Category: News

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Yorkshire Celebrity Chefs for ‘Kitchen Live’ at the Yorkshire Hotel Show

New Release                             15th January 2015

Yorkshire Celebrity Chefs for ‘Kitchen Live’ at the Yorkshire Hotel Show on 10th February 2015 at York Racecourse.

A ‘Kitchen Live’ demonstration event will be at the Yorkshire Hotel Show on Tuesday 10th February 2015 when hundreds of hoteliers, restaurateurs and caterers will descend on York Racecourse for the first of the two-day Yorkshire Hotel, Restaurant and Bar Show.  Here is the line up for the Kitchen Live, which is FREE to attend:

Steph Moon, TV Chef on BBC 2 ‘The Great British Menu’ series and BBC 1 ‘Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is’, and Chef Consultant for ‘All Things Food’.
Steph says: “I am excited to see what is in store at this brand new event at the Yorkshire Hotel show having worked in Yorkshire hotels for over 15 years of my Career I await to see with interest what we can all learn from the show”
Rob Green is chef-proprietor of the award winning Green’s Restaurant in Whitby. He is the national seafood chef of the year, awarded by Sea-fish, the authority on seafood and also a winning contestant on ITV’s ‘Britain’s Best Dish’ Rob is also a business professor for Yorkshire coast college.
Sophie Jewett, ‘The Chocolate Lady’, opened York Cocoa House in November 2011. Her dream was to create a home for true chocolate lovers, who felt they had a personal bond with chocolate. Sophie will share her chocolate love and skills from her Chocolate Masterclasses.  “It’s not about fancy equipment or ingredients, it’s about learning the science behind it, learning from your mistakes and working with good ingredients”. comments Sophie.

‘Michael Hjort, trained with Roux Restaurants and opened Melton’s Restaurant in the 1990’s with his wife Lucy. Melton’s is featured in all the major food guides winning two ‘AA’ rosettes and has a rating of five in the Good Food Guide. In 2001 Michael and Lucy opened Melton’s Too; a Café-Bar Bistro in Walmgate, York (Now renamed Walmgate Alehouse & Bistro).  Since its foundation in 1997, Michael has been one of the principle organisers of the York Food and Drink Festival and is now the Festival’s Managing Director. His commitment to this Festival arises out of his enthusiastic support of the local quality food industry.

Students from York College will also be joining the ‘seasoned’ chefs. They are attending Foundation Level to Level 3 in Food Preparation and Food Service on either a full time or part time basis and the Yorkshire Hotel Show is one of the many experiences available as a student at the College which also provides the chance to enter prestigious competitions such as the Nestle Toque d’Or and also a wide variety of international and local visits which enhance their learning experience.

Student Olivia Etheridge, Professional Chef Diploma said: “York College is super! I started the course late and was immediately accepted by classmates and tutors.  I was helped to catch up with everyone else and quickly felt comfortable in my class.  This course has really inspired me and I have accepted an offer from Sheffield Hallam University to study a Degree in Food and Nutrition.”

Host/MC of Kitchen Live, Irene Myers, has brought together a fantastic line up of top regional celebrity chef’s who will be cooking up some amazing food, using local & regional produce. The timetable for Kitchen Live is:

11am – Sophie Jewett, York Cocoa House
12 noon – Michael Hjort
1pm Steph Moon
2pm Rob Green
3pm York College

“These are some of our region’s best known chefs and food specialists demonstrating their skills and knowledge to their peers and to others aspiring to follow in their footsteps. We are delighted that the Yorkshire Hotel Show is to be a platform for their skills and knowledge in an entertaining format”. comments show director, Keith Myers.

The Yorkshire Hotel Show is a FREE event for industry professionals in the Yorkshire region creating business opportunities and featuring the latest equipment, food, drink, interiors and technology. Local and national organisations showcase the best the Hospitality industry has to offer for 2015.
The venue for the show is the Knavesmire Stand at York Racecourse, a space that overlooks the racecourse and has great access with 2000 free parking spaces.

–    ENDS –

For further information please contact:
Contact: Keith Myers, Show Director
Tel 01904 349477
Mob 07712886036
keith@yorkeventsltd.co.uk
http://yorkshirehotelshow.co.uk
Press Contact: John Gallery, Great Potential, Tel: 07967 032623
Email: johngallery@greatpotential.co.uk
Notes for Editors: York Events Ltd, the team behind the show has assembled a wide range of professionals in tourism and hospitality to make this show possible and is grateful for local support including VisitYork, Welcome to Yorkshire, York Festival of Food and Drink and City of York Council. The Show’s media partner is Hotel Owner Magazine, a Mulberry Publications title.
In addition, ‘Hospitality Action’, the hotel and catering industry charity and the Lord Mayor’s charities will benefit from a Charity Dinner to be held at York College on the evening of Monday 9th February when the Lord Mayor of York and the Civic Party will attend to see students from the College cook and serve the banquet. Dinner Tickets at £25 per person can be ordered via the Show website www.yorkshirehotelshow.co.uk

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Yorkshire Hotel Show Gains Industry Support

New Release                         7th January 2015

Hotel and Tourism industry organisations line up for Yorkshire Hotel Show on 10th & 11th February 2015 at York Racecourse.

Key industry organisations will be at the Yorkshire Hotel Show on 10th and 11th February when hundreds of hoteliers, restaurateurs and caterers will descend on York Racecourse for the second Yorkshire Hotel, Restaurant and Bar show to be held in Yorkshire.

The British Hospitality Association has confirmed attendance as an exhibitor and will be presenting ‘The Big Hospitality Conversation’ initiative that brings job-seeking young people together with hoteliers, restaurateurs and other catering business to learn and exchange knowledge about careers in the industry.

Chief executive of the Institute for Hospitality, Peter Ducker will also be speaking about the professional qualifications and accreditation that the Institute provides, plus its work with local colleges and universities that help young and mature industry practitioners with continuous professional development (CPD).

‘Meet The Tourism Society’ is an opportunity to learn about the wide and influential part it plays in this important industry that is so vital to the economy of Yorkshire, which has seen so much success with the Tour de France Grand Depart in 2014. Welcome to Yorkshire will also be part of the Yorkshire Hotel Show line up with more news of the ‘Tour de Yorkshire’ planned for May 2015.

‘Hospitality Action’, the hotel and catering industry charity and the Lord Mayor’s charities will benefit from a Charity Dinner to be held at York College on the evening of Monday 9th February when the Lord Mayor of York and the Civic Party will attend to see students from the College cook and serve the banquet.

“Support from the key industry bodies demonstrates the importance of a regional show that showcases industry services and products, plus the inclusion of the Charity Dinner will add entertainment and networking value for visitors in a social setting that complements the serious business case for attending the show.” comments show director, Keith Myers.

The Yorkshire Hotel Show is a FREE event for industry professionals in the Yorkshire region creating business opportunities and featuring the latest equipment, food, drink, interiors and technology. Local and national organisations showcase the best the Hospitality industry has to offer for 2015.
The venue for the show is the Ebor Stand at York Racecourse, a space that overlooks the racecourse and has great access with 2000 free parking spaces.

“Visitors will have some of the best expertise for products and services on hand, a packed conference programme of business seminars and opportunities to meet some of the best talent in the business” added Keith.

Confirmed exhibitors include:
121 WORKWEAR; British Hospitality Association: Dancing Goat Coffee; Deliciously Yorkshire; Godson and Stones; Great Potential; Hospitality Action; Hotel Owner Magazine (Media partner); HSH; Hotel HR Group; Institute of Hospitality; IC Entertainment; Linx Beds; Merlin Software; Nikki Stones Accounting; Planet Planit; Saville AV; The Tourism Society; Visit York; Welcome to Yorkshire; York Festival of Food and Drink.

For further information please contact:
Contact: Keith Myers, Show Director
Tel 01904 349477
Mob 07712886036
keith@yorkeventsltd.co.uk
http://yorkshirehotelshow.
Press Contact: John Gallery, Great Potential, Tel: 07967 032623
Email: johngallery@greatpotential.co.uk
Notes for Editors: York Events Ltd, the team behind the show has assembled a wide range of professionals in tourism and hospitality to make this show possible and is grateful for local support including VisitYork, Welcome to Yorkshire, York Festival of Food and Drink and City of York Council. The Show’s media partner is Hotel Owner Magazine, a Mulberry Publications title.

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Director of sales appointment

Tracey Campbell

New management appointment, director of sales, to support evolving client range at Great Potential tourism and hotel consultancy.

York-based tourism, conference and hotel representation consultancy Great Potential (GP) has appointed Tracey Campbell as director of sales as it continues to strengthen its service delivery for an evolving range of clients.

Until recently, general manager at the Aston Hotel (now Holiday Inn) Darlington, previously a front of house and sales manager at Swallow Hotels and with care home experience and qualifications Tracey’s proven track record includes building and managing customer relationships that consistently exceed sales goals.

“With previous leadership positions in sales, care and as a hotel manager, Tracey brings an ideal blend of experience to this role and has a distinct understanding of how our clients sales needs can be met.  Tracey will be a great asset for the consultancy’s growth strategy for 2015.” comments John Gallery, Great Potential, managing director.

The consultancy’s clients include independent hotels, tourism attractions; care homes, research projects and engineering business. Tracey’s appointment is designed to provide additional support including lead generation, relationship management and familiarisation visits.

“This is a great opportunity to work with GP’s clients and to help them to increase their business. I’m really looking forward to developing some great relationships with both our clients and their customers.” commented Tracey

About Great Potential: Established in 1999, the Great Potential consultancy has 30+ years experience in the hotel, tourism, destination and meetings/conference industry and principal director John Gallery FTS, MIH, is founder of online meetings booking tool LateMeetings.com. The company advises and mentors business leaders, provides strategic analysis, instigates positive direction and delivers innovative and practical solutions. In addition to strategic and tactical advice, services include research, PR, sales services & coaching, marketing operations and digital media.

Trusted associates provide complementary skills including training, design & print, business planning and operational management. Each project is delivered to meet client business needs using an experienced and professional team.

For further information please contact:

Tracey Campbell, Tel: 07788 927737

Email: traceycampbell@greatpotential.co.uk

or

John Gallery: Tel: 07967 032623 Email: johngallery@greatpotential.co.uk

Note for Editors: Tracey Campbell’s appointment on 1st December follows successful project management for two of GP’s clients prior to moving into this overall client relationship role. 

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Herriot wins White Rose Award

Herriot White Rose Award

The World of James Herriot in Thirsk is winner of the Small Visitor Attraction Award in the Welcome to Yorkshire White Rose Tourism Awards for 2014. The Award was presented at the annual black-tie awards ceremony at The Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate on Monday evening.

“This is fantastic news for the team at the World of James Herriot. Previously owned by the local council, WoJH has been run since 2012 by a team of Herriot enthusiasts with a vision to continually develop it and attract more visitors. Our passion for WoJH means we have increased visitor numbers year on year since taking it on.” comments The World of James Herriot managing director and chairman of the Herriot Country Tourism Group, Ian Ashton.

The James Herriot Statue and Legacy Fund has been developed as a tribute to Alf Wight, author of the books about the life of a country vet, which inspired two films? and the long running and immensely popular TV series All Creatures Great and Small.

The initiative aims to provide bursaries for people wishing to enter the veterinary world and for whom the James Herriot stories have been an inspiration. The installation of the James Herriot Statue in the gardens of the Centre will take place on Saturday 28th March 2015.

Ian Ashton added: “We have invested £25,000 to date to improve our visitors’ experience and as a result, we have increased visitor numbers to 27,000 in a year, widened our global appeal and created a profitable business.”

Note: World of James Herriot PR is managed and executed by Great Potential

 

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Australian Vets Support James Herriot Legacy Fund

Australian Vets Quilt Fund Raiser

Australian Cattle Veterinarians Association Quilt-Makers raise £2000 for the James Herriot Legacy Fund.

The World of James Herriot has received a cheque for £2000 from The Australian Cattle Veterinarians Association for the James Herriot Legacy Fund.

Nico Qin a trade partner of the Association is the winner of the Cattle Practice in Australia Quilt. The quilt, which is a collective creative work of members from across Australia, was raffled off at the World Buiatrics Congress in July.

Ann Cover, the Association’s executive officer said “We decided to donate the proceeds from the raffle when we received news about the James Herriot Legacy Fund, which provides bursary support for young people who wish to become vets and other animal care related vocations. Many of our members have visited the World of James Herriot, his books are widely read and members tell us they were influenced in their career choice through them.”

Second prizewinner, Kim Miller, won a limited edition James Herriot desk teapot and third prizewinner Emily Carroll won a signed copy of the James Herriot book and DVD.

The gift follows the recent black tie dinner event for the James Herriot Statue on Saturday, 4th October 2014 when Jim Wight and Rosie Page, son and daughter of the world famous author unveiled the statue and announced the launch of the Legacy Fund which has been developed as a tribute to Alf Wight, author of the books about the life of a country vet, which inspired two films and the long running and immensely popular TV series All Creatures Great and Small.

Ian Ashton Managing Director of the World of James Herriot said:
“We are delighted to have received the very generous £2000 gift from our Australian supporters which has further boosted the Legacy Fund, the aim of which, is to provide bursaries for people wishing to embark on a career concerning the welfare of animals, and for whom the James Herriot stories may well have been an inspiration. The fund has now reached over £42,000, which will go towards the overall aim of £60,000 for completion of the statue and allow the first bursaries to be allocated.”

The Legacy Fund began with a very generous bequest made to the Friends of the World of James Herriot by the late Mr Thomas Frank Blinks who lived in Robertsbridge, East Sussex, and was a life member of the Friends of the World James Herriot. Fundraising will now be a continuous part of the World of James Herriot’s activities to ensure that the vets and veterinary nurses of the future can apply for support from the Legacy Fund.

The James Herriot Statue will be installed in the gardens of the World of James Herriot on Saturday 28th March 2015.

Pictured (L-R) is Nico Qin, winner of the Quilt and Ann Cover, executive officer of The Australian Cattle Veterinarians Association.

– ENDS –

*Donations to the James Herriot Statue Legacy Fund can be made online at: http://worldofjamesherriot.org/herriot-news.html

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York Accommodation Study

The City of York Council commissioned a study of the city’s accommodation stock to develop an evidence based approach to tourism accommodation in the city to support the realisation of the York Tourism Strategy.

·         Since the early stages in the production of the local plan evidence base, and the tourism strategy for the city,  the council and hoteliers in the city alike have recognised the emerging need for a tourism accommodation policy and strategy for the city.

·         The York Accommodation Study provides a basis on which the council can provide evidence based decisions on planning applications for tourism accommodation, and can support proactive attraction of new tourism accommodation to fill gaps where necessary.

·         This report will be used as an evidence based for the future work of the new marketing, culture, tourism and business company in York.

Great Potential won the account to deliver this study and teamed up with QA Research  to produce a comprehensive research document and suggestions for the future direction of the hotel provision in the City of York and its marketing of the destination to attract new and higher value visitors in the business, conference and exhibition sector.

A copy of the report can be downloaded here: York Accommodation Study

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James Herriot Statue and Legacy Fund Launched

James Herriot Statue Unveiling

James Herriot Statue unveiled and £11,000 for Legacy Fund raised.

The World of James Herriot unveiled the James Herriot Statue on Saturday, 4th October 2014. Jim Wight and Rosie Page, son and daughter of the world famous author unveiled the statue in the James Herriot Hall, followed by a black tie dinner in the Thomas Lord Suite at Thirsk Racecourse. Christopher Timothy who played James Herriot in the TV series, members of Alf Wight’s family, and Jim Herriot, former Birmingham City goalkeeper, whose name, in 1969, Alf Wight chose as his pseudonym attended together with Sean Hedges-Quinn, the sculptor of the Statue and Gary Verity, CEO of Welcome to Yorkshire.

The James Herriot Statue and Legacy Fund has been developed as a tribute to Alf Wight, author of the books about the life of a country vet, which inspired two films and the long running and immensely popular TV series All Creatures Great and Small.

The James Herriot Statue will be installed in the gardens of the World of James Herriot on Saturday 28th March 2015.

Ian Ashton Managing Director of the World of James Herriot said:

“The aim is to provide bursaries for people wishing to embark on a career concerning the welfare of animals, and for whom the James Herriot stories may well have been an inspiration. The £11,000 raised at the launch dinner is a fantastic boost in support of the Legacy Fund and this vision. The fund has now reached over £40,000, which will go towards the overall aim of £60,000 for completion of the statue and allow the first bursaries to be allocated.”

The Legacy Fund began with a very generous bequest made to the Friends of the World of James Herriot by the late Mr Thomas Frank Blinks who lived in Robertsbridge, East Sussex, and was a life member of the Friends of the World James Herriot. Fundraising will now be a continuous part of the World of James Herriot’s activities to ensure that the vets and veterinary nurses of the future can apply for support from the Legacy Fund.

Jim Wight and Rosie Page, son and daughter of Alf Wight, speaking about the Legacy said: “This is a unique opportunity to develop a legacy to support young people who wish to become veterinary surgeons, or to pursue a career dedicated to animal welfare. Our father would be proud to be associated with this initiative and we consider the statue to be a very fitting tribute.”

Images and a video of the Jim Wight’s speech at the event can be found online at: www.worldofjamesherriot.com and http://youtu.be/WccXxkiwsb4

Chefs from Yorebridge House, Bainbridge in the Yorkshire Dales provided a fine dining meal and the fund-raising auction was held after the meal by John Tennant of Tennant Auctioneers, Leyburn.

– ENDS –

*Donations to the James Herriot Statue Legacy Fund can be made online at: http://worldofjamesherriot.org/herriot-news.html

For further information please contact:

Ian Ashton, The World of James Herriot, 3 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 1PL Tel: 01845 524234 E-mail: mail@worldofjamesherriot.com

Press Contact: John Gallery, Tel: 07967 032623 E-mail: johngallery@greatpotential.co.uk

Notes to Editors: The World of James Herriot is a unique tribute to Alf Wight, vet and author of the James Herriot stories. Based in his original surgery at 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire – the ‘Skeldale House’ of the Herriot books – it takes visitors on a journey back to the 1940s.

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James Herriot Statue

The World of James Herriot will be unveiling the James Herriot Statue in the James Herriot Hall, followed by a black tie dinner in the Thomas Lord Suite at Thirsk Racecourse on Saturday, 4th October 2014 from 7pm. Christopher Timothy who played James Herriot in the TV series, members of Alf Wight’s family, and Jim Herriot, former Birmingham City goalkeeper, whose name, in 1969, Alf Wight chose as his pseudonym is attending together with Sean Hedges-Finn, the sculptor of the Statue and Gary Verity, CEO of Welcome to Yorkshire.

The James Herriot Statue and Legacy Fund has been developed as a tribute to Alf Wight, author of the books about the life of a country vet, which inspired two films and the long running and immensely popular TV series All Creatures Great and Small.

Ian Ashton Managing Director of the World of James Herriot said:

“The aim is to provide bursaries for people wishing to embark on a career concerning the welfare of animals, and for whom the James Herriot stories may well have been an inspiration. The launch dinner is an opportunity to support this vision. The fund has already reached £30,000. The initial aim is to double this figure to £60,000, which would finance the completion of the statue and allow the first bursaries to be allocated.”

The Legacy Fund* began with a very generous bequest made to the Friends of the World of James Herriot by the late Mr Thomas Frank Blinks who lived in Robertsbridge, East Sussex, and was a life member of the Friends of the World James Herriot.

Jim Wight and Rosie Page, son and daughter of Alf Wight, speaking about the Legacy said: “This is a unique opportunity to develop a legacy to support young people who wish to become veterinary surgeons, or to pursue a career dedicated to animal welfare. Our father would be proud to be associated with this initiative and we consider the statue to be a very fitting tribute.”

A fine dining meal will be provided by chefs from Yorebridge House, Bainbridge in the Yorkshire Dales and a fund-raising auction will be held after the meal by John Tennant of Tennant Auctioneers, Leyburn. A limited number of places are still available and can be booked online at www.worldofjamesherriot.com

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Body Clock Sleep Service for ‘Larks and Owls’

The Old Lodge Malton in North Yorkshire is to ask guests when making an accommodation booking or at check-in whether they are ‘Larks or Owls’

The new question, as part of the reservation and check-in procedures is to allow the reception team to allocate the most appropriate room in the hotel dependent on guest’s sleep pattern preferences – i.e. whether they are either ‘morning’ or ‘evening’ people.

Sleep researchers have known for some time that there is some biological truth to the adage that people come in ‘morning’ or ‘evening’ types, also called ‘larks’ or ‘owls’. Now the hotel is putting this fact into a practical service that caters for the ‘type’ that guests consider themselves to be.

“Hotels are in the business of providing somewhere to sleep so it seems to me that it is our duty to find better ways for guests to get the best sleep possible. By taking a serious approach to their ‘type’ preference, we intend to improve the delivery of a good night’s (or good day’s) sleep at this hotel.” comments hotel director Tracey Holroyd.

The hotel is preparing for the differing needs of ‘larks’ and ‘owls’ by planning staff levels to match the ‘type’ levels on any one night, for example, ensuring more breakfast staff if the majority of guests are ‘larks’.

“Accommodation is our core service and whilst many hotel companies boast about how good their beds* may be, we are taking a more scientific approach.

It is our guests circadian rhythms that we want to know about so that we can be better prepared for them when they are at their best.” added Tracey. *Allegedly, our mattresses, made by WL Jackson of Wakefield are similar to the type used by Her Majesty the Queen.

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Mindfulness initiative at Old Lodge Malton

‘Mindfulness moments’ focus provides antidote to modern hurry.

‘Mindfulness Moments’ is to be introduced at The Old Lodge Malton in North Yorkshire in a move to help guests to enjoy a more relaxed and enjoyable stay.

Mindfulness is a way of calming and connecting yourself, improving your awareness and shutting out negative thoughts. It does this without the kind of snobbery that might be associated with transcendental meditation.

Mindfulness feels rather like yoga without the physical postures. At its most basic it involves being still, closing your eyes and paying attention to your breath. When your mind wanders you try to bring it back. This is far more powerful than it sounds and much harder, for it is really about leaving behind the anxieties that plague us.

“The Old Lodge is a place where guests can practice mindfulness because we provide the space where people can take advantage of our stress free environment and especially the extended lawned gardens that are just perfect for easing anxiety. When guests tell us how relaxed and refreshed after a stay with us, I believe they have had a taste of ‘mindfulness’.” comments hotel director Tracey Holroyd.

The hotel is also encouraging guests to adopt a technique recently pioneered in schools called ‘dot be’, which is shorthand for ‘stop, breathe and be’ which claims to help people in a variety of situations, whether in be facing business challenges, bullying or getting ready for a presentation in a conference or a sporting performance.

“By having a focus on ‘mindfulness moments’ guests, both business and leisure, will leave relaxed and ready for their next challenge.” added Tracey.

– ENDS –

For further information please contact: Tracey Holroyd, director.

Tel: 01653 690570 Email: info@theoldlodgemalton.co.uk

Press contact: John Gallery, Tel: 07967 032623 Email: johngallery@greatpotential.co.uk

Notes for Editors: The Old Lodge is a stunning Tudor mansion set in beautiful grounds, on the edge of the historic Market town of Malton, near Pickering, North Yorkshire with 20 en-suite rooms, all with TV, DVD/CD player, tea & coffee facilities, plus a further 8 rooms in a renovated public house about 50 metres away, called The Old Lodgings. The Old Lodge has a beautiful antique wood panelled boardroom. It has adequate natural lighting, supplemented with overhead lights and lamps, with a window that can be shuttered to block out light if necessary.