UK venue group continues growth plans despite downturn

Cavendish Conference Venues is expanding the group with the unveiling of yet another new venue in London, within just four months after its previous opening. 

The Hallam (Hallam Street, London, W1W 6JE) is due to open in January 2009, comes hot on the heels of America Square Conference Centre (One America Square, 17 Crosswall, London, EC3N 2LB), which opened in September 2008.

The company’s significant investment in these two brand new conference venues is testament to its unwavering – and some might say misguided – confidence in London’s conference market.

“Ambitious or plain mad, whatever your view, we believe we are on the right track to make our venues the ultimate meeting destinations in London, and come January 2009 we will be operating five superb venues, four in the West End and one in the City of London,” said Cavendish Conference Venue director Dermot Waldron. “We have several reasons to be confident and anticipate success and growth for Cavendish Conference Venues for 2009 and beyond.”

One reason for Waldron’s optimism is the high level of repeat business Cavendish achieves – over 93%, the company claims. And Waldron is keen to point out that Cavendish is in the position of offering existing customers the opportunity to experience new venues without the risk of using an unknown venue management team – and one that has been strengthened recently.

Waldron also puts his confidence down to his “loyal and dedicated team of staff”, which has recently welcomed two new and highly qualified events professionals to its ranks, with the appointment of new senior business development manager Ros De Vekey, who joined from Guoman Hotels, and diary manager, Sarah Everard, previously at the now closed City Conference Centre. 

Within the existing team, Denis Hickey has taken on the role of conference venue manager. “Denis has worked with De Vere in the past and is an extremely professional and dedicated team member,” said Waldron. “His experience and excellent relationship with clients means he is equipped to help and add value to event delivery – an important asset in this difficult financial climate.

“This strengthening of our team gives us a clear goal to aim towards and shows our commitment and confidence that we have in the existing members of staff and also to the hard work and loyalty they have shown over the years,” he added. “With such a strong team, an amazing track record and great new venues, Cavendish Conference Venues remains confident that it will be able to beat the economic downturn.”