Conference Centre Award winners presented at Racecourse

Worcestershire still means business

Worcester Racecourse, which was entirely swamped by water at the height of the recent flooding, and the Cotswold Conference Centre are coming together in a celebration of excellence to show that Worcestershire's business conference facilities are some of the best in the region. The Racecourse is the venue for the Cotswold Conference Centre to be presented on 7^th August with its Quality at Heart double Gold award, given for outstanding achievement in Customer Service and People Development.

Though all race meetings to the end of August have had to be cancelled, the newly refurbished Racecourse Grandstand remains unscathed and was unaffected by the flood waters. Conference-Worcestershire, who promote the business hospitality industry of the county, felt that hosting the event at the Racecourse would underline the message that Worcestershire business tourism is still firmly on the map. Says the Racecourse's Hospitality Manager, Jenny Cheshire, "We are delighted and indeed proud to be invited to host the presentation of the Cotswold Conference Centre's Quality at Heart awards. Our own quality conference facilities remain fully operational and open for business and this is a great chance to let people know that. Now more than ever in these difficult times, non-race day business such as conferences, meetings, parties and exhibitions is vital and the support of local people and companies is much appreciated."

Both organisations are members of Conference-Worcestershire, who support the Quality at Heart programme as part of their mission to promote the county as a leading, quality business tourism destination. The Quality at Heart Recognition Model enables businesses to improve quality in the area of their customer service, business practice and people development. Emma Robinson, head of Conference-Worcestershire, says, "It is a fantastic achievement for the Cotswold Conference Centre to win such prestigious awards and the success reflects superbly on both its staff and Worcestershire as a whole. The floods have grabbed the headlines for the last month, but now it's time to show everyone that Worcestershire means business!"

For more information on Conference-Worcestershire meetings or business venues log on to http://www.conference-worcestershire.org/ or call 01905 766 895

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Background

1 Quality at Heart http://www.qualityatheart.co.uk/

The organisation Quality at Heart was launched in 2003 and serves the Heart of England region with tourism business support funded by Advantage West Midlands (the Regional Development Agency) and working in partnership with Business Link West Midlands. As well as the regional recognition model the Quality at Heart organisation provides free business advice to tourism organisations within the region.

2. Cotswold Conference Centre http://www.cotswoldconferencecentre.com/

Situated on a stunning 300-acre estate, overlooking the beautiful Cotswold village of Broadway and the Vale of Evesham, the Cotswold Conference Centre offers both state of the art technology with absolute peace and quiet. CCC is proud to be the only Cotswold ‘Conference Centre of Excellence' and a member of Destination Worcestershire.

3. Worcestershire Racecourse http://www.worcester-racecourse.co.uk/

With its town-centre location and picturesque tree-lined track nestling on the banks of the River Severn, Worcester Racecourse offers a picturesque day out for all the family at its 21 Summer Jumping race days from April to October. New Grandstand facilities have recently created an exceptional venue for all other events such as conferences, meetings, parties and exhibitions. The venue boasts an excellent reputation for catering and service and has ample free parking on site.

4. Conference-Worcestershire http://www.conference-worcestershire.org/

Conference-Worcestershire is a county council run service that works in partnership with Destination Worcestershire and operates a membership scheme for county venues and services. The role of Conference-Worcestershire is to raise the profile of the county as a conference destination and to increase the value and volume of business tourism in Worcestershire. Conference-Worcestershire offers a complete conference venue-finding service, as well as information on the county and advice on how to optimise meetings with the best transport, activities, entertainment and technology.

CONTACTS:

MAIN CONTACT: Elizabeth Halls (Quality at Heart Executive for Herefordshire & Worcestershire) 07790 800 357 Email: ehalls@qualityatheart.co.uk

Worcester Racecourse: Jenny Cheshire, 01905 25364,

jenny.cheshire@worcester-racecourse.co.uk

Cotswold Conference Centre: Annette Morris, Marketing Manager, 01386 854521 annette@cotswoldconferencecentre.com

Conference-Worcestershire: Emma Robinson, Conference Desk Co-ordinator, 01905 766895, erobinson@worcestershire.gov.uk

10 Aug 2007 11:37:41 (Source: Cotswold Conference Centre)