Events uncovered
BCD M&E x Lainston House
Background
In partnership with BCD M&E, Lainston House hosted a senior audience of corporate event and procurement leaders, using the experience to demonstrate sustainability best practice in action. The two‑day get together, framed as IMPACT: Making Meetings Matter, provided a platform for Lainston House and the wider Exclusive Collection to showcase their B Corp credentials and to illustrate how thoughtfully designed business events and meetings can deliver positive outcomes for both the planet and its people.
Location
Set within a 63‑acre historic Hampshire estate, Lainston House exemplifies how upscale hospitality can deliver meaningful environmental, social and economic value. Part of Exclusive Collection, the property operates with a clear belief in “doing things differently to make a difference” and uses its estate, supply chain and the client events as a platform for positive impact.
Governance, Transparency & Accountability
Sustainability at Lainston House is embedded across governance, procurement and people policies with performance measured and benchmarked through the Exclusive Collection Impact Report. Environmental and social principles inform operational decision‑making and supplier selection. Sustainability is integrated into event delivery, food strategy, guest experience and staff development.
Environmental Stewardship
Lainston House has mapped the estate’s biodiversity and carbon potential, nearly a hectare of woodland through the planting of 850 trees and shrubs, including oak, hornbeam, beech, willow and heritage species.
Heritage apple varieties have been reintroduced to the orchard and at the last harvest yielded 700kg of apples, producing 1,000 bottles of estate apple juice
An on‑site Rocket Composter processes food and green waste into 600 litres of nutrient‑rich compost, used across the estate gardens. Food waste is treated as a resource, not a by‑product and supports a zero waste to landfill philosophy.
Food Philosophy
Where ingredients cannot be grown on site, sourcing prioritises Hampshire producers within 30 miles.
The hotel’s 4‑acre, 17th‑century walled kitchen garden and orchard produces 2.5 tonnes of fresh produce annually for use in the kitchens.
Menus are carbon‑labelled using Klimato, enabling informed, lower‑impact guest choices without compromising quality.
Through a partnership with OLIO unused food from events is redistributed wherever possible; last year 479 meals were saved from waste and 853kg CO2avoided.
People, Skills & Future Talent
People sit at the heart of Lainston House’s impact strategy and the hotel is home to the Chefs’ Academy, a two‑year salaried programme tackling industry skills shortages.
To date, over 100 chefs have progressed through the Academy, with strong retention and completion rates. Training includes sustainability, seasonality, leadership and ethical sourcing.
Internal progression is actively championed. Notably, The Avenue (3 AA Rosette restaurant) is led by Tom Hamblet MasterChef: The Professionals winner promoted from within the group demonstrating clear career pathways.
Community Engagement & Social Value
Lainston House is a community anchor for local town, Winchester. And the hotel’s primary charity partner, Trinity Winchester, supports local people experiencing homelessness.
The hotel’s teams volunteer and fundraise throughout the year and at Christmas, Lainston chefs prepared a full Christmas lunch for Trinity clients.
At a group level, 2% of annual profits are donated to charitable causes, reinforcing long‑term, measurable social impact.
Responsible Supply Chain
All procurement decisions are guided by ESG and B Corp principles and means 38% of suppliers are located within 30 miles of the hotel.
The approach reduces transport emissions while strengthening the Hampshire economy.
