Member Article

Manchester Hoteliers support new Hoteliers’ Charter

The Manchester Hoteliers Association (MHA), a non-profit organisation of the key hotels within the city centre and the Greater Manchester area, has announced their support of the Hoteliers’ Charter and their plans to implement the initiative across hotels in Manchester.

The Hoteliers’ Charter is a new UK-wide scheme designed to raise the profile of the hospitality industry and promote hospitality as a profession of choice to parents, schools, colleges, universities and careers influencers.

The idea for the Hoteliers’ Charter was conceived by Sally Beck, general manager of the Royal Lancaster London, who founded it to help dispel the notion that those working in hotels suffer ‘long hours for little pay’ and instead highlight the benefits of being part of such a vibrant industry.

Adrian Ellis, general manager of the Lowry Hotel and chair of the MHA commented “We are overjoyed to support the Hoteliers’ Charter- a brilliant initiative that showcases the great opportunities available within the hotel sector and celebrates the benefits of a good work life balance, training, mentoring and apprenticeships.”

He added “Now more than ever, with the ramifications of the pandemic and Brexit, it is vital for the hospitality industry to source and retain new talent that will contribute to the resurgence of our sector. The Hoteliers’ Charter is therefore a great guideline for hotels across GM, enabling them to attract an exciting workforce.”

Signing up to The Hoteliers’ Charter means hoteliers agree to the 10 points outlined in the charter, which include providing a positive and nourishing work environment for all colleagues, with a commitment to training and development, providing work/life balance, sensible working patterns, and fair wages and gratuities to position hospitality jobs as careers, not just jobs.

In addition, those signing up for the charter agree to support industry charities, drive environmentally sustainable businesses and advocate diversity, inclusion and equality.

Michael Sheldon, general manager at Clayton Hotel and MHA member, said “The points outlined in The Hoteliers’ Charter are great guidelines for us to recruit at Clayton Hotel.

“They serve as a constant reminder of the standards that should be being upheld and are important in inspiring us to create the most welcoming work environment possible.

“As well as being an initiative that’s purpose is to raise the profile of the industry, it also encourages us to employ Greater Manchester residents specifically. The opportunity to engage with local talent is really important, especially after a period which has affected so many young people in Manchester.”

Alongside the MHA, the Hoteliers’ Charter has already secured the support of hundreds of hoteliers as well as industry bodies UKHospitality,The Master Innholders, St Julian’s Scholars,The Institute of Hospitality and The AA.

Adrian Ellis said “We passionately believe that the hospitality sector, and specifically the hotel industry, is a viable career option for young people across Greater Manchester and the UK. The Hoteliers’ Charter is committed to highlighting the benefits of our sector, a mission that is close to the hearts of the MHA members.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emily Hallinan .