Hoteliers in Bristol are stepping up their efforts to tackle a recruitment crisis which has hit the hospitality sector particularly hard in recent years as well as affecting other industries.

A new HR forum together with a possible mentoring scheme, and further strengthening ties with the City of Bristol College are among the ideas being implemented by the Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA), and being led by its Head of People, Alison Mansfield.

A combination of Brexit and the Coronavirus crisis had a huge impact on staffing for the hospitality industry and recruitment has continued to be a huge challenge post-pandemic.

At its recent AGM, the BHA agreed that stepping up its efforts to encourage young people to consider a career in hospitality is a major priority over the next year.

Raphael Herzog, who was re-elected as BHA chair, a post he has held since 2019, said: “Alongside the cost of utilities and products, our biggest challenge is recruitment, and in particular attracting young people to make a career out of hospitality, rather than see our sector as a ‘gap year’ or short-term option.

“One of the thing we are doing is launching an HR/people forum in July, which will bring together more than a dozen leading HR managers every six-to-eight weeks to drive people success in the city.

“The forum will work closely with colleges and apprentice providers and organise events to promote the hospitality sector as an exciting industry for people to forge enjoyable and rewarding long-term careers.

“We are also hoping to launch a mentoring scheme, involving ‘shining stars’, and executive leaders, to inspire and encourage others.”

He said the BHA will continue to lobby local MPs to fight for the city’s hospitality businesses and will continue to give back to the city – in addition to the services and accommodation they provide – by supporting local charities and organisations.

Mr Herzog added: “For the businesses that have survived the perfect storm of Brexit and the pandemic, organisations like the BHA are more important than ever, providing support and a collective voice which continues to campaign to secure the support needed to ensure our sector thrives and continues to make a significant contribution to Bristol’s economy.”

At the BHA AGM, the following officers were elected:

• Chairman: Raphael Herzog (De Vere Tortworth Court)

• Vice Chairman: Chris Falcus (Mercure Holland House)

• Treasurer/secretary: Greg Csikos (Hampton by Hilton Bristol City Centre)

To find out more about the Bristol Hoteliers Association, visit, www.bristol-hoteliers.co.uk