Leading further education provider Hugh Baird College is today unveiling ambitious plans to launch one of the region’s first ever hotel schools in a bid to ramp up training standards available to the hospitality sector.
The pioneering L20 Hotel School will deliver high quality chefs and service staff to establishments across the region and beyond with intense training for students and professionals in newly built and refurbished bars, dining areas, restaurants and kitchens.
The exciting plans also include a conference centre, meeting and events areas and retail space.
The vision for the L20 Hotel School was officially presented to key figures from across the UK hospitality industry at a special launch event held at the soon to be opened DoubleTree by Hilton Liverpool, located on the corner of Sir Thomas Street and Dale Street.
Driving forces behind the project were on hand to make presentations including Hugh Baird College principal Yana Williams, L20 Hotel School director Mike Mounfield and Gordon Cartwright from hospitality consultants Visionarydining.com.
The announcement further signals the college’s intent to throw its weight behind Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership’s growth strategy (LEP see notes to editors 1).
The LEP’s head of visitor economy development Pam Wilsher also presented at the event showing her support for the project.
“Our City Region’s Visitor Economy goes from strength to strength,” said Ms Wilsher. “More than 56 million visitors are attracted each year and they spend £3.4billion in the local economy which supports 46,000 jobs. I am delighted to welcome the L20 Hotel School as a provider of excellent hospitality training and benefiting from great new facilities and a strong leadership team who will inspire the next generation of chefs and restaurant staff.”
L20 Hotel School director Mike Mounfield, himself a former chef with more than 25 years hospitality experience, said the L20 Hotel School is about becoming the supplier of choice for hospitality education and training at all levels.
“We know the Visitor Economy is already growing rapidly and only going to get bigger and the demand for jobs will inevitably increase,” he said. “However, to facilitate this growth, extensive and specialist training will be required. From talking with leading names in the hospitality sector, we know there is a skills gap which urgently needs to be filled. A key focus for us is to offer training for existing professionals. It is essential we help to increase the number of senior skilled staff who will have such a vital role in helping the Visitor Economy to grow.”
Hugh Baird College principal Yana Williams said the L20 Hotel School captures the college’s progressive outlook.
“At Hugh Baird College we are constantly striving to deliver first class standards in education and training,” she said. “A great deal of energy, passion and creativity has gone into developing our L20 Hotel School to enhance the learning experience for our students and industry professionals. The college will be opening its own high end restaurant at the end of September where we will employ full-time staff and apprentices to prepare and deliver food which represents world class dining. There will also be a café operated by students, for students, reinforcing the employment and entrepreneurial skills required to be successful in the hospitality industry.
“The announcement today is the first in a line of exciting developments taking place over the coming months at the L20 Hotel School including the opening of the restaurant and partnerships with leading employers and suppliers.”
DoubleTree by Hilton Liverpool is a Grade II-listed venue, with exclusive event space and spa facilities. The 4-star hotel also features a restaurant by Liverpool-born TV chef, Simon Rimmer – Layla Brasserie, his first venture in the city. The hotel is one of the dedicated L20 Hotel School training venues.
DoubleTree by Hilton Liverpool general manager David Hughes said: “The hospitality industry is vital to the destination’s success and, as a sector, we want our guests to have the best possible experience in terms of quality and service. The training and development provided will carve out careers for many young people – and DoubleTree by Hilton Liverpool is looking forward to being part of their future.”
Simon Rimmer, Layla Brasserie and TV chef also supported the initiative today.
“I am delighted that Doubletree by Hilton Liverpool has chosen to partner with such a great initiative as the L20 Hotel School,” he said. “It is vital that we have young people coming into our industry with all the right skills and behaviours. I look forward to seeing the fruits of their labour and the benefits we will receive.”
The L20 Hotel School is keen to hear from individuals wanting to start an apprenticeship in catering and from employers within the sector looking to invest and upskill those associated with the Visitor Economy.
For more details on L20 Hotel School contact Mike Mounfield phone: 0151 353 4518 email: enquiries@L20hotelschool.co.ukor visit the website www.L20hotelschool.co.uk
Ends
NOTES TO EDITORS
[1] LIVERPOOL CITY REGION LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP (LCR LEP)
Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LCR LEP) represents the six local authorities of Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and the Wirral.
It promotes business growth and strategic economic development across the region by liaising with businesses, local councils and the Government, focusing on four key areas of growth: SuperPort, the Knowledge Economy, the Visitor Economy and Low Carbon.
[2] THE VISITOR ECONOMY
Liverpool City Region LEP’s aims for the Visitor Economy include: Liverpool always being in the UK’s top five short-break destinations; top 20 favourite European Cities and top three UK conference cities; the City Region should be recognised for high quality hotels, fantastic shopping, unrivalled public transport and unique visitor welcome; and there should be a stronger food offering with better awareness of local produce.
LCR LEP estimates that by 2023 the Visitor Economy will be worth £4.3billion to the region, creating employment for around 57,000 people. It currently attracts more than 56 million tourists a year and supports around 46,000 jobs.
Hugh Baird College
Hugh Baird College is one of the leading Further Education colleges in Merseyside. It is based in Bootle Liverpool and has more than 7,000 students aged 16 and over. It is committed to improving life, job and business prospects through excellent education, training ans support.
The college has more than 300 courses to choose from including Business Studies, Bricklaying, Performing Arts, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy. It offers full time or part time study, apprenticeships, diplomas, NVQs, A Levels or Full Honours Degrees.
It has been top of Government league tables for Further Education Colleges in Merseyside for the last four years (based on points score per exam entry).