Amadeus wins major new contract

The three-year contract will see Amadeus provide catering services across the venue’s newly refurbished Conference Centre, state of the art Arena and exhibition centre.

Amadeus has over 40 years’ experience operating as part of the NEC Group catering for four million visitors annually at the NEC, ICC, Vox Conference Centre, Barclaycard and Genting Arenas, and is rapidly expanding its external catering business under an ambitious growth strategy led by Managing Director Kevin Watson.

He said: “This contract was a perfect fit for us. Amadeus are experts in conference and exhibition catering, constantly innovating and changing our offering based on delegate or visitor profile. We also understand the art of Arena catering – the importance of speed of sale without compromising on quality.

“We bring four decades of experience to our new partnership with the Centre. In this way, our world-class hospitality will contribute to the status of the venue as a whole, underpinning the benefits offered to event organisers.”

Based in Peterborough, The East of England Arena and Event Centre is the gateway to the strong and growing East of England economy.

Richard Tate, Chairman at The East of England Arena and Event Centre, said:

“In addition to investment in our buildings, we are investing in the services we provide so that exhibition and event organisers can capitalise on our location and create an outstanding experience for exhibitors and visitors alike.

“Excellent hospitality plays an important part in the success of every event and so we are delighted to announce that Amadeus have been appointed hospitality partner to the East of England Arena and Event Centre.

‘’Amadeus are uniquely able to achieve high standards of hospitality within our ever-changing calendar of events. Their team has a real passion for food and customer service and innovative plans to introduce new concepts from artisan pop up restaurants to eye catching banqueting’’.

Amadeus Sales Director, Chris Reynolds – who was responsible for leading the pitch – said:

“The centre is operated on behalf of the East of England Agricultural Society, a registered charity long-dedicated to delivering local food from local suppliers.  Amadeus shares this passion and is really excited by the prospect of working closely with the team, supporting the rural economy and an agricultural charity with over 200 years of heritage.”

Over the last five years, Amadeus has seen phenomenal growth in its external venue and events catering business. Last year saw Amadeus win a record amount of tenders in its 40-year history securing new business contracts totalling over £30m.