Manchester Hoteliers Association schools project to expand across the UK

A project which connects Manchester’s hotel network with the hospitality stars of the

future is expanding across the UK following initial success across the city.

Founded in 2021 by Adrian Ellis, chair of the Manchester Hoteliers Association and general

manager of the Lowry Hotel in partnership with the Careers Hub team within the GMCA

(Greater Manchester Combined Authority), the initiative aims to inspire the next generation

of hospitality talent by providing a series of in-person insights with a partnered hotel.

The project has grown to partner 32 schools with hotels across Greater Manchester, giving

pupils access to employer encounters at various careers events, chef masterclasses,

practical demonstrations, workplace visits and insights into behind the scenes occupations,

as well as myth-busting industry misconceptions.

Formerly known as the School and Hotel Liaison Programme, Hospitality Connect aims to

foster interest in hospitality, with the goal of enhancing awareness of career prospects and

pathways across the breadth of the sector.

The programme also offers recommended contacts and links with Springboard for

informative resources and initiatives, serving as an introduction to the diverse world of

hospitality.

Thanks to funding from the Savoy Educational Trust, Hospitality Connect is now being rolled

out to ten city regions across the UK, replicating the blueprint established in Manchester.

Adrian Ellis, chair of the Manchester Hoteliers Association and founder of the programme,

said: “We’re thrilled to expand Hospitality Connect as it enters its third year and are very

proud that the fantastic work being done in our great city is being rolled out across the UK.

“Our aim is to transform how the hospitality industry is perceived and encourage students

to consider it as a viable career option.

“We take pride in offering essential contacts and information, fostering the integration of

young talent into the hospitality field and driving positive change”.

Laura Johnson, hotels and schools liaison manager and co-deliverer of the initiative, added:

“Hospitality is one of Greater Manchester’s 15 significant growth sectors and so, we need to

make sure we’re doing everything we can to both showcase opportunities and harness the

industry superstars of the future.

“It’s well documented that the sector suffers from significant recruitment issues and

Hospitality Connect aims to tackle that head on by nurturing a future talent pool.

“By fusing curriculum with employment encounters, we can provide a real flavour of life

within hospitality and shine a light on the sector within the Greater Manchester economy.

“We’re delighted that our project is expanding to other areas of the UK and it’s just another

fine example of a groundbreaking initiative founded right here in Manchester.”

Hospitality Connect links with a range of partners to provide a well-rounded programme,

including Springboard, the Careers & Enterprise Company, City & Guilds and the Food

Teachers Centre. To find out more about the initiative, click here.