A Conference Case Study

“We appreciate the personal touch”

The English Mutual Group began life as an independent financial practice based in Worcester. Since the 1990s, it has grown into an independent financial planning agency with offices across the West Midlands, South West, the North West, London and the South East. The Group has a reputation for visionary thinking alongside advisory and administrative excellence.

True to form, the English Mutual takes the needs of its conference delegates very seriously. Its network of financial advisors is spread across the country and any conference venue has to be easily reached by the whole team. English Mutual’s Director of Group Development, Giles Cross first came to visit Cotswold Conference Centre with his company’s Spring Conference in mind.

The central location and affordable price tag means that Cotswold Conference Centre is always worthy of consideration. But the 370-acre Farncombe Estate, with one of the best panoramic views in the country, was the perfect setting for a conference which would leave English Mutual staff feeling refreshed and inspired.

Quality was also top of Giles’s agenda. The company had been disappointed in the past by inconsistent conference food and he was determined that his 45 or so delegates would be treated really well at lunchtime.

“We enjoyed an excellent day at Cotswold Conference Centre for our spring conference – and returned again in the summer,” says Giles. “We love the food, from the home-made biscuits to the excellent lunches. We also appreciate the personal touch from a dedicated team of conference staff. Technical problems get sorted out and there is a ‘can-do’ attitude which we recognise in our own organisation.

“English Mutual conferences are all-inclusive, from the MD to the furthest-flung member of the team. We know we can trust Cotswold Conference Centre to deliver excellent customer service in a location that manages to be both convenient and inspirational at the same time.”

Footnote:
A striking aspect of English Mutual’s work is The Wealth of Happiness Foundation, which campaigns against poverty and financial hardship. Its activities include the annual English Mutual Lecture which is held in Worcester Cathedral, with such distinguished speakers as BBC journalist John Simpson, adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes and politician Lord Paddy Ashdown. Giles Cross is also Director of The Wealth of Happiness Foundation.