Industry unites to encourage uptake in hospitality careers
Senior industry leaders have united in a programme of autumn school visits designed to encourage more young people to consider a career in hospitality.
Compass, Elior, Punch Pubs, Sodexo and Nestlé Professional® will join Kate Nicholls OBE, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, and Chris Gamm, CEO of Springboard, visiting schools across the UK to help improve the perception of hospitality careers.
The school visits mark the start of a big recruitment drive by the Choose Hospitality Pledge. Co-founded by Nestlé Professional, Choose Hospitality and Springboard CareerScope, the Choose Hospitality Pledge is seeking motivated ambassadors to help educate secondary students about the industry’s wide range of entry-level roles and training opportunities, the breadth of roles available – dispelling the ‘only chef or waiter’ myth – as well as the many career pathways on offer.
Commenting on the new school’s programme this autumn, Nestlé Professional managing director, Katya Simmons, said:
“Hospitality businesses are more than twice as likely than other industries to experience challenges filling vacancies[1]. To address this, we are leading an industry alliance urging hospitality ambassadors to step forward and promote the industry to young people. The Pledge has been created by us with Choose Hospitality and Springboard CareerScope, and is garnering support from a growing number of hospitality and industry leaders.
“Together with our founding partners, we’re galvanising the hospitality industry in the UK to unite and help tackle the recruitment challenge. We’re calling on industry to sign up to the Pledge as ambassadors and visit their local secondary schools. Ambassadors will be equipped with campaign toolkits and props to engage with schoolchildren and demonstrate the exciting opportunities that exist in our industry. Now is the time for people who have carved out a career in the industry to give something back.”
UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls OBE said:
“As the third largest private sector employer in the UK, it’s essential that we shine a light on the fantastic career opportunities that hospitality can provide, and education plays a key role in attracting the next generation of British talent. While only 10% of jobs in hospitality are currently recognised by the UK government as skilled, our industry is filled with highly trained and motivated professionals, and more roles need to be recognised to ensure we continue to attract young workers to the hugely rewarding careers on offer and bring in the skills that we need.”
The Choose Hospitality Pledge gives school leavers the opportunity to experience how dynamic, rewarding and exciting the sector is as a career. It aims to reshape perceptions of the hospitality sector and ignite a passion for careers among young people.
To give back to your profession by inspiring the next generation of talent, please register as a Choose Hospitality Pledge ambassador by visiting: https://my.careerscope.uk.net/ambassador-signup.
The Soho Sandwich Co. Get in the Festive Spirit and Support Springboard this Christmas!
Christmas is the season of giving and spreading joy, and that’s exactly what The Soho Sandwich Co. are doing.
From mid-November and throughout December, SOHO have pledged a 25p donation to Springboard per Christmas product sold from their delectable festive range of fresh sandwiches, toasties and paninis.
Our London supporters will be delighted to learn that The Soho Sandwich Co. are also generously providing sandwiches from their festive range at the Springboard Christmas Carols on Thursday 7th December.
Their Soho Sandwich Co’s festive range includes the following mouth-watering fillings:
- Turkey and Trimmings Signature Sandwich
- Turkey and Stuffing Sandwich
- Vegan Festive Feast Sandwich
- Triple Cheese and Fig Panini
- Pigs Under Blankets Panini
- Boxing Day Toastie
We’re also excited to announce that Adrian O’Hare, Sales & Marketing Director at The Soho Sandwich Co. will be taking on the ultimate challenge next year as he takes part in Springboard’s Cambodia Trek, which will see him trekking 100km through the Cambodian Wilds, from Siem Reap to Wat Preash Bat Bun Tham, to Kulen Mountain, and finally Angkor Wat for a sunrise to remember. A once in a lifetime experience!
The last few spaces are remaining on the Springboard Cambodia Trek. You can secure your place with a £500 deposit today.
The Soho Sandwich Co. story began in January 2000, in a small kitchen in North London. Since then, they’ve grown into one of the UK’s leading producers of food to go, now delivering nationwide six days a week. Their ambition is clear – to become the UK’s number one sandwich brand, beloved by everyone because of their unwavering commitment to quality.
In 2022, their dedication to excellence was recognised when they were awarded ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ by the British Sandwich Association. This praise is a testament to their dedication to crafting the finest sandwiches and other delicious offerings. In June this year, they were acquired by Around Noon Ltd, an Irish sandwich manufacturer, strengthening their position and offering in the market
They work together with their suppliers to ensure consistently high-quality ingredients, produced safely and sustainably, with an emphasis on freshness. This commitment to quality and sustainability is not only good for their customers but also for the environment.
We are extremely grateful for The Soho Sandwich Co. support over the festive period and beyond. Make sure you try out their Christmas range this Winter!
Apex Hotels give Springboard trainees a day to remember
Step into the world of Apex Hotels, where unforgettable experiences are crafted for every guest. Last month, our trainees from the Evening Standard and The Independent’s joint initiative, ‘Skill Up Step Up’ got to experience this first hand as we ventured into the heart of hospitality excellence, the iconic Apex City of London Hotel.
Greeted by their friendly team, the trainees were swiftly taken on a tour of their fantastic hotel and the surrounding areas. Along the way, they were given the history behind each and every significant location, including Daisy the vibrant cow! They viewed all the different room options, finding out the differences between each one, and finally visiting their iconic restaurant, The Lampery.
After their tour, the team regrouped to learn more about the history of their hotel. Among the many curiosities was the question that had piqued everyone’s interest – “What’s with the ducks?!”
The team told the trainees that these delightful ducks have gained a dedicated following, with enthusiasts traveling from far and wide to complete their duck collection.
The day wrapped up with an enlightening session by Christopher Fox, our very own Springboard Ambassador and Talent Acquisition Business Partner at Apex Hotels. Christopher provided valuable insights into life at Apex Hotels and shed light on potential careers within this dynamic industry.
We are delighted to have Apex Hotels onboard as one of our Business Partners.
Here’s what Suzanne Dodds, Talent Acquisition Manager at Apex Hotels had to say about our partnership:
“Apex Hotels has successfully partnered with Springboard to recruit and empower team members throughout our hotels. Thanks to this collaboration, these individuals have flourished, finding new friendships, and embracing our core values of Trust, Teamwork, Friendliness & Passion. We take immense pride in witnessing their growth and the positive impact they have made within the wider team.
Springboard Insight days and work placements act as a positive feeder into our apprenticeship programmes. These placements offer insight into our industry and display how an Apex apprenticeship would look & feel.
Together, Apex Hotels and Springboard embrace a shared vision of creating a thriving and fulfilling career landscape within hospitality. Apex Hotels, believe in creating memorable experiences for our guests. Springboard’s partnership allows us to amplify that commitment. Together, we strive to provide a nurturing environment where every member of our team can bring their true selves to work and develop within a fulfilling career. We celebrate the profound impact Springboard has on transforming lives and driving positive change in our industry.”
Sutton Hotel Collection renew Business Partnership with Springboard
We are delighted to announce that the Sutton Hotel Collection has renewed their Business Partnership with us for our Springboard FutureChef Competition Programme 2024. As the competition reaches its 25th year, we are thrilled that Sutton Hotel Collection will be continuing to support and celebrate the competitions silver jubilee.
Simon Evans, Area HR Manager for Sutton Hotel Collection said:
“We are really proud to be sponsoring the Springboard FutureChef programme for another year. In the UK, we have some of the finest culinary talent yet recruiting chefs in the hospitality sector continues to be such a challenge. By encouraging children to consider a career as a chef at a young age and equip them with the tools and passion to join the hospitality sector, we are safeguarding our futures and creating a bank of amazing talent to call upon. As the largest scheme in the UK for nurturing young talent, we couldn’t be happier to also be supporting Springboard on the programme’s 25th anniversary.”
A huge congratulations to the Sutton Hotel Collection for the exciting news of being awarded a Gold Green Tourism Award. The hotel won the accolade as part of their involvement with the Green Tourism Accreditation Programme, an awards certification programme that strives to amplify the efforts of tourism businesses in becoming more sustainable. The Castle Hotel Windsor Achieves a Gold Green Tourism Award | Sutton Hotel Collection
For more information on our Business partnership opportunities, please contact: Businesspartnerships@springboarduk.org.uk
The Liberation Group renew Business Partnership with Springboard
We are delighted to announce that The Liberation Group have renewed their Business Partnership Sponsorship with Springboard for another year!
Liberation Group consists of over 130 pubs, bars and inns with over 400 rooms, stretching across South of England and into the Channel Islands, employing over 1900 people. “We’re very proud of our estate of local pubs, each venue with its own distinctive style and feel, focused on driving appeal to their local area and beyond, whilst leveraging scale by our focussed approach on people, learning and development, supplier chain and quality produce suppliers”.
Based in the South West, Butcombe Brewing Co. has a state of the art brewery in Wrington, Bristol and a multi-million pound distribution and bottling plant in Bridgwater, Somerset. Alongside its pubs and bars, Liberation Brewing Co. has a unique craft brewery in Jersey and a retail and wholesale business covering all of the Channel Islands.
Thanks to Jacqui Crisp and the team, our Beneficiaries and London Programme Delivery Managers were made to feel very welcome at the Butcombe Pubs& Inns Recruitment Open Day, held at the Punchbowl Pub, Mayfair, London (Pictured – July 2023) Award-winning Butcombe Pubs & Inns. Best Managed Pub Company, Best Premium Food Offering (National Publican Awards).
Here’s what Butcombe Brewing Company Recruitment Partner, Jacqui had to say about the day “What a privilege to host a recruitment day for Butcombe Pubs & Inns at the Punchbowl Mayfair, with some amazing engaging candidates from Springboard. They heard all about our business and even tried some of our own brewed beer. To top that if you could! Three of those amazing people are now Butcombe employees!”
Springboard are excited to partner with the Liberation Group on two Business Partnership programmes, our Showcase Employer Programme, as well as our Springboard FutureChef Competition.
For more information on our Business partnership opportunities, please contact: Businesspartnerships@springboarduk.org.uk
Springboard FutureChef celebrates 25 years of inspiring the chefs of tomorrow
We’re marking our 25th anniversary with a celebration of the former participants who used the competition to kickstart inspirational careers in the hospitality industry.
Over the past quarter of a century, the annual school-based competition to find the UK’s best young chefs and industry stars of the future has been a beacon of inspiration for young talent, fostering their culinary dreams and propelling them towards successful careers in the culinary world.
Since its inception in 1999, Springboard FutureChef has captivated the hearts and minds of thousands of young aspiring chefs from schools across the country. This annual culinary challenge has provided a platform for them to showcase their skills, creativity, and passion for the culinary arts. To date, an impressive 214,000 school children aged 12-16 have taken part, demonstrating the competition’s tremendous impact on the nation’s culinary landscape.
The competition has served as a launchpad for culinary superstars, such as April Partridge, who won in 2009. April has since become the highest-ever ranking female chef in The Craft Guild of Chefs National Chef of the Year in 2020 and was also the Roux Scholarship winner for 2023. Currently serving as chef de partie at The Ivy London, April’s journey exemplifies the potential the competition can unlock for participants.
Other former FutureChef competitors include Michelin Star restaurateur Graeme Cheevers, social media influencer and our latest Springboard FutureChef Champion, Poppy O’Toole, who will be sharing content, videos and supporting the programme in its 25th Anniversary year and beyond, and Ruth Hansom, a Roux Scholarship finalist, winner of a Caterer Acorn Award, finalist of the ‘Great British Menu’ and regular guest on ‘James Martin’s Saturday Morning’ and ‘Saturday Kitchen Live’.
Meanwhile, top chefs including Clare Smyth, Michel Roux Jr, Monica Galetti and Tom Kerridge have all contributed their expertise and passion to nurture the next generation of culinary stars.
DAVID MULCAHY NAMED AS SPRINGBOARD FUTURECHEF CHAIRMAN
Brian Turner Honoured with New Annual Prize
In celebration of the 25th anniversary, Springboard’s FutureChef is thrilled to welcome David Mulcahy as its new chairman, with chef Brian Turner CBE, who has been involved with the competition since the beginning, becoming FutureChef Life Ambassador. Meanwhile, a new annual award – the Brian Turner Best Taste Prize, sponsored by Wellocks– will be handed out for the first time this year, in recognition of Turner’s 25 years of support for the competition.
Discussing the 25th anniversary, David Mulcahy said, “It is truly an honour to become Chairman of Springboard FutureChef, as we celebrate its 25th anniversary. Throughout the years, this competition has played a vital role in shaping the careers of countless budding chefs, and I am looking forward to contributing to its legacy of culinary excellence. Together, with the support of Brian Turner and our other renowned chefs and partners, we aim to inspire and empower even more young people to pursue their culinary aspirations.”
The competition is supported by leading industry names including Savoy Educational Trust, Hilton, Sodexo, Worshipful Company of Cooks, CH&CO, BaxterStorey, Compass and Nestle. The 25th anniversary celebrations promise to be a remarkable milestone for the Springboard FutureChef competition, reflecting on the profound impact it has had on the culinary world and the bright prospects it continues to offer for future generations of chefs.
For more information about Springboard FutureChef and its 25th anniversary celebrations, please visit https://futurechef.uk.net/25-years
More than £82k raised during Springboard’s Virtual Race Around the World!
Winners revealed below…
At the start of July, our 24 teams embarked on the colossal challenge of getting as far Around the World as possible, whilst visiting the Seven Wonders along the way. Participants could walk, run, swim or cycle to gain their miles, which were then combined with the members in their teams to move their team along the virtual map.
The month long Virtual Race Around the World has now come to an end and we’re delighted with the efforts put in by our teams to rack up the miles and fundraise for Springboard!
A massive well done to all of our winners and everyone who participated, and a huge thank you to our Sponsors and the companies who donated their generous prizes.
This year’s Virtual Race raised over £82,000 (including GiftAid), beating last year’s Virtual Race total by a whopping £18,000!
The incredible total will go towards supporting young, unemployed, and disadvantaged people to find great jobs in the hospitality industry.
If you haven’t already donated and would like to, the JustGiving page is open until the end of August. You can donate here.
Take a look at what this year’s participants got up to…
Here is the full list of winners and their prizes:
The team that got the furthest Around the World and virtually visited 4 of the seven wonders of the world: Green Team 23
Green Team 23 have won a team prize of Canapes and a drinks reception at Hilton Bankside
The Top Fundraising Team, who raised and incredible £7,730: Kinder Clan
Kinder Clan have won a team prize of canapes and a drinks reception at Apex Hotels
Our Top Fundraising Individual, who raised £4,745: David Kinder
David has won an overnight stay for two, including breakfast and dinner at the Dorchester Collection
Champion Swimmer: Grant Jones
Grant has won an overnight stay for two, including breakfast and dinner at Hand Picked Hotels
Champion Cyclist: Nina Gold
Nina has won an overnight stay for two at One Hundred Hotel Shoreditch
Champion On Foot (running or walking): Marcus Weedon
Marcus has won an overnight stay for two, including breakfast at Cliveden House
Social Media Champions: Tom Alabaster (The Mighty Ambassadors), David Thomas Lapsley (The Mighty Ambassadors), Esyllt Roberts (Team Springboard) and Marcus Weedon (Hospitality Consultants)
They have all won Revolution and Cuban Gift Experiences
Want to participate in next year’s race? Or perhaps your organisation would like to become a sponsor? Register your interest below.
Thank you to our sponsors
Guest Blog: How can hotels improve operational efficiency in 2023?
As the cost of living crisis continues to sweep across the globe, businesses in all sectors are feeling the pressure to maintain profitability while also providing high-quality services to their customers.
One of the most effective ways for hotels to improve their operational efficiency is to invest in technology. Advances in hotel management software can help hotels to streamline their operations, automate repetitive tasks, and reduce labor costs.
Similarly, the use of energy-efficient technologies such as LED lighting and smart thermostats can help hotels to reduce their energy bills and minimize their environmental impact.
Another key factor in improving operational efficiency in hotels is the optimization of staff scheduling. By carefully managing staff schedules, hotels can ensure that they have the right number of employees on hand correctly staffed at all times, thereby minimizing labor costs without sacrificing service quality.
Additionally, hotels can explore innovative staffing models, such as the use of gig workers, to help them reduce labor costs further. Of course, operational efficiency is not just about cost management. Hotels must also strive to provide exceptional service to their guests, even in the face of rising expenses. This requires a deep understanding of the hospitality industry and a commitment to providing personalized, high-quality service at every touchpoint.
With a deep understanding of hotel accounting principles, a commitment to implementing cost-saving measures, and a focus on providing exceptional service to guests, hotels can weather this crisis and emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before. By embracing technology, optimizing staff scheduling, and staying true to their core values of hospitality and service, hotels can continue to thrive in the face of adversity.
Under any market conditions, access to hotel performance data is essential for knowing how and where to improve operational efficiency. HotStats provides competitive benchmarking tools and financial performance reporting to help hoteliers maintain operational efficiency and improve hotel profitability.
Find out more about boosting profitability by managing operational efficiency using HotStats benchmarking tools.
Promoting Sustainable Tourism in Scotland
ASSC Facilitates a Pioneering Partnership between Fairbnb.coop and Springboard, Ushering a New Era of Sustainable Tourism in Scotland
Springboard, a leading UK charity that promotes employability in the hospitality industry, and Fairbnb.coop, an ethical home-sharing platform known for innovation, are delighted to reveal their partnership. The union, which has received endorsement and support from the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC), is set to significantly change the sustainable tourism landscape in Scotland.
Our commitment to advancing the lives of those seeking employment in the hospitality industry aligns seamlessly with Fairbnb.coop’s vision for a fairer tourism model. The agreement sees us becoming the official social project for Fairbnb.coop in Scotland, the perfect match for Fairbnb.coop’s commitment to ethical, sustainable, and responsible tourism in the region.
Fairbnb.coop is unique in the home-sharing arena. By allowing hosts to choose a social project to donate half of the commission fees, Fairbnb.coop ensures that the benefits of tourism extend to the local community. In this case, Springboard is set as the official social project for Scotland, poised to receive funds generated by the partnership.
Alongside offering accommodation, Fairbnb.coop also offers the FairUP.com platform for local experiences, allowing hosts to offer authentic activities and giving guests a chance to truly immerse in the local culture, thus providing a holistic approach to tourism.
The ASSC, serving over 1,700 members operating self-catering properties across Scotland, has been instrumental in facilitating this game-changing alliance. Endorsing Fairbnb.coop to its members, the ASSC is dedicated to advocating for a model of tourism that is sustainable, responsible, and beneficial to all stakeholders, aligning perfectly with the ethos of Fairbnb.coop.
Fiona Campbell, Chief Executive of the ASSC, commented on the development: “The ASSC is proud to endorse this collaborative approach towards sustainable tourism in Scotland. We believe that such partnerships can greatly benefit our communities, guests, and the broader tourism economy.”
Kelly Johnstone, COO of Springboard, commented: “Springboard is delighted to join the innovative partnership with Fairbnb and ASSC across Scotland. Supporting communities is part of our own objectives through getting people into work, alleviating poverty, and reducing unemployment through the work we do in schools and with people looking for work. We are excited to be supporting a great sustainable tourism initiative where we can champion the industry while also attracting new talent to it’.
Emanuele Dal Carlo, President of Fairbnb.coop: “Scotland is a destination like no other; it’s a place where ancient traditions and rich cultural heritage blend with stunning landscapes. We at Fairbnb.coop, are incredibly honoured to start operating in this community in collaboration with both Springboard and the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC). The ASSC’s commitment to fostering a sustainable and responsible tourism industry, in harmony with the diverse communities and unique ecosystems of Scotland, aligns perfectly with our vision at Fairbnb.coop. Springboard’s impactful work in boosting employability within the hospitality industry further underlines the potential of our shared efforts. Together, we aim to enhance Scotland’s tourism sector, focusing on a model that not only celebrates the beauty of this vibrant land and its traditions but also ensures the benefits of tourism reach those who need it most.”
With a shared vision for an equitable and sustainable tourism industry, this alliance holds immense promise for a new era in Scottish tourism. Together, Fairbnb.coop, Springboard, and ASSC aim to pave the way for a model of tourism that puts the community, the environment, and the benefits to local economies at the heart of its operation.
While Fairbnb.coop is still a startup at the beginning of a challenging journey, the ASSC fully endorses its mission. It encourages small landlords in particular to join Fairbnb.coop, understanding that the shared sustainability rules and localised practices advocated by the platform align with ASSC’s commitment to the prosperity of the self-catering sector and the future of Scotland’s tourism economy.Fairbnb.coop, Springboard, and ASSC all share a common goal: to nurture a vibrant and prosperous tourism sector in Scotland that benefits everyone – visitors, locals, and businesses alike.
Find out more about Fairbnb.coop
Find out more about ASSC
Celebrate National Hospitality Day with us
A vibrant showcase of the hospitality industry with fundraising for the top UK hospitality charities
National Hospitality Day is set to take place on Friday, September 29th 2023, marking a significant occasion to honour our hospitality industry, while supporting vital charities. This annual celebration serves as a platform for venues and suppliers across the UK to host events, activities and offers, all with the aim of engaging customers and encouraging them to fundraise for five hospitality charities – The Springboard Charity, Hospitality Action, The Drinks Trust, the Licensed Trade Charity, and Only a Pavement Away.
As National Hospitality Day enters its third consecutive year, it has become a beacon of appreciation for the vibrant and diverse hospitality sector. This day brings together establishments, large and small, and the individuals who work in the industry, alongside suppliers and customers, united in their efforts to showcase the industry’s resilience, talent, and community spirit.
The event provides a fantastic opportunity for businesses in the hospitality industry to engage with their customers and create memorable experiences. Venues can organise unique events, from special themed menus and tastings to interactive workshops and party nights. Suppliers can also extend their support by offering exclusive deals or promotions for participating establishments and making donations.
Crucially, National Hospitality Day emphasizes the significance of fundraising for the UK’s leading hospitality charities. These organisations work tirelessly to provide essential support, guidance, and assistance to individuals, ensuring their well-being and promoting a brighter future. The Springboard Charity, Hospitality Action, The Drinks Trust, the Licensed Trade Charity, and Only a Pavement Away all play crucial roles in enhancing the lives of those within the hospitality sector or who are hoping to join the sector.
CEO of Springboard, Chris Gamm, said “National Hospitality Day is an incredible opportunity for our industry to come together, celebrate our achievements, and support the charities that make a real difference in the lives of hospitality professionals. After the challenges faced by the industry over the past few years, it is more important than ever to showcase our fantastic hospitality businesses. We encourage venues, suppliers, and customers to join us in making this year’s celebration the best one yet.”
For more information on how to get involved, including ideas and resources, visit the National Hospitality Day website at https://www.nationalhospitalityday.org.uk/get-involved-2023.