announced the and golfing tournaments. Operators pricing information from supplier invoices. It also acquisition of Searcys, bringing have been locating the hidden balls at provides allergen and nutritional data to enable with it over 160 years’ experience in the catering www.ufs.com/pubs to win vouchers and a UFS pub compliance with the new EU allergen directive that and hospitality arena. Searcys operates in venues ingredients basket. comes into effect in December. such as 30 St Mary Axe (the Gherkin), St Pancras International, Blenheim Palace and Westfield Jellybean Creative Solutions was Host Management’s Leisure Division won the London, and the existing management team will shortlisted for the Marketing contract to operate the catering facilities at continue to run the business. Communications Agency of the Year in Guildford Spectrum Leisure Complex – its biggest the B2B Marketing awards, which leisure win to date and largest single site. It takes BaxterStorey reported double digit growth of 10% takes place in November – the only over the eight-year, £16m contract from Compass. alongside 900 new jobs, including 40 graduate foodservice agency to be recognised. placements. This success was reflected in 15% year- And recognition doesn’t stop there, as Host Management and Catermasters on-year turnover growth for parent company WSH, Jellybean’s PR department was merged to create HCM Group in a deal that which has experienced a double-digit increase for shortlisted for Outstanding Public gives the new business a turnover in excess the 13th year running and now has a consolidated Relations Consultancy in the Chartered of £60m, more than 240 operations, and a turnover of £530m. Institute of Public Relations PRide Awards for 2014 combined team of more than 1,500 It also rolled out one of its biggest ever training and its art director, Leigh Felstead, was shortlisted employees. HCM Group, headed by Bill exercises ahead of the new allergens legislation for Creative of the Year in the Wirehive 100 awards Toner as CEO with Nigel Johnson as coming into force in December, which will develop for outstanding design from southern agencies deputy CEO, operates in multiple sectors 1,500 ‘Allergy Champions’ and ensure all employees outside of London. The results will be announced in including B&I, conference facilities, leisure, are fully trained and all premises are compliant. November and October, respectively. independent schools, further and higher On the awards front, BaxterStorey became the first education, and the healthcare sector. hospitality business to see three of its staff win an Elior UK won a two-year contract worth £1.2m to Acorn Award in the same year, namely operations provide catering, cleaning, security and reception Steelite International launched a manager Catherine Barras, business development services to the Students’ Union at Canterbury Christ stylish wooden serving range, director Tim Axe and sales executive Church University in Kent. The St George’s Centre Stage, ideal for sharing or Ben McEwen. Catherine serves and supports over 12,500 students and tasting menus and enhancing Barras also claimed the includes a lounge bar, coffee shop and study zone, presentation. The two double- title of finalist at the plus welfare offices and student accommodation. sided serving platters in two Women in the City Future The Great Head Walk, organised by Elior UK, raised sizes, a riser and riser platter, are Leaders Award 2014, the over £6,000 for Starlight Children’s compatible with a number of other first time the foodservice Foundation. At-Bristol’s Millienium Steelite products. sector has been represented Square was a vision of colour when 60 An outlet tour organised for the tableware at these awards. volunteers completed 500 miles manufacturer’s foodservice partners found many around a special course wearing didn’t make the grade on presentation. Supporting Portico added London’s iconic 20 wacky headwear. research showed that 81% of people surveyed Fenchurch Street to its portfolio with a contract to stated presentation of tableware an important or manage and deliver front of house, concierge and Adande’s customer satisfaction survey very important factor and 61% said a well- switchboard services for visitors and approximately into the performance of its patented presented table positively impacts their dining 6,000 employees based at the 680,000 sq. ft. refrigerated drawer systems returned experience. skyscraper famously known as The Walkie Talkie . positive results in the areas of ergonomics, food quality, temperature versatility, product quality, and The Craft Guild of Chefs announced the eight Huhtamaki and Sparsholt College donated the cost savings, with 87% stating they would finalists of National Chef of the Year 2014. Adam plants from its double Gold-award winning RSH recommend Adande to other chefs and catering Handling , head chef, St Ermins Hotel, London, Chelsea Flower Show garden, ‘Paper Chase’, to the operations. Andrew Gotting , executive group head chef, National Trust’s Sandham Memorial The business also launched two new innovations - a Galloping Gourmet, Worcestershire, Daniel Morgan , Chapel in Hampshire, which re- Shallow Drawer option offering a solution to those sous chef, The Square, London, Diane Camp (Kay) , opened in August. The National tricky height scenarios facing designers and development chef, Reynolds, Hertfordshire, Lahiru Trust only wanted plants grown consultants, and Locking Rollers for ease of Jayasekara , head chef, The Manor at Weston on the in peat free compost, and these access, especially with low finished height Green, Oxfordshire, Nick Edgar , head chef, Belmond were grown in peat free worktops. Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, Oxfordshire, Russell compost made from Bateman , head chef, Colette’s, Hertfordshire, and Huhtamaki’s BioWare paper LACA raised an amazing £9,000 for Simon Webb , head chef, Restaurant Associates, cups. the Black Country Foodbank that helps London, will compete for the coveted title live at vulnerable individuals and families in The Restaurant Show on Tuesday 7 October. Essential Cuisine posted double digit growth for crisis. Fundraising efforts by food and The Young Chef of the Year title will also be 2013/14 at the end of its financial year. In the last hospitality companies exhibiting at contested on the same day by Julien Pickersgill , 12 months the company unveiled a brand new, £1m LACA’s Big Event Annual Conference House of Commons, London, Josh Bingham , state-of-the-art production facility at its at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole in Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, Oxfordshire, headquarters in Winsford, Cheshire, bringing the July included a sponsored 5k Charity Spencer Metzger , The Ritz Hotel, London, April Lily majority of production ‘in-house’ and opening up Challenge plus a raffle and generous Partridge , The Club at The Ivy, London, Claire 15 jobs to people in the local community. donations at the Gala Dinner. MEMBER FOCUS

Harrogate Spring Water Premier Foods Horizons Prestige Purchasing CORPORATE MEMBERS Hospitality Action Pritchitts Host Contract Management Ltd. Purchasing Support Services AAK UK Country Range Group Hotelympia Rational UK Acquire Services Ltd. Dairy Crest Ltd. Huhtamaki Reynolds Adande Refrigeration DCS Europe IFE Rollover Ardo UK Dewberry Redpoint Invest Northern Ireland Santa Maria apetito DHL Supply Chain Ltd. The Institute of Hospitality Silver Spoon Company Bar Foods Diageo ISS Facility Services Food and Single Source Ltd. BD Foods Diversified Business Hospitality Smart Hospitality BHA (British Hospitality Communications UK ISS Mediclean Association) e-Foods Sodexo UK & Ireland JDM Food Group BaxterStorey Elior UK Solo Cup Europe Jellybean Creative Solutions Bibendum Elena’s Gluten Free Way Springboard UK Johnsons Stalbridge Linen Bidvest 3663 Essential Cuisine Taylors of Harrogate Services Booker Ferrero UK Ltd. Tchibo Coffee International KP Snacks Brakes Ferns Coffee Technomic Inc Lakeland Dairies Britvic Soft Drinks First Milk Cheese Company Ltd. The Caterer Leathams Bunzl Catering Supplies Food and Drink Expo The Hub Lexington Catering Casual Dining Show Food Alert The Splash Partnership Lunch! Show Catermasters Foodservice Packaging The Restaurant Show Manitowoc Foodservice UK Ltd. CESA Association The Russell Partnership MDC Foods Ltd. Chef Direct Footprint Media Group Tilda Foodservice Macphie Foodservice Cimbali UK Ltd. Fourth Hospitality TSC Foods Mission Foodservice CIP Recruitment Ltd. Fresh Montgomery Twinings Foodservice Mondelez International Cirkle Communications Fusion FSM Unilever Food Solutions Nestlé Professional Coca-Cola Enterprises Futura Foods United Coffee Nosh Detox Collins King & Associates Glion Institute of Higher Vegware Ltd. P&G Professional Ltd. Compass Group – UK & Ireland Education Vestey Foods Pelican Procurement Services Contract Options Gram (UK) Ltd. Vista Foodservice Agency People 1st Cost Sector Catering Hamilton Mayday YouGov Ltd. Pepsico Costa Enterprises Handmade Cake Company William Reed Exhibitions Pimpernel Wharf Creed Foodservice H2O Publishing Ltd. WRAPEX Ltd. MEMBERS’ MOVES

Smart Group appointed Richard Groves as managing director of Smart Sodexo appointed Candice Eves as business Hospitality and Andrew Hodgkins as managing director of development director for Independent Education to Smart Experience / sales director of Smart Group Ltd. help grow the business and firmly establish it as a Both bring sector-specific expertise to the organisation leading player in the independent schools market. as part of its ongoing strategy to expand its outdoor Candice joins Sodexo from BaxterStorey where she catering and corporate hospitality arms, respectively. worked as a business development manager. Richard is a highly-experienced commercial director Contact Candice at [email protected] and operational manager, having started his own catering company in 1987, which later merged with the Stefan Maciejewski joined Smart Hospitality Manchester as managing Ultimate Experience to found Concerto Group in 2000. director. Stefan joins the business from Compass Group, having previously worked for landmark brands including Wimbledon and Manchester Andrew was formerly MD of Keith Prowse and brings with him over 20 United. The appointment reaffirms Smart Group’s years’ experience in the corporate hospitality industry commitment to growing operations in Manchester and working on high-profile events including Euro 96, the working with local suppliers, with a specific focus on Rugby World Cup, the Cricket World Cup, 22 expanding fixed venue, outdoor catering and Cheltenham Festivals and countless FA Cup finals, test banqueting offerings. matches and rugby internationals. Contact Stefan at [email protected] / Contact Richard and Andrew at 0207 836 1033 [email protected] / 0207 836 1033 Arena Contacts Chairman Jan Matthews RP Global Director Lorraine Wood Arena Treasurer Peter Green Fusion FSM Founding director Naomi Arnold MBE Naomi C Arnold Consultancy Executive members Mark Aylwin Booker Direct , Peter Backman Horizons, Matt Collins KP Snacks, Ann Elliott elliotts, Andy Kemp Bidvest 3663, Mark Lewis The Caterer Group , Shabaz Mohammed Pelican Procurement Services Arena Ambassadors Geoff Booth PACE, Ann Elliott elliotts, Diana Spellman Partners in Purchasing Around Arena Berenice Pretlove T 07508 146 118 E [email protected] Arena office Lorraine Wood , 70 Copthorne Avenue, Bromley, Kent, BR2 8NN T 07803 853 618 E [email protected] www.arena.org.uk