A TRAINING initiative for the hospitality sector is reporting success with its first trainees.

Philip Bolson launched the York & North Yorkshire Hospitality Junior Board to boost the sector, which employs thousands of people in the county and supports hundreds of regional suppliers too, adding billions to the regional economy.

Hospitality, Philip continued, deserves more respect and understanding and should be seen as a career.

This led the former General Manager of the York Grand, who now runs consultancy Mr B Hospitality, to create the board featuring young people from across the sector.

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The board works on projects, has mentors, who learn from each other and who are accountable for their actions.

It has three objectives: to identify future leaders, build skills and change perception of the sector.

Philip explained: “We can only achieve the third objective one by showcasing the amazing people in it, who are working hard and building careers, who have real responsibility for running great businesses.

"These are the young people who one day will be hiring, investing, opening new businesses, launching new products and adding significant value to those around them.”

The cohort finishes in September, with the second starting at the same time. Funding has been secured to run a third early in 2025.

Philip said: “It works because it is compelling and it works because it is founded on collaboration with the likes of the Splendid Hospitality Hotel Group, Punch Creative marketing, Cedar Court Hotels, the YNY Growth Hub, NY Council, High Level software, YO1 radio, York St John University, NYBEP, and ROI media productions.

"These are all businesses who have significant interest in York and the region. 

“Without this public and private sector support it simply wouldn’t work.”

He continued: “To date four members of the first Board have been promoted and one has taken over his own business. They have launched the “let me call my manager” podcast in partnership with YO1 radio and have generated and shared content on multiple platforms. 

“This, however, is only the beginning as the goal is to take over 100 young people through this programme over the next two years and by doing so really help people understand how amazing, relevant, and important hospitality is.”

Philip added: “Never mind what happens nationally, what we have and what is happening on our doorstep is exceptionally special and we should encourage it, support it, and be proud of it.”

To find out more, get involved and support, contact Philip at www.mrbhospitality.co.uk.