Dr Rhodri Thomas, Professor of Events Management at Leeds Metropolitan University, talks to H&E North about the prospect of the events sector becoming professionalised.

Yorkshire is experiencing a boost in business tourism thanks to its enticing range of high quality venues and facilities.
Situated midway between London and Edinburgh, Yorkshire is easily accessible with London’s Kings Cross train station just two hours away. International flights arrive at three international airports in the region; Leeds Bradford International Airport, which has plans for expansion, Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield, and Humberside Airport. Manchester Airport is a little more than an hour by road from Leeds.

Alison Plant, Head of Hospitality & Events at Aston Villa Football Club, speaks to H&E North about the Club’s success off the pitch.

How has Aston Villa’s corporate hospitality offer developed since you joined the Club in 1997?
It’s changed dramatically over the years, more so since the take over of Aston Villa three seasons ago by Randy Lerner. We’ve invested in facilities to enhance the experience for customers. Over the last few seasons we’ve renovated suites and this past summer the Holte Pub, one of the Club’s landmarks, reopened after being restored to its former glory.

We, the staff, have had a lot of say in the changes; we didn’t call in the interior designers! Mr Lerner encouraged our input and it’s been fabulous to be a part of the new look hospitality offer.

H&E North finds out why quality catering is a key ingredient for successful events and what will be tantalising the taste buds in 2010.

In these economically stretched times, splashing the cash on lavish feasts is something that may have been curtailed somewhat, what with companies increasingly having to justify big spends, but catering still plays a crucial role in the event experience. Testament to this are well-established catering companies who are continuing to win contracts and new start-ups who are building up a loyal following. Chapman Holmes Catering and Special Events is one of the North West’s leading corporate and event caterers, who are currently celebrating 20 years in the business. Over the years it has provided a diverse range of cuisine and event management to companies such as Coutts & Co, Bentley Motors, The Prince’s Trust, Manchester Evening News, and recently Visit Britain’s Gala Dinner. It has held and catered for events in National Trust properties and venues such as Concorde Conference Centre, and has recently been awarded exclusive contracts at the Gorton Monastery and Lyme Park. Sue Elmore, a Director of the company, states: “At present our industry is missing the big corporate bashes that once prevailed. The emphasis is now on understated, bespoke events.”