Salmon smokery opens with event space overlooking Olympic stadium

One of the first signs of a 2012 legacy was official opened today by London Mayor Boris Johnson. H.Forman & Son's salmon smokery relocated to Fish Island in the Lea Valley after a compulsory purchase order, served by Boris's predecessor, forced it from its original site to make way for the Olympic stadium.

Following a four-year battle over land, H. Forman & Son's impressive new home now overlooks the development of the Olympic Stadium from the other side of the River Lea.

The multi-purpose factory will carry on the traditions of the 4th generation family owned salmon smoker, established in the East End in 1905. But it has now added an on-site restaurant and two event spaces with capacity for 200 and 600 respectively.

After my visit this morning to hear Boris's unveiling speech (embedded below) and to sample the smoked salmon delicacies on offer, I can testify that the new home of H.Forman & Son has unbeatable ringside views of the Olympic park. Excuse the pun, but it's a great leap forward for the regeneration of the East End and the first stage of what event organisers can expect from unique and unusual venues in the area. Former Mask managing director Arthur Somerset is handling event enquiries.

Behind the headlines: Excel & Mask

Whilst I’ve been sitting in the editor’s chair at Revolution, my former editorial team on Event magazine has been chasing major breaking news. First, Excel London, the exhibition centre in Docklands was sold for £321million to a UK subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company.

This summer, the venue can finally begin phase two of its long-awaited development plans. The £150million second phase will take Excel London to around 100,000sqm of flexible flat floor exhibition and conference space. It will represent a major investment in providing event facilities of world scale in London, as well as supporting the capital’s ambition to host an increasing number of high profile domestic and international shows.

The sale has resulted in the departure of chief executive Jamie Buchan – replaced by former deputy CEO Kevin Murphy. Jamie joined Excel in February 2002, a year after I started on Event magazine. He wrote to tell me he was stepping down and to thank me for my ‘friendship and support’. Shortly after his appointment I criticised Excel for its cold appearance. On my next visit, Jamie had lined the venue atrium with palm trees. He was always ready to listen, had a real passion for the future success of the venue and would go out of his way to acknowledge everyone in a room. As the race now gets under way to complete Excel's development before Olympic year, I sincerely hope Jamie is able to retain his non-executive status on the Visit London board and I wish him well in his next venture.

Mask , a 20-year old party agency run by Arthur Somerset has sadly been less fortunate in securing its financial future as an independent agency. The Concerto Group was called to its rescue this month and has now added Mask to a portfolio that includes rival agencies the Ultimate Experience and Event Wise, as well as caterer Create, team building provider Business Pursuits and structure supplier Witney UK.

Mask’s principal contract to provide parties at the Truman Galleries in November and December remains unaffected and I understand Arthur has joined the Concerto Group as a consultant for the next two years. Arthur is one of the industry’s more colourful characters. During my seven years as editor of Event and RSVP magazines, his support and ‘Ask Arthur’ agony uncle advice was always appreciated whilst his maverick bad-boy behaviour and strong opinions set him apart from his rivals. I wish him well.