Hospitality Junior Board events held to develop young talent
April 2026
A landmark week for hospitality talent in York and North Yorkshire has showcased the power of investing in the sector’s next generation, with two major initiatives helping young people build skills, confidence and career pathways.
The back-to-back events brought together students, young professionals and young leaders from across the region.
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It featured a day of workshops, networking and leadership development. It was developed and run by young members of the York-based Hospitality Junior Board for people under 30.
Just a day later, the week culminated in the celebration of Rise & Serve, an innovative and unique eight-week hospitality pilot designed to support young people – including those facing hidden barriers to employment – into the industry or back into education.
The programme culminated in a live pop-up dinner hosted at the city-centre hotel, planned and delivered by participants. They welcomed 40 guests from across the region – General Managers, business owners, educators, local and regional government, partners and alumni of the Hospitality Junior Board.
Over eight weeks, participants developed skills in food safety, customer service, menu development, marketing and teamwork, supported by hospitality professionals from the Hospitality Junior Board and The Grand.
Together, the initiatives highlight a growing effort to champion young talent and tackle hospitality’s ongoing recruitment challenges and the perception of the sector
Hospitality employs more than 35,000 people across York & North Yorkshire, yet with high staff turnover rates and poor perception, many young professionals leave the sector before building long-term careers.
By combining early-stage access programmes like Rise & Serve with leadership development events such as The Leaders of Tomorrow, the Hospitality Junior Board hope to strengthen the pipeline of talent entering – and staying in – the industry.
Philip Bolson, Founder of the Hospitality Junior Board, said: “Seeing these two events happen within the same week really showed what’s possible when the industry comes together to support young people.
“From those taking their first steps through Rise & Serve to the young professionals building careers at The Leaders of Tomorrow, the energy and ambition on display has been incredible.
“Our focus now is turning that momentum into long-term opportunities and clear progression pathways for the next generation.”
Tony Watson, Head of Economy and Tourism for North Yorkshire Council, said: “Young people underpin our tourism and wider hospitality sector. So it is important that we all play our part in supporting it.”
The launch of “Rise & Serve”
19th February 2026
We are very proud to have launched “Rise & Serve”. Now 4 weeks in we have a wonderful cohort of young people, young people who are not in education or learning but all are committed to and want to work. Over 8 weeks we will work on a bunch of life skills whilst at the same time introduce them to some basic hospitality skills. At the end of the 8 weeks we are putting on a special event with a select group of people invited.
The programme is supported by Alumni members of the HJN; Lawrence Lumb, Sam Holding and Adam Atkinson. There involvement keeps it real as they not only are sharing their skills they are acting as young models.
The programme is funded by the UK Gov backed Trailblazer Community Grant, managed by Better Connect.
A quick whizz through our journey to date!
Dec 10th 2025
Rise & Serve programme launches
3rd December 2025
We are really pleased to launch Rise & Serve – a unique, first of its kind Hospitality programme in the UK!
Rise & Serve aims to have a real world impact by tackling the challenges young people face through a creative, compelling, and inclusive approach.
Rise & Serve is an 8-week, hands-on experience where young people work together to design, build, and run their own pop-up restaurant for one night. From the first spark of an idea to the moment guests walk through the door, you’ll be involved in every step.
Delivered in partnership with and at The Grand Cookery School in York, the programme gives young people the chance to try real hospitality roles, learn new skills, and discover what they are capable of – all in a supportive and encouraging environment.
The event night will raise money for charity.
The 3rd Cohort Graduates!
2nd December 2025
Over 80 wonderful people from across the York & North Yorkshire region gathered on the evening of the 2nd Dec at York St John University to celebrate the graduation of the 3rd cohort. At the event we shared what we had achieved this year to date, hear about “what’s next”, heard from Tony Watson (Head of Visit North Yorkshire) but most importantly we heard from the cohort – what they had learned, achieved, struggled with, their successes, and the friendships they have made.
It was a fantastic evening and showcased what a brilliant career Hospitality can provide.
4th Cohort of the Hospitality Junior Board starts!
November 2025
The 4th cohort of the Hospitality Junior Board started today and, as has now become tradition the first meeting was held at Rudding Park, Harrogate. The cohort, made up of young people from across the region and sector, represent the sector and are looking forward to their 6 months getting to know each other!
Hospitality, The Leaders Of Tomorrow
November 2025
A bold, young people led initiative is set to redefine the future of hospitality in York and North Yorkshire.
Hospitality: The Leaders of Tomorrow, taking place on Monday 23 March 2026 at the award-winning Rudding Park, Harrogate, will bring together young people working in hospitality and tourism for a day of learning, inspiration, and connection.
Created and delivered by the The Hospitality Junior Board CIC and funded by the York & North Yorkshire Local Visitor Enterprise Partnership (LVEP), the event places emerging talent at the heart of the sector’s future – giving under-30s the tools, confidence, and community they need to thrive.
Hands-on learning, inspiration and networking
Through interactive workshops, peer-led sessions, and inspiring talks, The Leaders of Tomorrow will explore real stories from hospitality – covering resilience, leadership, teamwork, wellbeing, and personal branding.
Delegates can expect:
- Hands-on workshops on resilience, personal branding, and career growth
- Networking opportunities with peers, mentors, and employers
- Inspiring industry speakers (to be announced) sharing real-world insights
- A celebratory atmosphere showcasing the passion, people, and pride at the heart of hospitality
With 100 – 125 delegates expected, the event is designed to be engaging, and full of opportunity.
Why Yorkshire’s hospitality sector needs this – now more than ever
Employing well over 10 % of the region but with many more indirectly reliant on the sector, York and North Yorkshires hospitality sector is one of the region’s largest employers and a cornerstone of the local economy.
Yet despite its scale, many young professionals in the industry lack access to structured development, visibility, and recognition.
Hospitality: The Leaders of Tomorrow tackles this gap head-on. By investing in the next generation, the LVEP and HJB are creating clear pathways to leadership, innovation, and long-term careers, ensuring hospitality is not just a stepping-stone but a profession filled with purpose, pride, and opportunity.
The challenge is urgent. Across the UK, hotels recruitment and retentions remains a challenge and highlighting that many people are leaving before they can build lasting careers.
Supporting initiatives like The Leaders of Tomorrow directly addresses these issues, helping to attract, retain, and empower young talent across the region and secure the future of Yorkshire’s hospitality industry.
Key outcomes include:
- Greater confidence, connection, and sector pride among young professionals
- A greater visibility of hospitality as a career of choice
- The creation of a meaningful regional network
- Confidence in the future leadership in the York and North Yorkshire Region
The event was officially launched last week with Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith and Tony Watson, Head of Tourism at North Yorkshire Council.
Alongside David and Tony at the event was the founder of The Hospitality Junior Board CIC, Philip Bolson, who commented:
“This event is about giving young people in hospitality the recognition, development, and community they deserve. It’s a movement for change – designed and led by young people working in the sector”
Tony Watson, Head of Tourism at North Yorkshire Council commented:
“Hospitality is the heartbeat of York and North Yorkshire’s visitor economy, and its future depends on the talent we nurture today. ‘The Leaders of Tomorrow’ is more than an event – it’s a commitment to empowering young people with the skills, confidence, and connections they need to thrive. By investing in the next generation, we’re securing a vibrant, resilient hospitality sector that continues to drive pride, opportunity, and growth across our region.”
Whether just starting out, building a career, or leading a team, Hospitality: The Leaders of Tomorrow is a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate the power of hospitality.
Hertelier “September Male ally of the month”
23/09/25
Our founder and chair, Philip Bolson is interviewed in Septembers Hertelier. Hertelier is an online news platform inspiring women in hospitality working in hotels to pursue, navigate and nurture their careers at every stage.
“Some people talk about changing perceptions. Philip Bolson does something about it. With a career spanning bar shifts, boardrooms, and big brand leadership, Philip has seen hospitality from every angle. Today, he’s channelling that experience into his boldest project yet: the Hospitality Junior Board.”
To read the full article please click on (but remember to come back); https://www.hertelier.com/post/ally-philip-bolson
First HJB Alumni gathering!
23/09/25
One of our objectives is “community” and as such we are pleased to be holding our very first Alumni event on the 11th November. Hosted by York Gin it is an opportunity for past and present cohorts to connect, network and hear updates from some members.
If you want to find out more re the HJB please click on the “get involved” button at the top of each page.
Cohort 4 recruitment underway
23/09/25
We are pleased to announce that we are recruiting for the 4th cohort of the Hospitality Junior Board starting November this year.
The 6-month Board includes:
– Monthly board meetings
– Peer discussions
– Skill-building modules
– Mentorship from industry professionals
– Real-world project work
All aimed at building the skills required to grow!
To find out more please download the “candidates brochure” on the home page or us ethe “get involve” button at the top of each page.