The HTA Catering Conference (June 7-8) at The Belfry Hotel and Resort, near Sutton Coldfield, is less than a week away and everything is in place for a fantastic event...yet there's still time to book your place!

With garden centre catering worth around £200 million and over half of garden retail businesses having a café or restaurant, this two day event starting on Tuesday and sponsored by Vision Commercial Kitchens, provides garden centre caterers with inspiration and ideas to take their outlet forward.

Keynote speakers, Fred Sirieix and Henry Dimbleby, will be joined by a host of speakers from inside and outside the industry. ‘Strategy and Operations’ is the theme for day one and a ‘Focus on Food’ on day two, the programme covers many topics impacting on garden centre catering operations.

Book now

The cost to HTA members is £325.00, plus VAT, which includes the two day conference, dinner and accommodation for single occupancy at The Belfry (£445.00, plus VAT for non-members).  Single day only rates are also available for those who cannot attend the full conference.

For more information and to book visit www.hta.org.uk/cateringconference

Sponsored by Vision Commercial Kitchens, this two day event takes place on Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 June at The Belfry Hotel and Resort, near Sutton Coldfield, with the dinner featuring on the first night.

After presenting the awards for The Greatest Catering Awards 2016, Lisa will give a short talk about her career as an actress and becoming the 2010 Celebrity MasterChef winner.

Lisa first established herself as a leading actress starring in numerous high profile TV dramas including Holby City, Spooks and Dangerfield. In 2010 Lisa won BBC 1′s Celebrity MasterChef and has since gone on a remarkable food journey.

Lisa’s first cookery book, Recipes From My Mother For My Daughter, became an instant bestseller, reaching number one in The Times non-fiction list. Following this, Lisa released her second cookbook, The Way I Cook, and her third book, Tea and Cake, also becoming a bestseller.

Lisa has presented a number of TV programmes, including hit Channel 4 daytime show What’s Cooking? as well regularly cooking in the This Morning kitchen. Lisa is a regular face on the Food Network, in 2014 she presented The Big Eat alongside Matt Tebbutt and Kitchen Superheores. Lisa is also passionate about cooking with children and last year her new series Crash My Kitchen launched on CBBC, in the series Lisa teaches children and their families how to cook simple and healthy meals. As well as presenting and cooking on This Morning Lisa has also anchored a number of food strands including Coastal Cottage, Comfort Cottage and Hollywood Menu.

Following her talk, Lisa will present The Greatest Catering Awards 2016 alongside host Trevor Pfeiffer, Managing Director of Garden Trade News.

As part of the Greatest Awards on Tour 2016, Garden Trade News will celebrate excellence in garden centre catering by hosting and presenting their awards in the following categories:

• The Greatest Afternoon Tea Experience 2016
• The Greatest Garden Centre Coffee Team of the Year Award
• The Greatest Chef Team of the Year
• The Greatest Front of House Team of the Year
• The Greatest Garden Centre Catering Team of the Year

The cost of the HTA Catering Conference to HTA members is £325.00, plus VAT, which includes the two day conference, dinner and accommodation for single occupancy at The Belfry (£445.00, plus VAT for non-members). Single day only rates are also available for those who cannot attend the full conference. For more information and to book visit www.hta.org.uk/cateringconference

Anthony Hester, Head of Restaurants at Dobbies will be looking at opportunities to grow sales.

Anthony will share his views on the customer experience, the best of baking, the growing popularity of afternoon tea and offering tips on how to improve the speed of service and the hot food offer.

Book now

The cost to HTA members is £325.00, plus VAT, which includes the two day conference, dinner and accommodation for single occupancy at The Belfry (£445.00, plus VAT for non-members).  Single day only rates are also available for those who cannot attend the full conference.

For more information and to book visit www.hta.org.uk/cateringconference

Henry Dimblebyis co-founder of the award-winning Leon Restaurants.  Henry started his career as a commis chef with Michelin-starred chef, Bruno Loubet, before joining The Daily Telegraph.

From there he moved to Bain & Company, a management consultancy firm, where he met John Vincent. They spent a lot of time together on the road, travelling for work, where all they found to eat was delicious but life-destroying fried chicken or cold, neon-lit sandwiches.

Infuriated by the difficulty of finding tasty, nutritious food on the run, they resolved to do something about it. And so, in 2004, Leon was born.

With 33 very busy restaurants across the country and a number of cook books under their belt, Leon Restaurants has a strict food sourcing and sustainability policy and keeps food and packaging waste to a minimum.

Henry will explain the concept behind Leon. How they source their ingredients and manage their suppliers, how they develop their menus and how they engage with their customers.

Book now

The cost to HTA members is £325.00, plus VAT, which includes the two day conference, dinner and accommodation for single occupancy at The Belfry (£445.00, plus VAT for non-members).  Single day only rates are also available for those who cannot attend the full conference.

For more information and to book visit www.hta.org.uk/cateringconference

Fred Sirieix, General Manager of Michelin-starred restaurant Galvin at Windows on the 28th floor of the London Hilton on Park Lane, will discuss the principles of customer service and why excellent customer service is absolutely critical in catering-based operations.

As well as being a General Manager, Fred co-hosted with Michel Roux Jr. in the BBC2 series about service and hospitality, "Michel Roux's Service". 

Since 2015 Fred is also recognized for his role as the host and charismatic Maitre d'H in the much loved BAFTA winning "First Dates" series on Channel 4. 

In this keynote session, Fred will use the hospitality industry to demonstrate how to deliver great service in any industry, sector and business.

Book now

The cost to HTA members is £325.00, plus VAT, which includes the two day conference, dinner and accommodation for single occupancy at The Belfry (£445.00, plus VAT for non-members).  Single day only rates are also available for those who cannot attend the full conference.

For more information and to book visit www.hta.org.uk/cateringconference

With the aim of re-establishing Tong Garden Centre as one of the leading garden centres in the north, co-owners Mark Farnsworth and Tom Megginson, recognise the importance that catering has in creating a destination outlet for all the family. 

Since acquiring the centre in May 2015 they have refurbished the existing restaurant and added a coffee shop, children’s play area and food hall which incorporates a butchery and bakery. 

With a focus on well-priced, home cooked food and quality beverages they have increased the number of covers from 100 to 250. 

The original café reopened as Orchard Kitchen and now serves a seasonal and local menu prepared on-site by a dedicated team of chefs and cooks in a light and airy environment. 

Co-owner, Mark Farnsworth, and Commercial Manager, Sharon McNair,will talk about their catering journey over the last 12 months and the importance it plays in their growing business.

Book now

The cost to HTA members is £325.00, plus VAT, which includes the two day conference, dinner and accommodation for single occupancy at The Belfry (£445.00, plus VAT for non-members).  Single day only rates are also available for those who cannot attend the full conference.

For more information and to book visit www.hta.org.uk/cateringconference

Melanie Sewell, Catering Director at Fron Goch Garden Centre, winners of GTN's The Greatest Front of House Team Gold Award in 2015, will talk about how she inspires her catering team to deliver great customer service and how she engenders that spirit across both front and back of house teams.

Book now

The cost to HTA members is £325.00, plus VAT, which includes the two day conference, dinner and accommodation for single occupancy at The Belfry (£445.00, plus VAT for non-members).  Single day only rates are also available for those who cannot attend the full conference.

For more information and to book visit www.hta.org.uk/cateringconference

Using his depth of knowledge from the restaurant and garden centre worlds, Mark Harris, Proprietor of Harris Restaurant Consultants, will speak behalf of headline partner, Vision Commercial Kitchens.

Mark will give an overview of garden centre catering and will explore the latest trends to take note of and look forward to what can be expected in the future. 

Mark will touch on operations, menu planning, marketing and promotion, guest retention and much more.

Book now

The cost to HTA members is £325.00, plus VAT, which includes the two day conference, dinner and accommodation for single occupancy at The Belfry (£445.00, plus VAT for non-members).  Single day only rates are also available for those who cannot attend the full conference.

For more information and to book visit www.hta.org.uk/cateringconference

Both days of conference will feature panel sessions chaired by Boyd Douglas-Davies, Chief Executive Officer, Hillview Garden Centres.

Boyd will chair debates on the latest hot topics in garden centre catering, including:

-          How to improve customer service at busy and slow times

-          Tipping – in light of the current Government investigation

-          Apprenticeships and training

-          Zero hour contracts and the impact of the National Living Wage

-          How to deal with negative Tripadvisor comments



Panellists include Mike Burks (above), The Gardens Group and Malcolm Scott from Malcolm Scott Consultants.

Book now

The cost to HTA members is £325.00, plus VAT, which includes the two day conference, dinner and accommodation for single occupancy at The Belfry (£445.00, plus VAT for non-members).  Single day only rates are also available for those who cannot attend the full conference.

For more information and to book visit www.hta.org.uk/cateringconference

Running alongside the conference will be an exhibition featuring suppliers into the industry.

Joining headline partners Vision Commercial Kitchens and Conference partners Frobishers, Halewood International, Illy Coffee, Airedale and IFSE are Event Partner, Mathew Algie and  Exhibitor Partners : Unilever (Tea Fusion), HTA Insurance, Beanworks, The Handmade Cake Company, Swan Retail, Destiny Foods, Whitco, i2i, Tea from the Manor, Creed, Fentimans and Classic Celebration Cakes (The Ash). Many thanks also to our Dinner Drinks Partners, Quinton Edwards.

Book now

The cost to HTA members is £325.00, plus VAT, which includes the two day conference, dinner and accommodation for single occupancy at The Belfry (£445.00, plus VAT for non-members).  Single day only rates are also available for those who cannot attend the full conference.

For more information and to book visit www.hta.org.uk/cateringconference

Coffee is big business.  Really, really big business. 

With a market valued at nearly £8bn in value and in continual growth, coffee is becoming ever more competitive on a weekly basis. 

Consumer coffee consumption was unabated through the recession but consumer behaviour is changing - and understanding this is key to unlocking commercial benefits. 

Andrew Jack, Head of Marketing at Matthew Algie, will take you through the macro dynamics in the market and some of the key trends within coffee – and  importantly how to activate and commercialise these opportunities!

Book now

The cost to HTA members is £325.00, plus VAT, which includes the two day conference, dinner and accommodation for single occupancy at The Belfry (£445.00, plus VAT for non-members).  Single day only rates are also available for those who cannot attend the full conference.

For more information and to book visit www.hta.org.uk/cateringconference

Other topical workshops planned

There’s a fantastic selections of workshop sessions planned for the HTA Catering Conference, all designed to keep you up-to-date with all the latest trends and talking points.

Dining in the Digital Age: The role of social media and psychology in food marketing

A recent study found that 95% of all human decisions are subconsciously made. This statistic almost certainly applies to our food purchasing and consumption decisions. In fact, we make on average around 200 decisions about food each day, the majority of which are subconscious. What does this mean for you? It demonstrates a clear need to your reach customers on an emotional level.

Join Karen Fewell, Founder of Digital Blonde and the Food Marketing School, as she explores how social media can help you make that all important emotional connection and get more people eating at your garden centre. In this workshop, Karen’s thought-provoking talk will draw on new findings from the world of psychology and marketing, with ideas and learnings for a range of catering businesses to take away.

Having an allergy policy, will this increase your customer base?

Are you serving the allergen customer safely? It’s not just about creating a gluten free menu, it’s looking at all aspects around preparing, serving and communicating to the FreeFrom diner, whether it’s an allergy or intolerance!

Are you promoting your FreeFrom offerings on your website, and how you could be portrayed on social media if your staff are bad communicators! In this workshop, Caroline Benjamin MIH, Director, Food Allergy Training Consultancy, will help uncover the myths around the FreeFrom diner; delegates will have the opportunity to share their ideas and best practice.

How to ensure you have nutritional and balanced choices on your menu

In this workshop Rob Owen, Executive Development Chef at Creed Foodservice, will explore how you can adapt your menu to different potential customers, the benefits of using nutritional software to help develop menus and will discuss what is ‘superfood’ and what are the values of it.

Keep your customers coming back

What makes a customer return to your restaurant?  And how can you encourage them to keep coming back?  Ian Doughty, Partner at Turpin Smale Catering Consultancy presents what you need do to remain the destination of choice amongst your competitors. In this interactive workshop, Ian will share insights on new trends and innovations and how to maximise opportunities, to keep your customers returning time and time again.   

How do you develop and retain the best talent?

Some of the UKs most successful catering and hospitality businesses are built on a tried and tested model of developing talent from within.  However, roles in this industry are often dismissed as only offering low skilled job prospects; yet significant career opportunities exist, with over 340,000 skilled and managerial staff needed by 2024. But what are the best strategies to retain and develop your staff?

How do you ensure you keep your best talent engaged and motivated? This workshop, led by Simon Kitto, Director at People 1st, will look at approaches to developing your workforce, and will give delegates the opportunity to discuss, debate, share ideas and best practice.  Simon will be joined in this workshop by his colleague Anita Duffy, Business Development Manager.

The cost to HTA members is £325.00, plus VAT, which includes the two day conference, dinner and accommodation for single occupancy at The Belfry (£445.00, plus VAT for non-members). Single day only rates are also available for those who cannot attend the full conference.

For more information and to book visit www.hta.org.uk/cateringconference

Run in association with the GCA this year’s conference and exhibition features a formal dinner, which allows delegates plenty of time and opportunities to meet with a range of key catering suppliers.

The dinner, held on the evening of Tuesday 7 June, will feature the Garden Trade News ‘Greatest Catering Awards’.

Book now

The cost to HTA members is £325.00, plus VAT, which includes the two day conference, dinner and accommodation for single occupancy at The Belfry (£445.00, plus VAT for non-members).  Single day only rates are also available for those who cannot attend the full conference.

For more information and to book visit www.hta.org.uk/cateringconference

The Greatest Awards are all about teams of people, for catering teams that excel in garden centres.  Last year during the inaugural HTA Conference Dinner at The Belfry Hotel in Sutton Coldfield the results of The Greatest Catering Awards were announced.  Co-presenter Trevor Pfeiffer said "from the many teams we met on our judging journeys it is clear that garden centre catering standards are being pushed higher and higher – with teamwork and the drive for excellent customer service giving our customers some of the best dining experiences in the UK.  Garden Centre catering is simply GREAT!"

The Greatest Garden Centre Catering Teams 2015

Finalists

• Bents
• Chessington
• Fron Goch
• Frosts Woburn Sands
• Haskins Roundstone
• Mains of Drum
• Planters at Tamworth
• Poppies
• Raemoir
• Scotsdales
• Squires Badshot Lea
• Timmermans
• Trentham, Blue Diamond
• Woodbank
• Woodside Plant Centre

Bronze Awards

• Team with less than 150 covers:  Timmermans
• Team with 150 to 300 covers:  Squires Badshot Lea
• Team with more than 300 covers:  Chessington and Frosts Woburn Sands

Silver Awards

• Team with less than 150 covers:  Woodbank
• Team with 150 to 300 covers:  Fron Goch
• Team with more than 300 covers:  Trentham, Blue Diamond

Gold Awards

• Team with less than 150 covers:   Woodside Plant Centre
• Team with 150 to 300 covers:  Mains of Drum
• Team with more than 300 covers:  Bents

They serve over 200 afternoon teas per month serving delicious home baked cakes and deserts specially made for afternoon teas, they are better than the Ritz in deepest Essex at Perrywood.

The Greatest Afternoon Tea Experience Team

Finalists

• Brigg
• Fron Goch
• Frosts Woburn Sands
• Mains of Drum
• Perrywood
• Poppies
• Raemoir
• Scotsdales
• Squires Badshot Lea
• Timmermans
• Trentham, Blue Diamond
• Woodside Plant Centre

Bronze Award

• Woodside Plant Centre

Silver Award

• Trentham, Blue Diamond
• Frosts Woburn Sands
• Poppies

Gold

• Perrywood

To win Gold in The Greatest Awards you have to be doing something really special – that’s just what we found with the Chef Team at Timmermans.

The Greatest Garden Centre Chef Team

Finalists

• Chessington
• Fron Goch
• Frosts Woburn Sands
• Mains of Drum
• Planters at Tamworth
• Poppies
• Raemoir
• Squires Badshot Lea
• Timmermans
• Twenty Pence
• Woodside Plant Centre

Bronze Award

• Mains of Drum
• Squires Badshot Lea

Silver Award

• Chessington

Gold Award

• Timmermans

Pictures from the judging visits and background to the winners will be published in future issues of GTN and GTN Xtra.

Below: Chessington with their Silver Award

The most smiley, most helpful Front of House team the judges met, they anticipate customers needs and all speak Welsh as well as English are at Fron Goch!

The Greatest Garden Centre Front of House Team

Finalists

• Barton Grange
• Fron Goch
• Mains of Drum
• Planters at Tamworth
• Poppies
• Raemoir
• Scotsdales
• Squires Badshot Lea
• Trentham, Blue Diamond
• Wheatcroft's
• Woodbank
• Woodside Plant Centre

Bronze Award

• Trentham, Blue Diamond
• Woodbank

Silver Award

• Barton Grange

Gold Award

• Fron Goch

Pictures from the judging visits and background to the winners will be published in future issues of GTN and GTN Xtra.

Below: Barton Grange with their Silver Award

A Special Gold Award was presented to another team the judges met on their travels.  The head office Food & Beverage team at Wyevale Garden Centres is pulling up trees at the moment, making really positive changes to the turnover of every site they touch and creating not one but three exceptional catering brands that would rival any major high street catering brand.

The Greatest Garden Centre Catering Teams

Special Gold Award

• Wyevale Food & Beverage Head Office Team

While we visited all of the centres for The Greatest Catering Awards, the experts asked them “Who is your greatest catering supplier of this year?"  41 centres were asked and 41 different suppliers were nominated. 

Almost all of the votes were for a special local supplier. And the majority of the votes were for the local butcher who supplies the garden centre catering team so we asked Tim Godwin of Fosseway Garden Centre to receive the award from guest speaker James Strawbridge on behalf of all the local butchers who are The Greatest Catering Supplier of the Year.

The Greatest Catering Supplier of the Year

Gold Award

• Our local butcher