Hospitality Connect, an initiative designed to link the UK's hotel industry with future hospitality professionals, has marked its fifth anniversary with significant achievements. Initially launched in Manchester in 2021 by Adrian Ellis, former chair of the Manchester Hoteliers Association, the programme has expanded to 18 regions and 182 schools across the UK, reaching over 4,000 students last year alone.
The programme, developed in collaboration with the Careers Hub team within the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), offers students in-person insights into the hospitality industry through partnerships with hotels. In Greater Manchester, where the initiative began, 25 hotel partners are now involved, including renowned brands like Dorchester Collection, Marriott, Intercontinental Hotel Group, and Hilton.
Matt Townley, Chair of the Manchester Hoteliers Association, highlighted the programme's growth from an initial 10 member hotels to a national initiative. "Our city’s hotels and educational institutions have shown exactly what it means to provide meaningful social value and open doors to change perceptions in the hospitality industry," he stated.
Luke Martindale, HR Manager at The Lowry Hotel, praised the initiative for showcasing the diverse career opportunities within hospitality. "This is more than just work experience; it’s a meaningful pipeline for future talent," he said.
Looking ahead, Hospitality Connect plans to launch further regional initiatives in areas such as Inverness, Heathrow, and Bath throughout 2026, continuing its mission to inspire the next generation of hospitality talent
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