4C Associates, one of Europe’s largest consultancies dedicated to procurement and supply chain transformation has joined Springboard as a corporate patron. The charity, which helps people of all ages and backgrounds to build their careers in hospitality, leisure, and tourism, provides employability training and education programmes, as well as careers resources and advice.

Established in 1990 to support the hospitality, leisure and tourism industry, Springboard’s key goal is to futureproof the talent pipeline, tackling ongoing problems the industry faces, including staff and skills shortages.  They do this by working with schools, colleges, and universities to enhance curriculum teaching delivered to students – helping them gain key industry insight and skills development required for the transition from education to employment.

Springboard help disadvantaged and unemployed people to gain soft and hard skills, industry insight, and work placement opportunities, leading to overall improved wellbeing, enhanced employability, and a transition to positive destinations, including employment, further education, and apprenticeships. Springboard’s programmes provide engaging and motivational training alongside mentoring support during the whole process, and also once the candidate is in employment.

4C Associates, the London-headquartered consultancy, supporting clients in the hospitality and leisure sector to optimise their supply chains, from farm to fork, to deliver sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective outcomes, will join the charity to help to make a difference in the industry.

“At 4C our consultants are industry experts who work collaboratively with our hospitality clients to deliver long term value to the business. I’m proud that we are able to use our expertise and skillset to support the industry that’s been hit by events of the past few years and future proof the hospitality talent pipeline”, said Gavin Bowen-Ashwin, Managing Partner and Head of Hospitality at 4C Associates.

The team’s focus at 4C Associates is on four core areas: optimising supply chain operation and distribution networks, food and beverage sourcing and range optimisation, developing effective procurement functions and transformation; and procurement cost reduction – all with the aim of improving EBITDA in a sustainable way that supports the business strategy and growth.

“This is the most crucial time to support the industry and make an impactful change, working in solidarity to get businesses back on their feet and help the 2.9 million people who have been made unemployed or furloughed as a result of COVID-19.”, added Kirsty Linton, Business Development Manager at Springboard.

Between 2020 and 2021, Springboard engaged 27,010 pupils through their careers and education programmes, across 420 schools, colleges, and universities. 1,952 young and disadvantaged people were trained through their employability programmes and the charity supported 47,442 people with specialist careers information and guidance through their careers, education, and employability programmes and via CareerScope – an industry support hub, launched in 2020.

“We are looking forward to establishing a long-term partnership with Springboard and hope to make a positive impact on the industry through our joint efforts.”, concluded Gavin Bowen-Ashwin.