A new, one-of-a-kind Hospitality leadership programme launches today in York. North Yorkshire-based entrepreneur and industry leader, Philip Bolson, has created the Junior Board initiative to aid the development of future Hospitality innovators and change the perception of the sector.
Founder Philip Bolson is uniquely qualified for this project. His decades of experience in hospitality covers running pubs, restaurants and hotels, and includes being the General Manager at the 5star The Grand, York. He is now a Director of the York based peer to peer programme “Your Small Business Board”, and owner of Mr B Hospitality. Philip Bolson is using his wealth of knowledge to secure the future of hospitality and pass along expertise to the next generation of the sector’s leaders whilst also influencing others to “join in”.
The transformational programme seeks to form a Junior Board of young leaders in the hospitality industry who will be mentored by industry experts and supported as they complete training and projects. The regional scheme will seek to change the reputation of professionals within hospitality with a focus on recruiting the best possible talent.
The programme is supported by a wide range of local businesses and community organisations who see the unique value in the concept for the sector.
After the COVID-19 pandemic and the forced closure of many businesses within hospitality, the sector has faced massive challenges. These issues, combined with the current economic uncertainty and squeezed margins, have caused the industry worth over £2 billion in the region to struggle.
At the same time, hospitality has experienced issues with the retention of employees, with many young people believing there is no progression or room for growth. The Junior Board programme aims to alleviate these issues.
Philip’s project is sponsored by integrated marketing agency Punch Creative, and High-Level Software, alongside supporters Cedar Court Hotels, Love York, YO1, SuccessfulFutures (NYBEP), and York St John University.
A representative of the university, Brendan Paddison, said: “York St John University is proud to be a key partner in this initiative which supports personal and professional development and lifelong learning.
The Junior Board raises the profile of the hospitality sector as an important career choice for students and graduates.”
Going forward, the focus will be on recruiting the Junior Managers who will constitute the Junior board and then moving on to the initial stages of mentorship, training, and involvement with the college community. There will be monthly board meetings to discuss progression and work on projects.
Laura Mason, CEO of NYBEP, said of the programme: “NYBEP is a not-for-profit social enterprise with over 30 years’ experience of working with young people in the local area to help them prepare for the world of work.
The Junior Board is supporting aspiring talent progress within the hospitality sector whilst continuing to nurture future talent by engaging them in the NYBEP Successful Futures programme.”
Philip Bolson, founder of the programme, said: “This is a long held passion of mine, understanding that we have a responsibility to support young people in a compelling, relevant and impactful way. There is a lot of negative press around hospitality and whilst it is having a tough time, the region’s hospitality has truly amazing people. The Junior Board aims to play a small part in shining a spotlight on this, helping people understand what makes hospitality the best career or job in the world. I would encourage those who care to get involved.”
A launch event was held today at the Malmaison in York, with over 50 people in attendance, including the Lord Mayor, the Civic Party, and many hospitality leaders and General Managers supporting the programme.
The mission of the Junior Board is to create the leaders of tomorrow, give the next generation a voice, and change the industry’s perception. It’s a ground-breaking initiative with a lot of potential to shape the future of the hospitality sector.
