Southwark Council has launched a new initiative designed to help residents to start and advance careers in the hospitality industry while also helping businesses address challenges in recruitment and retention.
The launch of Southwark’s Hospitality Skills Hub forms part of Southwark’s 2030 vision for a fair economy and responds to broader trends within the UK hospitality sector, which has faced staffing pressures following Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Hospitality Skills Hub will provide free training and 1:1 support to Southwark residents interested in hospitality careers, aiming to create 130 jobs and apprenticeships over the next two years. The Hospitality Skills Hub is delivered by training and development company, Rinova Ltd and involve partnerships with Hilton Bankside, Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel, Unwind Bars Waterloo, The Hoxton Hotel, Strand Palace Hotels, Sea Containers London, Elephant and Castle Town Centre, Camberwell Business Network.
As the hospitality industry faces a national skills shortage, Southwark’s Hospitality Skills Hub stands out by creating a sustainable, local talent pool that meets the needs of both employers and job seekers. Hospitality can offer a dynamic and rewarding career, with less barriers to entry, more learning on the job than up-front study, and the ability to progress faster than other professions.
Councillor John Batteson, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Jobs, and Business, said: “The Hospitality Skills Hub will strengthen our economy by connecting Southwark residents with meaningful careers and ensure local businesses thrive in what is a competitive market. At a time when many hospitality employers face challenges in finding skilled workers, this initiative is crucial for sustaining growth and offering fair, quality jobs in our community.
"The Hub also supports the national trend toward fairer wages and working conditions in hospitality. There are now over 390 accredited employers paying the London Living Wage in Southwark already, and the Hub will work with local businesses to drive this number even higher, advocating for good pay standards across the borough.”
Aimee Lubwama, Director of People and Culture, Hilton Bankside, said: “We are excited to take part in the launch of this new programme through the Southwark Hospitality Skills Hub. It is a great opportunity not only to showcase the fantastic career paths available within the industry but also to help nurture young talent in our local community and provide them with the key skills they need to thrive in the future.”
Timothy R Andrews, Head of Talent at Jumeirah London and host of Talking Hospitality, praised the initiative’s collaborative approach: "Southwark’s Hospitality Skills Hub is a brilliant opportunity for us as employers to share our experiences and contribute to the growth of the next generation. It’s through this collective effort that we can help shape a skilled and motivated workforce, ensuring the industry continues to evolve and succeed."
"The real strength of the Hospitality Skills Hub lies in how it encourages employers to come together, share knowledge, and pass on our experience. This collaboration will help shape the future talent pool, giving them the tools to succeed and move the industry forward."
Small hospitality businesses, which are often most affected by national labour shortages, will benefit from the Hub’s free recruitment services and tailored needs assessments, which aim to alleviate hiring challenges and support growth.
For Southwark residents and hospitality employers interested in participating, registration is open through the Hospitality Skills Hub.