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.”