10 hospitality HR leaders reveal what makes a great place to work

Red Carnation Hotels: Higher education opportunities

Filipa Biquinha, talent acquisition manager

“Because we spend so much time at work, it’s really about caring about each other and having that family feel, which is such a big part of our culture here at Red Carnation as we are a family-owned company.

 

“We were actually the first hotel company to start a degree apprenticeship. We began a few years ago with the University of Kent, launching a business management degree. It’s a three-year program where we use the levy to pay for university, and students work full-time with us while attending university one day per week.

 

“We encouraged industry colleagues around London to join us, and last year we opened the first degree apprenticeship in hospitality. Our first cohort included some of our industry colleagues, and now we’re preparing for the second cohort starting in January. We’re truly proud to be pioneers in this area.”

 

Gleneagles: Listening to your people

Emma Simpson, people director

 

“What makes a great place to work? Probably the biggest standout is about listening to your people. Listen to them – what tools and resources do they need in order to do the job effectively? What brings delight to their lives, and how do you deliver on that as an employer?

 

“The proudest HR initiative we have put in place recently is ‘Moments that Matter’, a framework where we support our people through moments of genuine need in their lives. There’s a lot of discretionary promise in there in terms of how we will support them as a business and equally, how we celebrate their successes.

 

“Our people have that framework. It’s applied consistently in our business, and they know how we will respond as an employer. There’s no debate as to whether the support is there or not.”

Amplify: Fostering a positive culture

Amanda Kay, managing director

 

“A great workplace is one where individuals feel cared for, valued and empowered. At Amplify, our culture is everything. It’s the foundation upon which we build our business and the driving force behind our success. By fostering a positive, inclusive, and curious environment, we empower our team to be themselves and reach their full potential!

 

“We’re incredibly proud of our recent HR initiatives, which reflect our dedication to employee well-being and recognition. These include an enhanced maternity package, which offers double statutory pay to support our predominantly female workforce; private medical insurance, which provides immediate access to expert healthcare for all employees at no cost to them, and our Love and Hugs pot, which empowers managers to recognise and reward employees for outstanding work or to celebrate birthdays or team achievements.”

 

The Biltmore Mayfair: Celebrate success… and a good meal!

Sting Khumalo, director of HR

 

“Our workplace exudes an unparalleled sense of belonging, where colleagues are truly treated as family, immersed in a warm, and people-first culture. And our staff canteen is more than just a dining space. It’s a gourmet retreat, offering a level of service and culinary quality that rivals some of London’s finest establishments.

 

“We also understand the art of celebrating success. Our recently launched recognition initiatives have created a sense of excitement that resonates across the entire hotel. For those who go beyond expectations, our ‘Team Member of the Month’ is an honour displayed proudly on our opulent ‘Wall of Fame’.”

 

Signature Dining: Embracing flexibility 

Paul Robottom, owner

 

“Having a culture where everyone is equal, has a voice, opinion and feels included is pivotal to the DNA and diversity of Signature Dining. We believe that a great place to work is created where there is a happy team who feel valued, appreciated, respected and most of all trusted.

 

“It’s not just about a salary (which are very competitive and above market averages). It’s about being part of a very successful and forward-thinking company and that’s what makes a great place to work!

 

“Our ‘Signature Prime’ seniors apprentice scheme launched this year, which is designed to encourage mature jobseekers over the age of 55 to pursue a career in hospitality. The scheme offers flexibility, on-the-job training and a new lease of career life.

 

“With over seven new employees engaged on the scheme, their zest for life, passion and professionalism is infectious.”

 

The Ninth: Learning from each other 

Jun Tanaka, chef-owner

 

“For us, a great workplace is all about creating a positive culture. It’s a place that puts their people first, creating an environment where the team members feel valued, fulfilled and inspired. It’s a place that they can be their authentic selves, knowing that their opinions are heard and respected. Clear, transparent and constant communication is essential, helping everyone feel connected to the team.

 

“We organise a weekly training session that involves the entire team. Everyone has the chance to lead a session on a subject they’re passionate about, whether or not it’s related to hospitality. This approach builds confidence in public speaking, encourages knowledge sharing and strengthens a sense of contribution to the team. It’s also a great way for us to learn about each other’s passions and interests.”

 

The Belfry Hotel & Resort: Investing in people

Kirsten Price, head of people and culture

 

“A great workplace is driven by a culture that’s authentic, empowering, and part of everything we do. It’s where the leadership are not just supportive but invested in helping each person become the best version of themselves, offering growth and development that fits individual goals. It’s making sure every voice counts, sparking real action to make the workplace better every single day. And it’s a space where everyone feels united, valued and inspired, with true purpose —knowing that the team are a top priority in a workplace that genuinely cares.

 

“Our proudest initiative, the LEAD Development Programme, is designed to empower and inspire people across all levels at the Belfry Hotel & Resort. Face-to-face training with industry experts, flexible digital resources, and one-on-one mentoring encourage our team to grow confidently from team members through to heads of departments. Culminating in projects and presentations that showcase each individual’s impact and growth plans for the future, LEAD is more than a programme; it’s an investment in our people and the success of our resort. With 70 graduates in the last year, our learning culture has been the driving force in growing our future leaders resulting in an incredible 50 internal promotions.”

Genuine Dining: Leading by example

Candice Van Antwerp, head of people

 

“A great workplace needs a senior team that leads by example and are actively involved in every aspect of Genuine Dining Co. We aim to be transparent in our decision-making and communicate regularly with employees to ensure everyone is on the same page. We have to understand that our actions have a direct impact on the culture and so we are committed to promoting a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

 

“We have recently partnered with a menopause coach, Stefanie Daniels, who is delivering bespoke coaching and mentoring to those experiencing menopause, but also to the leaders in the business so that they can understand and support their teams the best they can.”

 

The Grand, York: Being creative in your methods of support

Chris Cooper, acting general manager

 

“A great workplace is one where a company is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for its team members. This dedication involves fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and excellence which is underpinned by the organisation’s employee-centric values and ensures that every team member feels both valued and empowered to contribute to the business’ operations.

 

“I think it is important to put in place initiatives which not only focus on professional development but also support overall well-being and inclusivity among team members. A fine example of this is, at the Grand, York, we offer English lessons to team members whose first language is not English, to enable better communication and integration both at home and at work.”

 

The Tawny: Look after your team and they will look after you

Josh Chadwick, general manager

 

“When I think back to my A-levels and we were choosing a topic for our final exam, you could choose between things like marketing or finance, and there was also culture. I was young and naïve back then and I thought: ‘culture, what is that?’ It just sounded grim and boring, but what I’ve learned in every job I’ve had is that your culture will tick all the rest of the boxes for you if you look after your team.

 

“When Richard Branson says ‘if you look after the team, they will look after the business for you’, it’s not a myth, it’s pure fact. If your team are engaged, they will sell more, they will look after your guests, they will watch they costs.

 

“At the Tawny, we pay above minimum wage, we’re fully flexible and we have a nice staff party – it’s only a little thing, but the team are looked after. And we work as a team. I’m on the floor – I’m not in an office – I can make a cocktail, I know how the tills work, I’ve been cooking breakfast in the kitchen, I’ve done it all. So we all know what needs to be done. And the same with the owners – there’s no dictatorship here.”