Tell us a little about yourself and your role at HIT Training.
As a third-generation Publican, my roots are firmly planted in the licensed trade.
My passion for this amazing industry, and the fabulous people who work within it, is born from growing up around hospitality professionals, both family and colleagues, and the eclectic mix of customers whom they served, always with a smile, on a daily basis.
Growing up in a pub environment, I learned to listen, observe and chat with everyone and anyone. The confidence and communication skills one gains, from working within this fabulous sector, is second to none; reiterated by many fabulous colleagues I have had the pleasure to employ over my many years in the trade.
My wife and I took our first tenancy, with Home Brewery, later S&N, at the tender age of 24. We never looked back, acquiring a freehold for pub number two before we were 31.
The satisfaction of developing team colleagues and nurturing talent led me into training and development. A technical services colleague, from S&N, and I established a small training organisation that, for nearly 15 years, provided a variety of training and development solutions for the hospitality sector.
I joined HIT Training in October 2017 as Pub Academy Principal where, with the invaluable help of expert colleagues, we established the foundations of our Hospitality Academy, Employer Forums and the Brewer Apprenticeship programme.
My current role, as Licensed Trade Director, challenges me to engage with the Pub Sector, its employers, managed, leased, tenanted and free trade, and associated trade organisations, to understand its critical need and position HIT Training as the specialist provider of choice within this field.
Tell us more about the HIT Training Brewing Apprenticeship.
Developed by an ambitious and proactive trailblazer group, led by Brewhouse and Kitchen and BBPA (British Beer & Pub Association), the Brewer Apprenticeship Standard was approved in 2018 and offered the rapidly growing Brewery sector an excellent standardised programme of learning in a sector where the number of new entrants was quickly rising.
In order to ensure the Apprenticeship embraced the vast amount of knowledge and experience, from respected Brewer educators, I contacted the IBD (Institute for Brewing and Distilling), and the University of Nottingham International Centre for Brewing Science, and invited them to collaborate on the Apprenticeship. They jumped at the chance.
The programme, now in its third year, is regularly oversubscribed and proving its popularity across the industry.
We continue to celebrate high pass rates and multiple distinctions, a result of the high level of tutorage and interaction the apprentices enjoy whilst on the programme. Six two-day residential workshops enable the apprentices to collaborate with each other, challenge learnings and share best industry practices, whilst enjoying the highest level of instruction and practical application.
Our highly skilled Brewer Training Consultants visit the apprentices, at their breweries, and assess their application of the knowledge gained from the practical workshops and online resources, into their working practices.
The programme works a treat.
You’re a Fellow of the Institute. What does this mean to you?
Being a Fellow of the Institute recognises and celebrates the passion I have developed and the experience I have gained throughout my many years within the hospitality industry.
Sharing these traits, with like-minded and respected industry colleagues, reinforces the unbreakable bond and respect hospitality professionals have for each other.
Being a fellow, of this amazing institute, goes some way to endorse and ratify the hospitality journey I have enjoyed throughout my many years working within hospitality.
2020/1 has been a challenging time. What acts of kindness or going ‘above and beyond’ has stood out for you?
There are too many to mention and unfair to single any out.
The companionship and support, shown by many from within hospitality, has been nothing short of remarkable.
Acts of selflessness and compassion were commonplace and evident across the industry:
One thing I have learnt from all my years in this industry is the resilience and adaptability of this trade. Its ability to challenge adversity and smile throughout the darkest of times.
Why say #imin to the IoH?
You should join the IoH for the same reasons that I’ve said #imin – it offers professional advice, guidance and assurance. It provides informed opinion, training and support when you need it most.
You truly become part of the hospitality family, cliché I know, where, regardless of your position or experience, you will be welcomed as the true professional you are.
Tell us three things about yourself that we don’t know!
Be part of our well-respected network, get trusted advice and take a positive approach to your learning and development.
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