More than 500 people attend 40th Big Hospitality Conversation event

The 40th Big Hospitality Conversation event, which took place on 14 April, attracted more than 500 people including London businesses and jobseekers.

Organised in collaboration with the North London Hoteliers Association, and sponsored by the Hotel Novotel in London Wembley, the event presented employer and apprenticeship case studies from a host of hotels across North London.

It was led by the British Hospitality Association (BHA) and formed part of a nationwide campaign to tackle youth unemployment. The scheme offers a commitment to create career opportunities, including apprenticeships and work placements, for young people aged 16-24.

The initiative is run in conjunction with Springboard, Believe in Young People, Business in the Community, People 1st and the Department for Work & Pensions.

So far, 57,000 job opportunities have been created as a result of Big Hospitality Conversation events across the country. The aim is for the hospitality industry to create up to 60,000 jobs for young people by the end of 2016.

Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the BHA, said: "In the past three years we have galvanised the entire industry. Over 3,500 industry leaders pledged their support to the Big Hospitality Conversation showcasing to the government the power of the hospitality and tourism industry in generating high quality apprenticeships and meaningful careers for our young people.

"The 40th event to date allowed London youth to take the chance to meet great employers in the region and leave with a job offer. We are proud that our campaign continues to demonstrate the importance of action when it comes inspiring the next generation."

Steven Van Herwijnen, keynote speaker and general manager of the Danubius hotel, added: "The Big Hospitality Conversation was a great opportunity for young people coming into our industry to get a real flavour and understanding of the entire scope of careers in hospitality. I believe people often underestimate the enormous impact service jobs have in the UK, especially London.

"From general positions to speciality fields, hospitality businesses are always looking for young people to employ."

Participating businesses included: Ibis Euston St Pancras, Pullman, Park Plaza, Delaware North, Hilton Islington, Plaza Premium Group, Majestic Hotel, Regents Park & Maida Vale Marriott and Westminster Kingsway College.

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