Amadeus secures £16.3m contract in Belfast

Amadeus, part of the NEC Group, has secured a five-year catering contract worth £16.3m with Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall (BWUH) in Northern Ireland.

Belfast Waterfront will open its new 4,000 sq m extension in early May and the deal will see Amadeus exclusively cater for all conferences and events at the purpose built venue along with sister music venue Ulster Hall.

"We are particularly excited to be expanding our portfolio to Northern Ireland in the Year of Food, as provenance is something we strongly believe in at Amadeus. We have set up new, local suppliers and look forward to working with them to create the fantastic food we are known for."

Elllvena Graham, chair of the board of BWUH Ltd, which operates both venues, added: "Amadeus has a wealth of experience in conference and events, backed up by a talented management team.

"Its commitment to local suppliers and staff was critical in our selection process and we are very pleased with the initial arrangements Amadeus have put in place for this. In addition Amadeus' technological approach, including in seat and pre-ordering services, fits well with our own focus on technology within the venues."

Belfast City Council launched its £150m investment programme earlier this year, which is aimed at supporting local businesses and creating employment. The Waterfront's expansion project has been jointly funded by Belfast City Council, Tourism Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund, under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland, administered by Tourism Northern Ireland.

The NEC Group operates the NEC, the ICC, the Genting Arena and the Barclaycard Arena. It also owns national ticketing agency, the Ticket Factory; hospitality brand, Amplify and caterer, Amadeus.

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