Category: Uncategorized

Vital Stats

• Event Name: Tourism Means Business conference 2022
• Client: London & Partners
• Event Style: In person, VIP lunch, conference, breakout sessions and press briefing
• Attendees: 150, including Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London and press

London & Partners wanted to use their Tourism Means Business conference to announce several major new initiatives, including substantial forward-looking investment into tourism.  The presence of Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London and Laura Citron, Chief Executive of London & Partners was expected to create substantial press interest, which would therefore require press briefing facilities.  The event started with a VIP lunch and concluded with a drinks reception both of which required a sustainable menu that would minimise food waste – there was no requirement for a plant-based menu, instead a desire to demonstrate how sustainable options are available beyond vegan products.

Solution

BMA House is a long standing member of London & Partners and is well known as one of the most sustainable in their portfolio.  These were key factors in the reason we were chosen for the event, as was our ongoing commitment to sustainability and the close working partnership we have with our catering partner, CH&CO.  We demonstrated this in 2020 when we signed up to the Mayor’s 3 Commitments for Hospitality and Sustainability via London & Partners. This aims for a zero carbon London by 2050, zero waste commitment and best practice guidance for individuals. Along with this commitment, BMA House itself is aiming for net zero within 10 years.

The event made use of:

• The Prince’s room for a VIP lunch
• The Great Hall for the main conference
• The Snow and Paget rooms for arrival refreshments and afternoon canapes
• The Paget room for press interviews
• The Courtyard for part of the afternoon and evening drinks reception

To ensure the catering was sustainable, CH&CO. continued with the many sustainable practices they already undertake, many of which are listed below.  However, in addition they worked with Waste Knot, a social enterprise working to ensure all produce makes it to market rather than being wasted due to imperfections or surpluses.

Menu for the VIP lunch:

Main Course

Chalk stream trout, spring greens, new season potatoes, herb oil, carrot powder, buttermilk sauce

• Spring Greens from Waste Knot, Carrot powder using peelings from bowl food prep, potatoes from Waste Knot, herb oil using all herb trimmings and stalks and blended with British rapeseed oil

or

King cabbage, miso glaze, butternut puree, toasted seeds, shizo leaf (VE)

• King cabbage from Waste Knot, toasting the seeds from the butternut squash to minimise wastage

Dessert

Set oat cream, vanilla poached rhubarb, ginger and spelt crumble, torched meringues (VE).  Served with tea, coffee and water/ Rhubarb Fizz (soft drink)

• Meringues made from chick pea water, seasonal rhubarb used in dessert and all trimmings will be used to make rhubarb chutney for evening canapes, and the poaching syrup used to make a rhubarb fizz for the refreshing drink

Canapes served in the afternoon included:

Cauliflower and beetroot bhaji, spiced rhubarb puree and coriander salt (VE)

• Beetroot from Waste Knot, using all the cauliflower trimmings from lunch menu, utilising the seasonal rhubarb across the whole of our menu to reduce wastage and drying coriander leaves and stalks that may be past their best and Knot normally used – then blending with salt to produce a fantastic seasoning

Potato and celeriac tart, Montgomery cheddar, green herb sauce (V)

• Using Waste Knot products across our menu to reduce wastage, also using the bruised pieces of the amazing Montgomery cheddar that are Knot normally sold for retail based solely on appearance when they taste delicious

Gressingham duck, spring onion, Essex cucumber, Rhubarb puree

• Gressingham ducks are an amazing British product, we confit the legs and use the bones to make a reduced duck sauce showcasing how we minimise wastage and use every part of the duck, the rhubarb puree comes from the rhubarb that is featured throughout our menu again to minimise wastage and energy use

Miso fudge brownie, candied butternut seeds (V)

• The candied butternut seeds are usually a bi product from menus but we ensure every part of the vegetable is used

In addition to the catering choices at the event – some of BMA House’s ongoing waste reduction practices, which were appreciated by London & Partners, include:

• Food waste is collected by Paper Round for energy production
• Staff lunches use leftover or repurposed food
• Soups are made using leftovers and food that might normally be thrown
• We have used food bank collection for tinned and packaged food that has or is about to go out of date
• Reuse food where we can eg soups, wasted bread and pastry products to make bread and butter pudding
• Chutney made from peelings and waste fruit
• Any leftover cakes are taken to many of the teams within BMA House as a treat – great for morale!
• We ask for final numbers to be confirmed before the event so that we can make adjustments to production – reducing wastage

Feedback

“On behalf of the entire London & Partners team, may I take this opportunity to thank you for your hospitality and hosting of our event yesterday.  Your exceptional attention to detail and patience with our requests and requirements were most gratefully noted and received.  As stated verbally yesterday, it was the first time which I had worked with BMA House and it was seamless.  All the staff were attentive and responsive to any query and under Hannah’s direction the event results speak for themselves.” Donna Abberley, Corporate Events Manager for London & Partners

During the event, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan discussed his goals for London’s tourism industry, adding: “While it is promising to see more and more people visiting the heart of London, I know that it has been, and continues to be, a difficult time for the tourism sector in the capital, which is used to welcoming people from all over the world.

“I’m committed to doing everything I can to get London back on its feet after the pandemic, and I will continue to work alongside London’s businesses and tourism industry to encourage visitors back to our city. Now that restrictions for travellers coming to the UK have lifted, London is fully open once more, and our new £10m international tourism campaign will help to ensure we retake our place as one of the most visited cities in the world.”

🏆 A Silver Award in the COOlest Sustainable Venue category 🏆
Delighted with our recent award win at the COOL Event Awards! As always, this is a joint effort from our hardworking teams at BMA House including Estates, Porters, our catering partners, Company of Cooks, and Events.

Here are all the winners and more about the Awards.

To find out more about our sustainability achievements, click here: https://lnkd.in/eg6Cu7sv

Prestige Events Magazine

🌟 We’re shining the sustainability path again – crowned one of their Top Ten Sustainable Suppliers, check out our feature in Event Industry News and be inspired by our sustainability initiatives for your next event.

We love sharing news when our amazing team are asked to be interviewed for their expertise in the events industry, and here our very own Business Development Event Manager, Hannah Robinson tells us about her experience of dealing with clients from the enquiry stage through to contract.

Read her interview with Locus-Point here.

Contact our caring event planners on [email protected] for more information on our sustainable London venue or call 020 7874 7020

The sun is starting to appear more often, blossom is appearing on the trees and spring flowers are poking their way through the dark winter soil. It is impossible not to feel a little more upbeat when there is so much fresh growth around us.  The feeling of “potential” within nature’s bounty is incredibly powerful and that feeling generates thoughts of long summer’s evenings, outdoor celebrations and parties.

Summer parties are of course not limited to just a few friends but also offer a wealth of opportunities to gather with a much wider range of acquaintances, colleagues, clients and more.  They are a chance to revel in the warmth of a setting sun, whilst enjoying fantastic food and drink, great company and here at BMA House the unique, undefinable feeling that nothing beats a British summer’s evening.  In fact, you might even describe it as “paradise.”

Such an event sounds idyllic, what better way to spend a summer’s evening?  However, such events come at a cost both financially and environmentally.  With regards to the costs there are a wealth of tips organisers can follow to make the figures work.  However, the single biggest tip we can offer is to think in terms of value rather than cost.  Focus spend on the areas that really matter such as venue choice, catering and theming – those are the elements attendees will truly remember – particularly if you think in terms of quality rather than quantity.

However, it is vital that we consider wider costs that might not initially or directly impact us in the short term – but could impact us all for many years to come.  Events by their very nature can have an impact on the environment and we therefore need to make allowances and adjustments wherever possible to minimise this.

Here at BMA House environmental savings start with the simple choice to use our wonderful outdoor spaces for summer parties.  Whether it’s our Courtyard, with its magnificent fountain for up to 320 or the Garden with its hidden nooks capable of hosting 90, either of our external spaces free up the need for the additional lighting and electricity that accompanies indoor spaces.  However, at BMA House we go a lot further than thinking about just the electricity bill when it comes to sustainability, and we believe you should too.  So, what else can you consider when organising your sustainable summer party?

• Start with travel – how will you and your guests get to the party? Few things are more pleasurable on a summer’s evening than a leisurely stroll, so consider proximity for your guests when selecting a venue.  A venue with a clean air walking route should also be a strong contender due to the higher air temperatures in summer – which can increase pollution and smog in traffic dense areas.

• Public transport options should be considered – ranging from the tube and buses to include some of the more unusual options such as the scooters and bikes that are hireable in many cities. In fact, with good light remember cycling could be a great option that might not be considered at other times of the year.  Transport to and from an event is one of the single biggest environmental factors every organiser should consider and needs to be factored in from the start.

• Attendee numbers are vital – so get them right. Food waste offers one of the biggest opportunities to get event sustainability right but can also be an area for huge mistakes.  Ensuring accurate catering numbers and sensible portion sizes are the perfect place to start.  Consider your minimum numbers, keep a close watch on registrations and communicate with the venue as things change.  A good venue will know how much food to cook and deliver for any given number of attendees – but only if they have accurate information.

• Food choices are also a great way to minimise waste. People attending a stand-up party in hot summer weather will eat differently to the same group sitting down for a three course Christmas party.  Again, the venue will know and understand how to get the numbers right.  However, they can also steer you in truly sustainable directions when it comes to the food choices.  We are for example offering beef and lamb free menus as standard for 2023 as well as entirely meat free options – Jackfruit Burgers have to be tasted to be believed…

• Summer food choices also provide a wealth of seasonal options, including some of the best fruits and vegetables unavailable locally in the winter. These allow for incredibly creative menu options – not to mention some pretty unusual cocktails.

• It is also worth noting that changing climates mean some of the best sparkling wines are now produced here in the UK – so don’t ask for imports and their associated food miles when you can support vineyards all across the country.

Finally, it is worth considering theming.  In the dark winter months, most venues might consider decorations and other paraphernalia to maintain the Christmas spirit.  Summer is very different – the weather is potentially all the theming you need.  So, avoid wasteful expenditure on single use décor and simply enjoy the wonderful light and warmth that comes from not just the climate but also the camaraderie and pleasure of spending time with other people.

Paradise Found party packages at BMA House

Join us for an unforgettable summer party in paradise, in the heart of Bloomsbury!

This year we invite you to experience our version of paradise in our exciting Paradise Found party package. Being in paradise is said to improve your wellbeing, so let us transform your mood from work to bliss the moment you step inside our wrought iron gates. Soak up the sun whilst sipping on cocktails with colleagues next to our magnificent fountain in the Courtyard, suitable for up to 320 guests, or tuck into a sizzling BBQ or vibrant Street Food stalls in our lush idyllic Garden, for up to 90.

A sustainable summer

Sustainability is always at the forefront of party planning; our catering partners, Company of Cooks. will ensure only the finest quality ingredients are used. Our ethical & sustainable food practices mean we support British farmers & source local produce where possible, whilst ensuring food waste is at its absolute minimum.

No matter the theme or size of the crowd, you can customise your Paradise party package to fit just what you imagined.

For more information, contact us here

The BMA House Events Team

Our passion to care for the planet is one we love to shout about! Here our Venue Marketing Manager, Rebecca Hurley shares what it means to be one of the most sustainable venues in the capital and what we are doing to ensure the moment guests step inside our building, their experience is sustainable from start to finish.

Read the Sustainable Venue Spotlight interview with HeadBox here:

To find out more about our sustainable venue, or to book your next event, email [email protected] or call 020 7874 7020

This March, our Venue Marketing Manager, Rebecca Hurley was interviewed by the lovely team at The BNC (Buyers Networking Club) – here she reveals all about her experience in running events, her love for promoting everything sustainable, and why she’s been at BMA House for so long (14 years!)

You’ll find us at the next BNC Show at Central Hall Westminster on Wednesday 19th April 2023. Click here to register for your free ticket and to find out more about this exciting show.

The BMA House Venues Team

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 020 7874 7020

Sustainability lies at the heart of everything we do at BMA House and this week we were delighted to be featured in the ‘Sustainability Special’ newsletter with the The Delegate Wranglers.

Have a read and find out what sustainability means to us and our passionate Venue Marketing Manager, Rebecca Hurley

To enquire about holding your sustainable event with us, contact our caring team on:

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 020 7874 7020

bmahouse.org.uk

The BMA House venues team picked up another prestigious award last week at the Greengage Insights and 2023 Sustainability Awards.

During a fantastic afternoon at The Marylebone hotel, we were delighted to take home a trophy for ‘Best Accommodation & Meetings Sustainability Initiative’. This comes after recently being announced as a finalist for The Sustainability Award (Venue or Catering) at the London Venue Awards 2022. These awards recognise outstanding achievement in the field of business travel, meetings & events and related sustainable products & services.

Back in August 2022, BMA House was amongst the first venues in the world to achieve Greengage’s ECOsmart Platinum accreditation, so to say we now have an award of such a high standard to accompany this, is proof we are leaders in hospitality and have considered sustainability in all aspects of our business.

Up against strong competition from Radisson Hotels, Wyboston Lakes Resort and The Marylebone hotel, we felt very lucky to win this prestigious award, and couldn’t have done it without some key people at BMA; a special thanks goes to our Estates team, Corporate Development, and our creative catering partners, CH&CO., who’ve helped make BMA House the successful and reputable venue that it is.

Winning this award is a huge testament to the hard work we have put in over the past 18 months. We’re so proud of the environmental and social initiatives we’ve launched as part of our goal to be carbon neutral by 2030.

The winners from all award categories can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/greengage-solutions_thank-you-to-all-our-attendees-sponsors-activity-7024753476467314688-sqJo?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Sustainability is not just a buzzword; it has become an undeniable part of everyday living and is something we should consider at every opportunity.  As one of the most significant days in our lives, weddings offer an ideal opportunity to demonstrate not just a love for our partner but the world around us.  Amongst the myriad decisions we make when organising a wedding, the choice to be sustainable should be a simple one and there are many ways to achieve it from proposal to planning.  Here are a few of our top tips and thoughts.

Sustainability starts with the proposal: What better way to demonstrate a commitment to the planet than from the very moment you get engaged.  Choice of a sustainable location etc are obvious but perhaps the most significant part of the proposal is the ring itself.  Rather than visiting the local jewellery store why not consider proposing with a piece of jewellery that is already in the family – perhaps your grandmother’s ring or similar?  If classic, vintage looking jewellery is not your thing you can even get old stones reset or have the metal melted and reshaped into something more your style.  Either option saves the use of new resources.  Speaking of which, if you do choose to buy new then check the source of the stones – particularly diamonds.  Sadly, many come from less reputable sources including areas of conflict and abuse of the miners.

Venue Choice: Once you are engaged it is time to start planning.  Very often the first choice is the venue – something we know a little about here at BMA House!  Talk to your potential venues to understand their commitment to sustainability, what actions are they taking to protect the planet?  How will they support your sustainable choices.  Many of the subsequent decisions you make about your wedding will be based on the capabilities and options available at the venue, so ensure you discuss sustainability with them from the very beginning.

Venue Décor: An area of significant waste at many weddings can be décor and theming.  Significant amounts are often spent on changing a room to meet the needs of the couple and these frequently include single use items that are thrown away after just a few hours of usage.  Surely a better option is to choose a venue in a style that suits your tastes and desires – why pay extra for décor when so many beautiful venues exist with a style all of their own?  This even includes the great-outdoors.  Many venues are either purely external or offer significant external spaces that can be used throughout the day – whether it is for your ceremony, reception or photos.

Minimise Travel: Speaking of venues, there is amongst many couples a trend to use several venues, requiring transport from hotel – to ceremony – to drinks reception – to wedding breakfast – to party.  Each one of those journeys impacts the planet so we highly recommend minimising this as much as possible by sticking to one or at most two locations.  For those considering overseas weddings – travel sustainability and destination choice becomes an imperative.

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle: This mantra is key to sustainability across all parts of our lives and as such can be reflected in wedding planning.  Firstly – use less, secondly, don’t use it only once, thirdly – recycle it for future use.  Clearly this is relevant in the décor and theming discussed earlier.  However, a few other key areas are invitations, flowers, food and favours:

• Invitations are potentially a big waste of money and environmental resources. Consider whether they even need sending – or perhaps digital invitations would be a better option.  Next think about printing requirements such as sustainable ink and paper choice.  Finally, minimise waste by only sending out what is truly necessary.

• Cut flowers by their very nature look beautiful but aren’t sustainable – you are quite literally killing them to provide decoration at the wedding. At the very least consider what is in season and local.  There are however many other more sustainable options that can be considered including pot plants or even herbs and small trees.

• Food offers a significant potential for waste, particularly as it is one of the most expensive elements in the cost of any wedding. Here in particular it is vital to talk to the venue and caterers.  As a venue, along with our catering partner CH&CO. we have been delivering sustainable food options for a long time and could in fact write a whole article on just that topic.  For the moment though our key recommendations are to seek out local and seasonal food; order the right quantities and select menu options that have lower impacts on the environment.  And when it comes to drinks – try the local wine and avoid bottled water.

• Favours are a lovely memento of any wedding but think about the long-term usage and how realistic it is that the attendees will keep or make use of whatever it is that you give them. Trinkets and tat are likely to gather dust and eventually end up in landfill, food stuffs are a far better option as are small plants, seeds and the like.

Where and What Next? The gifts and honeymoon also offer plenty of opportunities and pitfalls for sustainable choices.  A sustainable gift registry is a good choice as of course are donations to worthy charities.  Above all else you don’t want people spending money on items that are never likely to be used or are unsustainably sourced.  When it comes to the honeymoon – well that is a whole other article on sustainable travel and destination choices!

Ultimately, making a wedding sustainable is not just a matter of ticking a few check boxes.  It needs to be carefully thought out and planned.  For some it seems like it is all a bit too much hassle – however, when you consider the lifelong journey you are setting out on together, surely it is worth a few extra minutes to ensure it starts in the most positive way possible.  Here at BMA House we believe that a sustainable wedding will lead to a sustainable marriage – what more could you want and what other reason do you need to place sustainability at the heart of your wedding?

To find out more about holding your wedding in our stunning sustainable London venue, contact our wedding planners on 020 7874 7020 or email [email protected]

Photo credit to Michal Gutowski

Website: https://mgweddings.co.uk/