New Hospitality Academy Launches to Tackle Industry Challenges and Raise Service Standards


HIT Training is proud to announce the launch of its new Hospitality Academy — a pioneering training initiative designed to help hospitality businesses raise service standards, develop future leaders, and build long-term success through exceptional customer experiences.

The launch comes at a critical time for the industry. Hospitality businesses across the UK are grappling with major challenges: persistent staff shortages, soaring customer expectations, growing competition, and the increasing demand for high-quality, memorable service. These pressures are creating an urgent need for businesses to invest in skilled, resilient teams who can deliver outstanding guest experiences, drive loyalty, and uphold brand reputations.

In response, HIT Training has created the Hospitality Academy — a fresh, business-focused approach to hospitality training, designed to meet today’s realities head-on. Developed in collaboration with renowned industry experts Michael Heppell and Paul Martin, the Academy delivers cutting-edge programmes that focus not just on technical service skills, but also on building the leadership, mindset, and professionalism essential to thrive in a fast-paced, guest-driven world.

Through engaging workshops, hands-on learning, and real-world training interventions, the Hospitality Academy is setting a new benchmark for service excellence — one guest, one interaction, one moment at a time.

A New Approach to Business-Driven Hospitality Excellence

A standout feature of the Academy is the launch of the Hearts & Minds Learning Suite — a first-of-its-kind collection of immersive modules, embedded within the hospitality apprenticeship programme. This unique suite blends practical service excellence with leadership development and mindset coaching, ensuring businesses develop teams who are not only technically skilled but motivated, adaptable, and guest-focused.

In addition, two specialist masterclasses provide targeted, hands-on training for frontline teams:

  • Masterclass 1: The Art of Service – Focusing on craft skills, including drinks service, wine and spirits, barista techniques, and delivering service excellence at every touchpoint.
  • Masterclass 2: Service Experience – Exploring memory-making, storytelling, and host-led service to create exceptional and lasting guest experiences.

A Timely Response to Industry Challenges

The launch of the Hospitality Academy comes at a time when the pressure to deliver exceptional service has never been greater. In a market where customer loyalty, online reputation, and guest experiences directly impact business success, investing in service excellence is no longer optional — it’s essential.

“The Hospitality Academy isn’t just about training – it’s about shaping the future of service. By collaborating with industry experts Michael Heppell and Paul Martin, we’ve created content that directly addresses the needs of today’s workforce and empowers businesses to develop outstanding teams.””

Said Paul Mannering, National Hospitality and Culinary Lead at HIT Training.

Michael Heppell said

I’m thrilled to be partnering with HIT Training to help shape the next generation of customer service experts. Exceptional service isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about mindset, energy and a relentless commitment to being brilliant. I’ve spent my career coaching individuals and organisations on how to stand out, exceed expectations and create unforgettable experiences. Now, I get to share that passion with future customer service stars, helping them develop the skills, confidence and mindset to truly make a difference.”

Paul Martin said

I’m delighted to be partnering with HIT Training and contributing to this groundbreaking project. Working with an organisation such as HIT, who share my passion for redefining the nature of hospitality excellence, enables us to develop a new generation of engaging, charismatic and highly skilled hospitality professionals who will set the standards for outstanding guest experiences for generations to come”.

Designed with flexibility and scalability in mind, the Academy offers tailored solutions to suit businesses of all sizes — from boutique independents to multi-site hospitality groups — embedding service excellence at every level.

Find Out More

For businesses looking to future-proof their teams, enhance their reputation, and deliver exceptional guest experiences, the Hospitality Academy is now open for enrollment nationwide.

For more information, visit our Hospitality Academy page or contact [email protected].


Apprentice Drew Dawson Crowned Winner of Toque D’or® 2019

It’s ‘Time to Talk’

Untapped – HIT Training’s Brewer Apprentice Competition

The Young National Chef of the Year Finalists Have Been Revealed

Crunch Time: Over Half of Hospitality Businesses Risk Losing their Apprenticeship Levy Fund

HIT Training Ltd Receives Matrix Standard

How the ‘Mini-Budget’ Supports Employers, Training and Skills Development

Vacherin’s Nick Smith Crowned Winner of the Craft Guild of Chefs’ National Chef of the Year

HIT Training Offers Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship to Drive Business Improvement

Hospitality Employers Back Shorter Apprenticeships as HIT Launches New Working Group

New Graduate Apprenticeship Launched to Build Future Hospitality Leaders

The Clink Charity identifies first candidates for in-prison apprenticeships in partnership with HIT Training

It’s Time to Take Unnecessary Food Waste off the Menu

HIT Training Wins Award for Championing Social Mobility Through Apprenticeships

Alex Angelogiannis wows judges to take top spot in National Chef of the Year competition

Educate Your Team on the Mental Health Benefits of Food

Join us for a summer of learning at HIT Training!

HIT produces 1500 free meals on National Hospitality Day

HIT Training First to Launch New Qualification for Health and Social Care Sector

New National Chef of the Year is unveiled in front of industry elite

Sam Dixon takes the top spot in Young National Chef of the Year

HIT Training Ltd Signs New Business Drive to Help The Nation Through COVID-19 Crisis

HIT Training Ltd. Publishes White Paper on Apprenticeship Reforms and Workforce Development

HIT Training Ltd moves to employee ownership

The Benefits of Learning at Work for your Business and Workforce

Boost Your Mental Health Through Small Acts of Kindness

Rising stars of the UK culinary scene revealed for Young National Chef of the Year final

Future-Proof Your Business and Save Big: National Insurance Savings for Employers of Apprentices Under 25

A Year of Achievement: HIT celebrates its first year under employee ownership.

HIT Training and The Clink Charity announce new partnership to launch apprenticeships for serving prisoners

HIT’s exciting brewing competition is back for 2024

HIT’s Executive Chair Jill Whittaker OBE wins award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Industry’

Train your staff through hospitality apprenticeships

How to Manage Stress: Stress Awareness Month 2021

Integrating Plant Based Food into your Menu

HIT Training Launches Suite of Training Courses and Workshops to Upskill Hospitality Teams

There’s No Age Limit to Invaluable Training

The Newt in Somerset Unveils ‘Elevate’ – A Bespoke Hospitality Academy in partnership with HIT Training

HIT Training Launches Free Workshops to Help Close the Chef Skills Gap in the Capital

Do Hospitality Careers Need a Rebrand?

Introducing the New Normal for HIT’s Apprenticeship Delivery

HIT Training Ltd Wins Excellence in English and Maths Skills Development at the Apprenticeship and Training Awards

The Opportunity Provider and Scrumptious Marketing Announce Strategic Employer Branding Partnership

Stepping Up – It’s Time to Earn your Stripes

HIT Training welcomes Government’s Fully Funded Apprenticeship Initiative for Small Businesses

HIT celebrates new tri-nation partnership

New Principal appointed to HIT Chef Academy

The Importance of a Mentor for Apprentices

HIT Heroes Award Winners 2023

HIT Launches New Fish Friers Apprenticeship

HIT Training Ltd Wins Prestigious Apprenticeship Provider of the Year Award for the Second Consecutive Year

Center Parcs Celebrates Apprentice Trailblazers

HIT Training Ltd Embarks on the Journey to Net Zero with Planet Mark Certification

Two HIT Apprentices Make MasterChef Finals

The Real Barrier to Exceptional Hospitality Isn’t What You Think

HIT Training launches intelligent apprenticeship recruitment service for hospitality and retail, in partnership with urfuture

Sodexo Culinary Academy focuses on inspiring and elevating chefs at every level

New movement to tackle gender inequality in the kitchen

From First Job to Future Career

HIT partners with Hospitality Jobs UK to form new recruitment partnership

National Apprenticeship Awards 2020 – Open for Entries!

National Inclusion Week 2024: Why Impact Matters in Apprenticeships

Time to Open up About Mental Health During COVID-19

Medals All Round for our Fired Up Four!

HIT Training Elevates Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion by Becoming Patrons of the Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance

Functional Skills: The Cornerstone of Apprenticeships

Why we Need Apprenticeships to Build the Future

HIT Training Ltd Celebrates Prestigious Gold Membership of The 5% Club for Second Year Running

HIT Training Ltd Earns Prestigious Gold Membership in The 5% Club

Institute of Hospitality and HIT Training Invest in the Industry’s Future

John Hyde Scoops Special Recognition Award

HIT Heroes Award Winners Announced for 2021

How to Offer a Degree Apprenticeship for Employers

Winners of Fired Up and Un-Tapped Apprentice Competitions 2023 announced

HIT Retains One Third of Staff for Over 10 Years

‘Forward with Marcus Wareing’ programme expands following huge success

Creating a Learn-it-All Culture

HIT Training Ltd Welcomes Government Reforms to Functional Skills and Shorter Apprenticeships

Hospitality Apprenticeships Week 2021 to Showcase Industry as #Morethanajob

Budget Reflections: Key Impacts on Skills and Training

Omicron and COVID Plan B Update

Employee-owned training group signals long-term commitment to UK skills with new name

HIT Training Ltd strengthens its board with four new Directors

HIT Training Recognised at the TES FE Awards 2018

What employers need to know about new funding rules

HIT Training Named in Times Top 100 Best Companies to Work for

‘The Super Six’ Unveiled

Flavour of Success at The Restaurant Show

HIT Training Ltd announces new Managing Director Mike Worley

What is the Apprenticeship Levy?

HIT Training Receives Matrix Accreditation

Untapped competition: Meet the 2024 Rising Stars of Brewing

Access Global Opportunities for Your Apprentices

Hat-trick for HIT: Apprenticeship Provider of the Year three years running

We Are Now a Planet Mark Certified Business

The Future Hospitality Workforce: What Will it Look Like Following COVID-19?

HIT Heroes Winners Unveiled in Celebration Event

HIT Training Recognised at the Foodservice Cateys 2018

An Industry Collaboration

Gravetye Manor chef takes the top spot in Young National Chef of the Year

Sign up to news, events and great resources