Women have integrated into the workplace well in the past century, last year marking the centenary of votes for women in the UK. And, we (here acknowledging both ladies and gentlemen) have made leaps and bounds in terms of balancing the scales since; in regards to placing women in more senior job-roles, encouraging girls to develop an interest in previously male-dominated industries and vice versa, and in regards to moving closer towards equal pay for female employees. That said there’s still a way to go and one could be forgiven for feeling that the world of business remains male-centric.
This often applies in terms of client entertaining, with the most common option for corporate hospitality being a machismo-fuelled sporting event. Though the enjoyment of sport is of course not gendered, the evidence shows that its’ audiences are generally much more male than female slanted. Such events, if trying to create a friendly, welcoming environment in which to foster good professional relationships and win new business, can be inappropriate for some. So we propose a female-friendly alternative to the usual hospitality offer - a relaxing, beautiful, luxurious day of fine dining, sunshine, educational talks, gin-tastings, live music, sculpture, design and gardens at Jardin Blanc.
Jardin Blanc is the official hospitality area at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, an exclusive corner of the world’s most famous gardening event. There is truly something for everyone at RHS Chelsea, with exhibits ranging from innovative landscaping displays to beautiful blooms to state of the art BBQ pits! And, beyond this, Jardin Blanc is a private paradise. With menus curated by Michelin starred chef Raymond Blanc, an open Champagne and botanic cocktail bar and live music in the background, it is both an indulgent and relaxing environment, both calming and sociable.
So here, we speak to the ladies behind this unique hospitality offer, and find out what goes into creating and running such a blissful and welcoming event:
Victoria Walker | Sales and Events Coordinator
FAVOURITE FLOWER: Rose
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT JARDIN BLANC?
My role sits with the Sales Team to ensure guests have the best experience possible. I run the restaurant table plans and give our glamorous hostesses a clear description of where guests will be situated in each session. During the week I also monitor the incoming enquiries, answering any queries, questions, fulfilling any last minuet bookings and working closely with the Ticket Office to
make sure collect-on-the-day hospitality packages are up to standard.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO EVENTS?
I started working in hospitality from a young age. After spending almost four years at Ascot Racecourse, I wanted to experience a variety of different events, which is what I have gained from joining the Major Events team here at Sodexo.
DESCRIBE JARDIN BLANC IN 3 WORDS: Inspirational, imaginative, beautiful
Camilla Clawson | Staffing Coordinator
FAVOURITE FLOWER: Camellia (of course!)
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT JARDIN BLANC?
I am the Senior Staffing Coordinator for the Major Events Team and my role is to organise all staff who join the Jardin Blanc team during show week, prep and breakdown of the event. This includes front of house managers- who run the garden rooms, suites and all of the front-of-house staff such as cocktail makers, waitresses, etc. I also organise back of house areas, from the porters to the chefs. During show week myself and my team are on site for any issues and queries staff may have, and ensuring that every member of staff enjoys their experience.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO EVENTS?
I’ve always had an interest in working in events and have worked in catering and hospitality for many years. After studying HR at university, I was very keen to lead a staffing team in an operational function. I have been in my role for nearly 2 years now and really enjoy being part of executing such a prestigious and high-quality event.
DESCRIBE JARDIN BLANC IN 3 WORDS: Elegant, blooming, delicious
Julie Bromage | Head of Events
FAVOURITE FLOWER: Freesia
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT JARDIN BLANC?
I am Head of Events for our major events business and responsible for all fixed catering areas at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show including Jardin Blanc, our beautiful hospitality area within the flower show. This means I am responsible for the overall delivery of the full hospitality programme which includes not only the catering operation, but our Sales Teams who work on the project all year round.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO EVENTS?
As a teenager, I worked as a waitress at events across the country, at weekends and in the school holidays. I then continued on this path after full time education and developed as a catering manager to now being responsible - in terms of accounts and operations - for the very same events at which I started my career.
DESCRIBE JARDIN BLANC IN 3 WORDS: Unique, Exceptional, Experience
To learn more about Jardin Blanc visit our website, check out our brochure, or watch the video:
https://play.buto.tv/sxmHR ...
Women have integrated into the workplace well in the past century, last year marking the centenary of votes for women in the UK. And, we (here acknowledging both ladies and gentlemen) have made leaps and bounds in terms of balancing the scales since; in regards to placing women in more senior job-roles, encouraging girls to develop an interest in previously male-dominated industries and vice versa, and in regards to moving closer towards equal pay for female employees. That said there’s still a way to go and one could be forgiven for feeling that the world of business remains male-centric.
This often applies in terms of client entertaining, with the most common option for corporate hospitality being a machismo-fuelled sporting event. Though the enjoyment of sport is of course not gendered, the evidence shows that its’ audiences are generally much more male than female slanted. Such events, if trying to create a friendly, welcoming environment in which to foster good professional relationships and win new business, can be inappropriate for some. So we propose a female-friendly alternative to the usual hospitality offer - a relaxing, beautiful, luxurious day of fine dining, sunshine, educational talks, gin-tastings, live music, sculpture, design and gardens at Jardin Blanc.
Jardin Blanc is the official hospitality area at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, an exclusive corner of the world’s most famous gardening event. There is truly something for everyone at RHS Chelsea, with exhibits ranging from innovative landscaping displays to beautiful blooms to state of the art BBQ pits! And, beyond this, Jardin Blanc is a private paradise. With menus curated by Michelin starred chef Raymond Blanc, an open Champagne and botanic cocktail bar and live music in the background, it is both an indulgent and relaxing environment, both calming and sociable.
So here, we speak to the ladies behind this unique hospitality offer, and find out what goes into creating and running such a blissful and welcoming event:
Victoria Walker | Sales and Events Coordinator
FAVOURITE FLOWER: Rose
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT JARDIN BLANC?
My role sits with the Sales Team to ensure guests have the best experience possible. I run the restaurant table plans and give our glamorous hostesses a clear description of where guests will be situated in each session. During the week I also monitor the incoming enquiries, answering any queries, questions, fulfilling any last minuet bookings and working closely with the Ticket Office to
make sure collect-on-the-day hospitality packages are up to standard.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO EVENTS?
I started working in hospitality from a young age. After spending almost four years at Ascot Racecourse, I wanted to experience a variety of different events, which is what I have gained from joining the Major Events team here at Sodexo.
DESCRIBE JARDIN BLANC IN 3 WORDS: Inspirational, imaginative, beautiful
Camilla Clawson | Staffing Coordinator
FAVOURITE FLOWER: Camellia (of course!)
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT JARDIN BLANC?
I am the Senior Staffing Coordinator for the Major Events Team and my role is to organise all staff who join the Jardin Blanc team during show week, prep and breakdown of the event. This includes front of house managers- who run the garden rooms, suites and all of the front-of-house staff such as cocktail makers, waitresses, etc. I also organise back of house areas, from the porters to the chefs. During show week myself and my team are on site for any issues and queries staff may have, and ensuring that every member of staff enjoys their experience.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO EVENTS?
I’ve always had an interest in working in events and have worked in catering and hospitality for many years. After studying HR at university, I was very keen to lead a staffing team in an operational function. I have been in my role for nearly 2 years now and really enjoy being part of executing such a prestigious and high-quality event.
DESCRIBE JARDIN BLANC IN 3 WORDS: Elegant, blooming, delicious
Julie Bromage | Head of Events
FAVOURITE FLOWER: Freesia
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT JARDIN BLANC?
I am Head of Events for our major events business and responsible for all fixed catering areas at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show including Jardin Blanc, our beautiful hospitality area within the flower show. This means I am responsible for the overall delivery of the full hospitality programme which includes not only the catering operation, but our Sales Teams who work on the project all year round.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO EVENTS?
As a teenager, I worked as a waitress at events across the country, at weekends and in the school holidays. I then continued on this path after full time education and developed as a catering manager to now being responsible - in terms of accounts and operations - for the very same events at which I started my career.
DESCRIBE JARDIN BLANC IN 3 WORDS: Unique, Exceptional, Experience
To learn more about Jardin Blanc visit our website, check out our brochure, or watch the video:
https://play.buto.tv/sxmHR
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