Warwickshire hotels launch leadership academy to help tackle national skills shortage

Two boutique hotels in Warwickshire have launched a new leadership academy to help combat a national skills shortage in the hospitality sector and provide staff with pathways to progression.

The Eden Hotel Collection’s new Thrive academy opens to its first cohort in September, where nine members of staff will embark on a series of training and projects over the next 12 months.

The programme - open to existing staff - has been designed to help develop the next generation of leaders within Eden by equipping them with the necessary skillset to take on managerial roles.

The Arden Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon and Mallory Court Hotel and Spa in Leamington are among those in the group to sign up to the scheme.

Rachel Healey, Learning and Development Manager at The Eden Hotel Collection, said: “We are really excited to be launching Thrive and unearthing the next generation of leaders.

“This is a brilliant opportunity for our staff to strengthen their existing skills and develop qualities to further their hospitality careers.

“We have some exceptional talent within Eden and truly believe in giving people pathways for growth and career development.”

The programme kicks off with a welcome event on September 28, where inductees will be assigned mentors to further their development.

During the 12 months, the programme will deliver face-to-face workshops on leadership, personal development, effective management and communication, recruitment, employment law, marketing, and health and safety.

The first cohort to the academy includes staff from across the whole collection.

Group Managing Director Mark Chambers said: “It gives me great pride to see us launch Thrive.

“My own journey in hospitality has seen me work my way through the ranks so I know more than anyone how important it is to see pathways to progression within your company.

“At a time of national recruitment challenges in hospitality, it is important to show our existing team that we want to invest in them to help them to become the best they can be.”

The award-winning Eden hotel group includes hotels across country, with sites outside of Warwickshire including The Greenway Hotel and Spa in Cheltenham, Brockencote Hall Hotel in Kidderminster, and Bovey Castle in Devon – each with its own individual character, historic architecture, and idyllic surroundings.

Pictured: Rachel Healey, Learning and Development Manager at The Eden Hotel Collection, and Group Managing Director Mark Chambers