It’s not often I get fascinated by something, however this software and machinery allowed the trade that took my grandparents hours upon hours to complete to be done in seconds. This technology means football crests or any embroidery badges were able to be distributed in minutes.

Jamie Oliver looks set to raise the bar when it comes to the dining experience at some of Britain’s top social gatherings and live events during 2010 when he launches his own specialist events catering company, Jamie Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts, in May.

The venture encapsulates the desire within Jamie’s team to innovate and introduce new experiences to people through culinary flair and passionate service. Blended with Glen Chadwick’s 20 years of event catering and logistical expertise, Fabulous Feasts will make the unique Jamie Oliver experience accessible to all types of events throughout the UK and Ireland.

Launching Fabulous Feasts, Jamie says: “I’ve been cooking for large events since I was a kid, and ever since then I’ve been really keen to take the event catering model to another level.  Twenty five years on, I’m now lucky enough to have the best team behind me, the most fantastic food suppliers, and loads of really exciting ideas.

“Our only focus is to make sure that our food lifts an occasion or an event, whether it’s a big family wedding or a work party or a corporate event – we want to help make it as memorable as it can be for all the right reasons.  We’ll have flexible menus* to cover all occasions and the people serving the food will be friendly, efficient and really know their stuff.  We’ll also be really competitive on price while always delivering genuine quality.”

Fabulous Feasts will bring Jamie’s unique and inspirational approach to food and service into the world of events. Flexible client relationships are also at the heart of the business, building on Glen’s extensive experience working for prestigious clientele such as Formula 1 Grand Prix, VIP hospitality areas at Twickenham, Cartier Polo and Garsington Opera.

Glen says: “Jamie Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts is all about taking event catering to a new level. We all share a passion for food and believe in the great experience we can offer guests at any event. Working with Jamie is an inspiration and I am very excited at the prospect of bringing this amazing new offer to the events world.”

Fabulous Feasts’ focus is on providing simple, cleverly sourced food, thoughtful presentation and an engaging experience that will bring food to the centre stage. Bespoke menus at competitive prices can be created for any occasion, be it corporate events, private functions, product launches, sporting events or festivals.

For festivals and other large public events, Jamie and his team will develop special concession menus, keeping things simple with fresh ingredients which can be produced economically and quickly for these fast moving environments.

Glen continues: “Fabulous Feasts brings a fresh, creative approach to the event catering industry. For us, it’s about exciting and inspiring guests, starting conversations and creating an electric, memorable experience centred around the food.”

Specialist event insurer Hiscox today issued the following tips for organisers worried by the recent travel disruption due to volcanic ash:

1. Notify your insurer immediately if you think you could be affected.  A good insurer can help you take the necessary actions to keep the event going. Quick and decisive action could make all the difference.

2. Check your policy to see if you are covered for emergency expenditure. You may be able to claim for these costs without having prior clearance from your insurer.

3. Record keeping is key, both of expenses incurred relating to the event and gross revenue, if insured. Having these details to hand will help should you need to make a claim.

Planning future events?

4. Organisers of events big and small should have a robust crisis management plan in place. A written plan which details alternative arrangements should the unexpected occur will assist your insurer when assessing the risk and may speed up the process of securing cover for your event.

5. Make sure you have clear contracts (with venues and suppliers, for example) which detail under what circumstances you as the organiser may be able to claim refunds or would be obliged to offer refunds. This will enable insurers to agree claims payments more quickly.

6. Buy your cover early – as soon as you’ve spent any money on your event. Buying early will cover you for a longer period of time, often at a lower cost than insuring closer to the event date. And if you wait too long to buy your insurance, you may not get all the protection you want.

Elizabeth Seeger, underwriter, at specialist event insurer, Hiscox said:

“We are seeing that some customers are experiencing disruption with international delegates and exhibitors not being able to fly in to attend their events. On the ground level at the event venue, all is working fine but it’s getting people in that’s difficult.

Events may be entirely cancelled if there are key speakers or performers who cannot attend.

The chaos caused by the volcanic ash drifting over the  UK illustrates how the unexpected can bring months of event planning to a sudden halt.”

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