WHO WE ARE
We elevate London’s iconic venues and leading hospitality events with our unparalleled catering. With four decades of expertise, we are trusted industry leaders, and our longevity is a testament to our restless ambition. At our core, we live and breathe events, ensuring each experience feels as fresh as our first and as unforgettable as our last. Our agile and passionate team thrives on challenges, continuously moving forward through innovation to exceed expectations and uphold our continued appetite for delivering remarkable events.
WHAT IS THE ACADEMY?
We are committed to shaping the future of the events industry by launching a pioneering training and accolade programme designed to develop the next generation of event professionals and support our venue partners.
Through the Moving Venue Academy, we aim to equip event professionals entering the industry or early into their events career with the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience they need to excel in this dynamic field. Our programme includes workshops, menu development, competitions, and in-house experience across our accredited venue portfolio, all structured to build proficiency in event planning, execution, and management.
By collaborating closely with our venue partners, the academy creates unique opportunities for participants to learn directly in the field, gain invaluable insights, and develop professional networks. Our goal is to not only enhance the capabilities of our partners but also to elevate the entire events industry by producing well-rounded, skilled professionals ready to lead and innovate.
The Programme
- Launching in September 2024 the programme will run for six months.
- We will be taking on ten aspiring event professionals who are looking to develop their careers in the events industry and are seeking professional training and development opportunities.
- We will be dedicating a minimum of one day per month to nurture this talent, with multiple opportunities to shadow Moving Venue professionals at a variety of events.
- The programme we have developed will have experienced mentors who will guide our mentees through every step of the way of organising their own event, from menu creation to the perfect table setting.
- Upon completion, participants will possess the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully plan and execute a celebration marking Moving Venue’s 40th year and the launch of our Spring/Summer 2025 menu.
The Syllabus
Whether you’re starting your career or looking to advance further, the Moving Venue Academy is here to support your growth and help you make a significant impact in the world of events. Join us to be part of an exciting journey that celebrates success and creates change across the events landscape.
Module 1: Introduction Venue Event Catering
Mentors: Chloe Jackson & Ben Paris
0.5 Day – Onsite at a Unique Venue of London
Topics covered, including but not limited to:
• Welcome
• Induction
• Event observation
• Welcome dinner
Module 2: Sales & Marketing
Mentors: Abby Squire & Paige Norman
0.5 Days – Workshop
Topics covered, including but not limited to:
• Practical content creation
• Photoshoot planning & mood board creation
• Showcase development
Module 3: Planning
Mentors: Elle Harper & Jonathan Attwood
0.5 days – Workshop
0.5 days – Showcase planning
Topics covered, including but not limited to:
• Event design
• Function sheet creation
• Upgrading CCG
• Styling
• Showcase development
Module 4: Operations
Mentors: Kim Laley, Lee Bushnell, Slav Adamek
0.5 days – Workshop
0.5 days – Onsite delivery of event
Topics covered, including but not limited to:
• Ordering
• Logistics
• Staff briefing
• Assisting in managing and overseeing the operational execution of an event
Module 5: Provenance & Product
Mentor: David Ridgway & Alistair Riley
0.5 day – Key food supplier spotlighted
0.5 day – Wine training course
Topics covered, including but not limited to:
• Importance of partnering with the right suppliers for food and beverage
• The sustainability and environmental stipulations to supply to Moving Venue
• An understanding of seasonal ingredients
Module 6: Kitchen & Menu Development
Mentors: David Ridgway & Sarah Hartnett
0.5 days – Tasting Spring/Summer Menu
0.5 days – Canapé creation
0.5 days – Dessert making
0.5 days – Competition
Module 7: Spring/Summer Menu Showcase
Mentors: All
0.5 days – Workshop
0.5 days – Onsite Event Venue
This module will integrate the skills acquired throughout the training programme. Students will collaborate with mentors and peers to develop a comprehensive plan for the showcase. The practical component involves delivering the event, serving as a showcase not only for Moving Venue but also for the students themselves.
MEET THE MENTORS
The mentors at our Catering Academy are seasoned professionals with years of industry experience and a passion for culinary excellence. The mentors are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of catering professionals, providing hands-on training, insightful guidance, and inspiring creativity in the kitchen. Their diverse backgrounds and comprehensive expertise ensure that mentees receive a well-rounded education, preparing them to excel in all aspects of the catering and hospitality industry.
OUR VALUES
TRUSTED
We’ve been there and done it for 40 years.
PASSIONATE
We live and breathe events and go a step further for our clients by ensuring every job feels like our first and our last.
AGILE
Events move quickly, so we are nimble and adaptable to meet the demands.
INNOVATIVE
We strive to reinvent ourselves to remain relevant as the market evolves, continually moving our product and service forward.
AMBITIOUS
We won’t rest on our laurels. The longevity of our service is a testament to our restless ambition.
RESPONSIVE
The breadth and structure of our team mean we respond quickly to challenging briefs.
RESPONSIBLE
We care deeply about the food, but we place equal emphasis on the people who make it happen and our impact on the environment and communities.