Industry leaders launch city takeovers to inspire young talent

Several hospitality heavyweights have signed up to a programme of autumn school visits and city takeovers designed to encourage more young people to consider a career in the industry.

Whitbread, BaxterStorey and Sodexo are taking part in events to mark the start of a recruitment drive by the Choose Hospitality Pledge, an initiative launched in 2021 to stimulate interest in the benefits of a career in hospitality.

The campaign begins this month with a City Takeover in York from 14-23 October and an event in partnership with Sodexo in Brighton on 22 October.  

The York takeover will involve ambassadors from across the industry, including Whitbread, BaxterStorey, and Tom Brassington and Katie Blundell, winners of the 2025 Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or. Over the course of two weeks they will deliver interactive workshops in eight schools, reaching approximately 1,000 Year 8 students. 

In Brighton, Sodexo will host a panel session to introduce students to the Choose Hospitality Pledge followed by interactive activities designed to give students hands-on experience of key skills such as teamwork, communication and resilience. Speakers will include James Candy, customer manager at Nestlé Professional, Bryan Grierson, operations director at Springboard, and Steven Edwards, chef restaurateur at Etch in Brighton.

Julia Jones, head of corporate communications and sustainability at Nestlé Professional, said: “Our industry has a responsibility to show young people the breadth of careers available in hospitality and the opportunities it provides for growth, creativity and progression. The campaign is about breaking down outdated perceptions and inspiring students to see hospitality as a vibrant, rewarding career path.” 

Photo: Spring song/Shutterstock