Recruitment, retention, and access to hospitality careers are challenges Bristol businesses tell us are more pressing than ever.

This practical event brings employers, community organisations, aspiring workers, educators, and local government together to talk openly about what's working, what isn't, and how closer collaboration can build hospitality pathways that work for everyone.

Speakers and attendees

Speakers include:

Imogen Waite, Season and Taste
Paul Mannering, HIT Training
Robert Muranda, Bristol Future Talent Partnership.

Guests confirmed so far include representatives from Babbasa, Bristol City Council, Empire Fighting Chance, Tobacco Factory, National Lottery, No.1 Harbourside, The King's Trust, The Old Market Assembly, and West of England Combined Authority (WECA).

From conversation to action

Whoever you are - a hospitality employer wanting to strengthen recruitment and retention, a community organisation supporting people into work, an aspiring worker facing barriers into hospitality, an educator shaping more relevant and inclusive provision, or a local government representative aligning strategy with what's happening on the ground - your voice will help shape the pathways this session sets out to build.

Through short talks, facilitated discussions, and workshop activities, you'll leave with practical ideas and valuable connections to put straight into action.

Agenda

09:30 - Doors open (networking & refreshments)
10.00 - Welcome
10:15 - Short talks & facilitated discussions
11.10 - Break & networking
11.30 - Workshop activities & action planning
13:15 - Lunch and networking
14:00 - Close

By the end of the session, we aim to have identified practical opportunities to improve recruitment and training pathways, build new connections across the sector, and create space for aspiring workers' voices to help shape what comes next.

Free networking lunch & host information:

Following the event, we invite you to stay for a complimentary lunch, kindly provided by our hosts, Burges Salmon - a relaxed opportunity to continue conversations, share ideas and experiences and make new connections.

Lunch is optional, but if you would like to attend, please let us know when registering and include any dietary requirements.

This event is proudly hosted by Burges Salmon at their Bristol office, One Glass Wharf. We’re incredibly grateful to them for opening their doors and for bringing the hospitality sector together.

We would also like to thank our funders, Bristol Temple Quarter, for their generous support of this event.

We hope you can join us!

For all enquiries contact Traci Lewis traci@bristolfoodnetwork.org

Contact the host of Building hospitality employment pathways