UK Training Industry Press Releases

GREEN AGENDA DRIVES FARNCOMBE'S MULTI-MILLION NEW BUILD

Work began this week on the £3.5m building of a 32-bedroom facility for Cotswold Conference Centre on the Farncombe Estate. The event was marked by recently appointed Managing Director Mark Philip-Sorensen turning the first clod of earth on the 2-acre site. Farncombe Estate's commitment to local sourcing was endorsed by the appointment of local Willersey groundwork's firm Hemmings Services and midlands builder - Carters. Materials, wherever possible, have also been sourced locally including stone from a nearby Cotswold quarry and wood from Hillbarn Sawmills, Snowshill.

The design by Evesham based Ward and Dale Smith is that of a single story building surrounding a feature courtyard (see artwork for visual).

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.  In such a positive environment we are able to put on better and more effective courses both for business and pleasure, hence enabling clients to get a good return on their objectives. What you need for efficient learning is plenty of natural light, no distractions, fresh air and an inspiring environment. We certainly have an abundance of all these here."

Farncombe currently holds a bronze award in the Green Tourism Business Scheme and Mark is committed  to personally taking the company forward to eventually earn silver and gold standards. He said: "I'm personally committed to making Farncombe one of the greenest venues in the midlands. When it comes to sustainability, we're using the best materials and the best technologies to make sure heat loss is reduced in this very exciting project which we're delighted to be working on with reliable local companies".

Despite the economic downturn, Farncombe has seen increased demand this year for the facility and has been able to both recruit new staff and commit to increasing its bedroom stock. A refurbishment programme will also see four new family suites come on line next year and with the new build, total bedrooms by the autumn 2011 will nearly double to 89.

Nick Akerman, head of sales at the facility said that 75% of business is repeat which is a testament on its own. He added: "We are always adapting and evolving in this rapidly changing commercial environment. We often refer to it as dancing with our customers - being able to move in time using the right steps with our partners. As a dedicated niche venue we are providing specialist support and services to specific industry sectors during the week and offering the perfect leisure learning environment at weekends and the facilities just keep getting better and better."

ENDS

Notes for Editors

Cotswold Conference Centre on the Farncombe Estate was set up in 2001 by the entrepreneur Jørgen Philip-Sørensen, a pioneer in driving up quality standards in the security industry through training and learning. It is a facility that specialises in 24/7 adult learning both in the corporate world with the Cotswold Conference Centre and the leisure markets with Farncombe.  It offers training to the corporate, government and third market sectors of business and a weekend programme of courses and events in a wide variety of subjects to enable continued lifelong learning to a public audience. Located in the Cotswolds outside Broadway, the centre provides an idyllic location at which to develop new knowledge and skills, make & meet friends, enjoy good food and a warm welcome. Facilities include 53 graded 4-star ‘guest accommodation' ensuite bedrooms within 370 acres of privately owned parkland. 

Date of issue:                OCTOBER  2010

Issued on behalf of:       

Nick Akerman, Farncombe Estate Centre, Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7LJ.

Tel: 0845 230 8580

www.farncombeestate.co.uk                              

www.cotswoldconferencecentre.com

Issued by PR agent:      

Tracy Watkins, Byline Communications, Cleeves Farm, Cleeves Lane, Over Norton, Chipping Norton, Oxon, OX7 5RD.

Tel:  01608 641626

tw@bylinecommunications.co.uk