Hotel Cateys 2024: Conference and Banqueting Team of the Year – Richmond Hill hotel

The winner of the Conference and Banqueting Team has smashed budget targets and achieved record revenues with judges saying it is “punching above its weight”.

The independent Richmond Hill Hotel in London hosted 813 events last year across its12 spaces, from intimate meetings for 10 people to grand dinners for up to 240 guests. These have seen the 15-strong team working across conference, banqueting, meetings and events serve more than 24,000 guests.

The team’s success starts with the conversion of direct enquiries, with corporate conversions alone increasing by 8.6% in September 2023 to 61.2%.

The team works diligently to deliver events that meet guest specifications and exceed their expectations, with post-event feedback consistently highlighting its meticulous attention to detail, professionalism and personalised service.

As a result of their efforts the past 12 months have seen both the conference and banqueting and meetings and events teams record remarkable financial success. The conferencing and banqueting team has experienced several record-breaking months, which have far exceeded budgets in testament to the teams strategic planning, exceptional service and commitment. Their efforts have been recognised with four internal awards and a Meeting Industries Award.

Forming alliances with local vendors and service providers has allowed Richmond Hill hotel to offer a comprehensive range of services at competitive rates. For instance, its collaboration with local coffee providers for its meeting rooms has created a network of trust and mutual benefit, enhancing the local economy while providing top-notch services to its clients. This is also reflected in the team’s volunteering efforts. Staff have volunteered their time to undertake gardening, maintenance and painting projects with the Shooting Stars Children’s Hospice, as well as local litter-picking.

Sustainability is at the core of the hotel’s operations, too, and it has implemented eco-friendly practices across the board, starting with the introduction of two-compartment bins in all function rooms to separate general and recycling waste, as well as recycling glass, paper and food separately. In meeting rooms there are bamboo coasters and notepad holders, wooden pencils and recyclable paper cups, which not only reduce the site’s environmental footprint but also resonate with its clients, who increasingly value sustainability.

The team at Richmond Hill Hotel has surpassed all expectations and were described by judges as a “credit” to the venue.

What the judges said

“The team has gone from strength to strength over the last two years and they are surely a credit to the hotel. It certainly punches above its weight.”

Gareth Bush

“Richmond Hill hotel is always looking at improving its product, whie working closely with the community, investing in staff and showing its commitment to sustainability. This creates a high level of service and increased revenue.”

Jordi Vaca