Together with numerous volunteers and collaborators, I am proud to launch a new not-for-profit platform, Hospitality Speaks, where we will be sharing stories and ideas to create conversations about industry culture.
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After over 18 months of research and interviews, I have concluded that sharing real, anonymous stories from the floor alongside positive ideas, solutions and tools from and for decision makers at the top is the best starting point for finding solutions to industry-wide problems, and to create a positive turning point for cultural change in the industry.
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So far, I have conducted over 40 interviews with people who’ve experienced bullying, harassment and discrimination, as well as 25-30 more with pioneering bar and restaurant employers who prioritise staff wellbeing and who want to share their knowledge – everything from flexible hours, what a code of conduct and zero tolerance looks like, to training and personal development.
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We have also had pre-launch press coverage about Hospitality Speaks in The Guardian, Eater, Big Hospitality, Vice Munchies and more. I have also written about it in The Evening Standard Magazine, and spoken about it on Radio 4 and in the latest issue of Class Magazine.
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Do take a look at the website, as well as the Twitter and Instagram feeds, where there are now regular updates and interview snippets from the platform.
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If you would like more information on what we are doing, of if you’d like to partner with us, offer your help or expertise or get involved in any way, please please contact via the email hello@hospitality-speaks.com