Dominus Hospitality Pledges Major Fundraising and Support Initiatives with Springboard
We are delighted to partner with Dominus Hospitality, which has committed to help us continue our vital work in supporting individuals to overcome barriers and build successful careers in hospitality. As a Showcase Employer, Dominus Hospitality will help raise funds and welcome Springboard trainees to their hotels – for training, work experience and site visits – as part of its commitment to helping the next generation of talent.
Dominus Hospitality is the hotel management platform of Dominus, a leading real estate investor and developer. Dominus Hospitality currently manages five hotels owned by Dominus: The Dixon at Tower Bridge and Lost Property at St Paul’s in London, Courtyard by Marriott in Oxford, and Hampton by Hilton hotels in Bath and London City. All Dominus-owned hotels are Green Key accredited, reflecting the company’s commitment to sustainability.
The partnership is off to a strong start. In April, the team at Hampton by Hilton London City took on an incredible 24-hour challenge in their hotel lobby, cycling non-stop and raising £1,497 for Springboard.
Just last month, seven members of Dominus and the Dominus Hospitality head office team participated in the iconic Three Peaks Challenge, raising vital funds for Springboard and demonstrating their dedication to making a tangible difference.
In addition to fundraising, Dominus Hospitality will also deliver training, mentoring and work experience for Springboard trainees. Most recently, running an insightful Q&A session with staff from three of Dominus’ hotels, giving trainees valuable access to industry professionals as part of their course.
Looking ahead, Dominus Hospitality will be entering a team in the upcoming Springboard Virtual Race Goes Down Under, further strengthening the partnership and engaging staff in fun, meaningful fundraising activities.
“We are delighted to support The Springboard Charity and play our part in nurturing the future of hospitality,” said Matt Williams, director of hotels at Dominus Hospitality. “Through fundraising, mentoring, and hands-on support, we are committed to helping individuals from all backgrounds realise their potential in our industry.”
Chris Gamm, CEO of Springboard Charity, commented: “Dominus Hospitality’s support is a fantastic boost for Springboard and the people we help. Their fundraising, expertise, and enthusiasm will make a real difference to our trainees and the wider industry.”
Springboard and Klarent Hospitality Announce New Partnership to Open Doors in Hospitality
We are proud to announce our new partnership with Klarent Hospitality, marking the beginning of an exciting collaboration focused on creating meaningful career pathways within the hospitality sector.
Klarent Hospitality’s commitment to creating opportunities and fostering long-term careers in the industry is truly inspiring, and we’re excited to continue making a positive impact together.
This new partnership brings together two organisations with a shared vision: to make the hospitality industry more inclusive and accessible, especially for individuals who face barriers to employment. Klarent Hospitality, which operates a wide portfolio of hotels across the UK and Ireland, shares Springboard’s passion for championing inclusive recruitment and investing in people.
Together, we will design and deliver initiatives that provide hands-on training, employability support, and direct access to job opportunities across Klarent’s hotels. The goal is to support individuals, particularly those from underrepresented groups or challenging circumstances into sustainable, rewarding careers in hospitality.
Kirstine Rowland, Group Director of Human Resources at Klarent Hospitality added that “At Klarent, we are deeply committed to opening doors within the hospitality industry, especially for individuals facing barriers to employment. Partnering with Springboard aligns perfectly with our values, supporting skills development, championing inclusive recruitment, and helping people build sustainable careers. Together, we’re not just filling jobs, we’re building futures.”
This partnership marks a significant step forward in our mission to transform lives through hospitality, and we’re excited about the impact we’ll achieve together.
The Wolseley Hospitality Group renews their Springboard Business Partnership as Showcase Employer!
We are thrilled to be renewing our partnership with The Wolseley Hospitality Group. Their continued support plays a vital role in helping us change lives through hospitality, and we’re excited about what we can achieve together in the future.
Simon Wedlock, Senior Recruitment Manager from The Wolseley Hospitality Group added “Our partnership with Springboard is something we really value at The Wolseley Hospitality Group. By working closely with Springboard, we are able to offer much-needed support to help disadvantaged and unemployed people of all ages gain skills and knowledge to foster a career in hospitality. Our regular industry visits give participants an opportunity to see behind the scenes of one of our restaurants, including the kitchen, restaurant, and bar operations. Hosting practical days allows the programme leaders a space that can further support their courses in an operational location that can prepare the participants for what to expect. We are excited to continue supporting Springboard and look forward to welcoming more of their participants into the company, and hopefully into further employment.”
An employee of TWHG, Jestin, who was recruited from the Springboard training programme, says: “Springboard gave me confidence to start in hospitality. Now after almost one year at Bellanger, I feel happy with my progress.”
Photo: Jestin seen here alongside his colleagues, holding his Rewarding Excellence award, a monthly award nominated by his peers in the business.
With our Thanks!
BaxterStorey are Working with Springboard to Empower the Future of Hospitality
At Springboard, we are dedicated to helping unemployed individuals gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the hospitality industry. We are thrilled to talk about our business partnership with BaxterStorey, which spans many years of support with our sponsorship programmes at the highest tiers.
BaxterStorey have generously provided time, resources, and support to introduce our candidates to the world of hospitality and our partnership enhances these efforts by offering candidates valuable work experience and employability training.
BaxterStorey have been key supporters for several of our initiatives over the years:
Hospitality Takeover Days
These events provide hands-on experiences for students interested in hospitality, challenging their perceptions and showcasing the industry’s potential.
Springboard FutureChef
As a key supporter, BaxterStorey has provided extensive chef support throughout the local, regional, and national finals. Two of BaxterStorey’s chefs mentored two competitors all the way to the national finals: Head Chef, Alex Standen mentored Matilda Spinks, the South East National Finalist, and Regional Exec Chef Sam Fisk mentored Mariam Musawi, the London National Finalist.
Successful Hiring
In the last six months, BaxterStorey has hired five of our candidates into permanent positions, demonstrating the effectiveness of our partnership.
Cambodia Trek The Cambodia Trek 2024 was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for participants, combining adventure with community service. BaxterStorey’s Head of Creative, Samantha Wakeham described it as “the trip of a lifetime,” highlighting the opportunity to give back to the local community and raise funds for Springboard.
Sponsoring Awards
BaxterStorey generously sponsor the Springboard Ambassador of the Year Award category at the prestigious annual Springboard Awards for Excellence.
Caroline Graham from our Employability Team said: “BaxterStorey’s partnership with Springboard has been instrumental in providing young people with invaluable insights into the hospitality industry. Recently, we had the privilege of a site visit at the BBC in Cardiff, where BaxterStorey’s contract catering team showcased their exceptional work.”
This partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration in shaping the future of hospitality. Together, we are not just filling jobs; we are nurturing careers and changing lives.
New Hospitality Academy Launches to Tackle Industry Challenges and Raise Service Standards
HIT Training is proud to announce the launch of its new Hospitality Academy – a pioneering training initiative designed to help hospitality businesses raise service standards, develop future leaders, and build long-term success through exceptional customer experiences.
The launch comes at a critical time for the industry. Hospitality businesses across the UK are grappling with major challenges: persistent staff shortages, soaring customer expectations, growing competition, and the increasing demand for high-quality, memorable service. These pressures are creating an urgent need for businesses to invest in skilled, resilient teams who can deliver outstanding guest experiences, drive loyalty, and uphold brand reputations.
In response, HIT Training has created the Hospitality Academy – a fresh, business-focused approach to hospitality training, designed to meet today’s realities head-on. Developed in collaboration with renowned industry experts Michael Heppell and Paul Martin, the Academy delivers cutting-edge programmes that focus not just on technical service skills, but also on building the leadership, mindset, and professionalism essential to thrive in a fast-paced, guest-driven world.
Through engaging workshops, hands-on learning, and real-world training interventions, the Hospitality Academy is setting a new benchmark for service excellence – one guest, one interaction, one moment at a time.
| A New Approach to Business-Driven Hospitality Excellence A standout feature of the Academy is the launch of the Hearts & Minds Learning Suite — a first-of-its-kind collection of immersive modules, embedded within the hospitality apprenticeship programme. This unique suite blends practical service excellence with leadership development and mindset coaching, ensuring businesses develop teams who are not only technically skilled but motivated, adaptable, and guest-focused In addition, two specialist masterclasses provide targeted, hands-on training for frontline teams: ● Masterclass 1: The Art of Service – Focusing on craft skills, including drinks service, wine and spirits, barista techniques, and delivering service excellence at every touchpoint. ● Masterclass 2: Service Experience – Exploring memory-making, storytelling, and host-led service to create exceptional and lasting guest experiences. A Timely Response to Industry Challenges The launch of the Hospitality Academy comes at a time when the pressure to deliver exceptional service has never been greater. In a market where customer loyalty, online reputation, and guest experiences directly impact business success, investing in service excellence is no longer optional — it’s essential. “The Hospitality Academy isn’t just about training – it’s about shaping the future of service,” said Paul Mannering, National Hospitality and Culinary Lead at HIT Training. “By collaborating with industry experts Michael Heppell and Paul Martin, we’ve created content that directly addresses the needs of today’s workforce and empowers businesses to develop outstanding teams.” Michael Heppell said “I’m thrilled to be partnering with HIT Training to help shape the next generation of customer service experts. Exceptional service isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about mindset, energy and a relentless commitment to being brilliant. I’ve spent my career coaching individuals and organisations on how to stand out, exceed expectations and create unforgettable experiences. Now, I get to share that passion with future customer service stars, helping them develop the skills, confidence and mindset to truly make a difference. Paul Martin said “I’m delighted to be partnering with HIT Training and contributing to this ground breaking project. Working with an organisation such as HIT, who share my passion for redefining the nature of hospitality excellence, enables us to develop a new generation of engaging, charismatic and highly skilled hospitality professionals who will set the standards for outstanding guest experiences for generations to come”. Designed with flexibility and scalability in mind, the Academy offers tailored solutions to suit businesses of all sizes – from boutique independents to multi-site hospitality groups – embedding service excellence at every level. |
Find Out More
For businesses looking to future-proof their teams, enhance their reputation, and deliver exceptional guest experiences, the Hospitality Academy is now open for enrolment nationwide.
For more information, visit our Hospitality Academy page or contact info@hittraining.co.uk.
Springboard Awards for Excellence Winners Announced!
Hilton, Whitbread, Greene King, Dorchester Collection and Vacherin were among the Springboard Awards for Excellence 2025 winners, crowned at Wembley Stadium yesterday. The star-studded event, delivered in partnership with Delaware North, honoured the sector’s most innovative and dedicated professionals, setting a new benchmark for excellence in the field.
Hosted by the charismatic sports broadcaster Geoff Shreeves, the awards ceremony was a night to remember, featuring a surprise performance by M People’s Heather Small that brought the house down. Guests were treated to welcome drinks in the Lioness Bar, followed by an exquisite four-course meal with paired wines in the prestigious Sir Bobby Moore Room.
| SPRINGBOARD AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE WINNERS LIST: Fiona Colley Trainee of the Year – Kyle Steward Best Recruitment Initiative Award, sponsored by Caterer.com – Greene King Best Apprenticeship Strategy, sponsored by HIT Training – Mitchells & Butlers Employee Engagement, sponsored by Indeed Flex – Valor Hospitality Best Training Programme, sponsored by IHG – Adam Handling Collection Career Development Initiative, sponsored by Diageo – Z Hotels Best Use of Technology – Brewhouse and Kitchen Talent Development Team of the Year, sponsored by Sybron – Incipio Group Employee Health and Wellbeing, sponsored by Hand Picked Hotels – Punch Pubs & Co Community Engagement, sponsored by 5 Hertford Street & Oswald’s – Greene King Disability Champion, sponsored by Sodexo – Whitbread Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, sponsored by CH&CO – Dorchester Collection Best Education and Industry Partnership – The Belfry Hotel & Resort Sustainable Business, sponsored by Nestlé Professional – Rare Restaurants Springboard Ambassador of the Year, sponsored by BaxterStorey – Alice Barrett, Vacherin Best Employer, sponsored by Boyes Turner – Eden Hotel Collection Partner of the Year – Hilton Chris Beaumont Outstanding Contribution, sponsored by Bidfood – Ian Smith and Gillian Dalziel, Diageo |
Chris Gamm, chief executive of Springboard, said: “The Springboard Awards for Excellence 2025 were truly spectacular. In a year that once again tested our industry’s resilience, these awards celebrated the determined spirit and impressive innovation that define the hospitality industry. Each nominee and winner represent the very best of our sector, showcasing the bright future of hospitality and the incredible individuals shaping it”.
The event, which raised a record-breaking £179,000 for The Springboard Charity through sponsorship, ticket sales and fundraising. This will help fund Springboard’s work to futureproof the talent pipeline for hospitality and tourism by promoting the industry, attracting talent and equipping individuals with essential skills through its employability training courses and careers programmes.
For more information on how to get involved in next year’s awards, please email amyjanec@springboarduk.org.uk.
Allister Richards Appointed Chair of The Springboard Charity
The Springboard Charity is delighted to announce the appointment of Allister Richards, Chief Operating Officer of CH&Co, as its new chair. Allister takes over from Alastair Storey, who has led the charity’s board since 2019, overseeing its growth and impact as it expanded its reach and strengthened its support for those entering the hospitality industry.
During his six years as Chair, Alastair has overseen the charity’s work in supporting more than 21,000 people into jobs in the hospitality industry. A key achievement during his tenure was the successful delivery of the Springboard to 2022 project, which helped the sector rebuild its workforce by equipping job seekers with the necessary skills and opportunities.
Alastair Storey, Chairman and CEO of Westbury Street Holdings, said: “It has been a privilege to serve as chair of The Springboard Charity and witness the incredible impact it has on young people’s lives. I am confident that under Allister’s leadership, the charity will continue to grow and change lives for the better.”
Allister Richards, Chief Operating Officer of CH&Co, added: “The Springboard Charity plays a crucial role in shaping the future of hospitality by inspiring and supporting the next generation. I am honoured to take on this role and look forward to working with the team to build on its successes and drive further positive change.”
Chris Gamm, Chief Executive of The Springboard Charity, said: “I’d like to thank Alastair for his outstanding leadership and commitment over the past six years. His guidance has helped Springboard grow its impact significantly, supporting more young people into life-changing careers. I’m delighted to welcome Allister as our new chair and look forward to working together to continue driving forward our mission.”
Springboard’s EDI Group Celebrates International Women’s Day
As International Women’s Day shines a spotlight on gender equality worldwide, we’re proud to celebrate the talented women who form the backbone of Springboard’s innovation and culture. Their contributions aren’t just numbers; they’re a testament to our commitment to promote an environment where women thrive at every level.
International Women’s Day is a time to recognise the achievements of women and reflect on the work still needed to achieve true equality. At Springboard, we are proud of the talented women who are part of our success, shaping our organisation with their leadership, innovation, and dedication.
A Majority-Women Workforce – Women make up 66.10% of Springboard’s workforce, with 39 female colleagues driving projects, collaborating on solutions, and shaping our company’s future. This figure reflects our ongoing efforts to create opportunities for women.
Leadership That Inspires- 70% of management roles are held by women, with 14 female managers steering teams toward success. This is a percentage well above national averages, as data shows that women make up just 38% of senior leadership in the UK. Their leadership ensures that diverse perspectives shape decision-making at the charity. At the senior executive level, 6 out of 10 senior leaders are women, demonstrating that gender equality isn’t just a goal but a lived reality at Springboard.
Building an Inclusive Future – Our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) group works tirelessly to ensure fairness in our recruitment processes and we’ve embedded inclusivity into Springboard’s DNA.
While we are proud of our progress, we know there is always more to do. Our EDI group works to ensure fairness in recruitment and workplace culture. True inclusivity is not a one-day event – it’s a continuous journey. Let’s keep pushing for a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Springboard Empowers Women in Nottingham
A remarkable all-female course took place in Nottingham, offering participants a unique blend of industry insights, skill-building workshops, and empowering experiences. The course, designed to inspire and uplift women in their professional journeys showcased the impact of inclusive environments.
The three-week course consisted of various industry visits and workshops:
Roxy Ballroom
The course kicked off with an exhilarating industry day at Roxy Ballroom, where participants engaged with the female-led team. The day was packed with inspiring career talks, a hands-on cocktail session, and pint-pouring demonstrations. Venue tours and Q&A sessions provided valuable insights into the hospitality industry.
Pitcher & Piano
Led by Events Manager Chelcie G., the visit to Pitcher & Piano proved to be a truly inspiring and empowering experience. Participants felt supported and safe, creating an environment where they could openly discuss their challenges as women seeking employment. This session highlighted the importance of creating supportive spaces for women in the workplace.
Confidence Workshop
A standout feature of the course was the confidence workshop led by Rebekah Henry, Springboard. As the course progressed, participants grew more comfortable with each other, leading to increased confidence in asking questions and sharing experiences. The group’s motivation visibly grew, demonstrating the power of a supportive community.
St James Hotel Experience
Springboard Ambassador, Julian Saunders from the Best Western Hotel Group, provided an immersive industry day at St James Hotel. Participants gained experience in various hotel operations, including kitchen work (complete with bread-making!), table setups, and housekeeping. The day also included valuable interview and industry advice, offering a comprehensive view of the hospitality sector.
Just a few weeks after the course concluded, several participants have secured employment or are pursuing further education! More successful outcomes are expected to follow off the back of this insightful programme.
Time to break the glass ceiling for women in hospitality
Gillian Dalziel, CSR programme manager Learning for Life at Diageo
The hospitality industry is a cornerstone of economic growth and social interaction, offering various career paths for individuals with diverse skill sets and passions. Yet, despite the abundance of opportunities, one big challenge is the prevalence of gender bias and unequal representation at leadership levels for individuals seeking a career in hospitality.
In the UK and Scotland, the industry plays a pivotal role in employing women, with around 60% of the workforce in the UK being female and 54% in Scotland. However, this representation dwindles significantly at senior management levels, with only 11% of senior roles in the UK and 36% of managerial and proprietor roles in Scotland held by women, underscoring the need for greater gender diversity and inclusion initiatives.
As programme manager for Diageo’s Learning for Life programme, I have witnessed both the progress made and the challenges that remain in achieving gender equality in hospitality. While the industry is taking commendable steps towards gender equality, a pressing need remains to empower women to ascend to leadership roles.
Delivered in partnership with hospitality charity Springboard, the Learning for Life programme is committed to preparing women for successful careers in this sector and last year 53% of our graduates were female. Our recent all-female workshops in Glasgow and Nottingham exemplifies this commitment, focusing on equipping women with the skills, confidence, and networks they need to thrive. This initiative is part of our broader goal to address the skills shortage in hospitality and promote the sector as a viable, long-term career option.
Several factors contribute to the imbalance in leadership roles. Coupled with persistent gender stereotypes and a masculinised organisational culture that continues to plague the industry, the “ideal worker” notion, tends to favour masculine traits, further sidelining women.
The industry’s demanding and irregular hours also pose significant challenges for women juggling caregiving responsibilities and there remain limited opportunities for networking, mentoring, and sponsorship, which are crucial for career advancement.
To move the dial on gender equality in 2025, the hospitality industry must adopt a multi-faceted approach to address these issues. By implementing family friendly policies and flexible working hours we can help women manage their dual responsibilities. Another essential part to foster trust and fairness is to have transparency in recruitment, promotion and pay equity. Establishing robust mentoring and support networks can guide and encourage women to pursue leadership roles. Additionally, regular training to address unconscious bias and promote an inclusive culture is vital for progress across the sector.
The benefits of having women in leadership roles are well-documented. Studies have shown that companies with women in leadership positions see increased productivity and better financial performance as women often bring different perspectives and insights, enhance collaboration, inspire commitment, and improve organisational fairness.
Having women in leadership creates a positive feedback loop by dissolving stereotypes, promoting true equality, and inspiring others, thereby establishing a pipeline for future generations.
The time for systemic change is now. By advocating for and implementing systemic changes, we can accelerate the pace of gender equality in hospitality, setting an example for other industries. Diageo’s Learning for Life programme and The Springboard Charity are committed to this cause. Through continued effort and dedication, we can create a future where women are not just present in the hospitality industry but are leading it.