NEC strikes long-term F&B deal with Levy

Image: NEC Group

The UK’s largest live events venue operator NEC Group has struck a new long-term food and beverage partnership with Levy UK + Ireland.

NEC Group said Levy will take responsibility for all food and beverage operations across the NEC’s key venues including the NEC, ICC, Vox, Utilita Arena Birmingham, and bp pulse LIVE, as well as several regional partner venues.

The NEC said Levy brings industry leading experience, innovation, scale and expertise, allowing the partnership to further invest and enhance the food and beverage experiences.

Improvement plans include the reimagining and transformation of multiple catering outlets, kitchens, and hospitality spaces across the NEC Group’s estate. The NEC Group will benefit from Levy’s greater buying and procurement power, operational and service standards, and best practice across sustainability and safety.

Mel Smith, CEO of NEC Group, commented, “Levy’s proven expertise in elevating guest experiences makes them the ideal partner for the NEC Group.

“We’re confident that partnering with them will further support our amazing colleagues, unlocking new opportunities for growth and ultimately improving our food and beverage proposition.”

The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) is an exhibition center located in Marston Green, England, near to Birmingham and Solihull, UK.

The NEC is the United Kingdom’s number one venue for exhibitions, meetings and conferences. It welcomes 2.3 million guests and hosts 500 events every year, ranging from seasonal shows to retail and fashion.

Birmingham (UK)-based the NEC Group is one of the world’s top venue management companies with world-class expertise in venue and destination management.

It operates the NEC, the 8,000-capacity International Convention Centre in Birmingham, the 900-capacity Vox Conference Venue in England, bp Pulse LIVE, and the 15,800-capacity Utilita Arena Birmingham in Birmingham.

NEC Group further stated that as part of the transition, 330 catering colleagues will transfer to Levy, providing continuity to the NEC’s workforce, while providing access to new training, career progression, and development opportunities within Levy.

The partnership forms a key pillar of NEC Group’s long-term growth strategy, positioning it as a world-leading events destination and reflects a broader commitment to investing in people, infrastructure, and customer experience.

Levy operates at some of the UK’s top venues including Excel London and The O2, as well as across the West Midlands at Edgbaston Stadium and Aston Villa Football Club. Levy is part of Compass Group, one of the world’s leading food and support services companies.

Jon Davies, CEO of Levy, said: “We are incredibly excited to partner with the NEC Group. This is a fantastic opportunity for Levy to create truly memorable experiences for the millions of visitors that come through the NEC Group’s venues each year.

“Our plans to transform the offering will further enhance the guest experience and deliver world-class hospitality. We share a vision with the NEC to deliver exceptional events, and we are confident that our expertise and innovative approach will make that vision a reality.”

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