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The Newt in Somerset, a beautiful working country estate, has expanded its partnership with HIT Training to launch a new hospitality academy designed to nurture exceptional talent and strengthen long-term career progression within the sector. The two organisations first collaborated on a highly successful Chef Academy, which supported 10 apprentices in completing their training and moving into permanent roles within The Newt’s kitchens. Building on this success, the partnership now extends to front-of-house development through Elevate — a bespoke hospitality academy created specifically for The Newt in Somerset in collaboration with the HIT Hospitality Academy.
A Working Estate Built for Learning
Set among acres of gardens, orchards, farmland and ancient woodland, The Newt in Somerset blends hospitality, heritage and sustainability across every part of its estate. With four restaurants, a cider cellar, retail spaces and a 42-bedroom hotel, it offers guests an experience grounded in craft, local produce and a deep connection to the land. Behind the scenes, the estate is home to more than 500 employees working across hospitality, wellness, horticulture, farming, retail and education. Together, they embody the estate’s philosophy to “improve every day and embrace change” — a value that shapes not only the guest experience but also how the business invests in its people.
A Partnership Powered by Shared Values
The partnership between The Newt in Somerset and HIT Training reflects a shared commitment to developing people and creating meaningful, rewarding careers in hospitality. Through the Hospitality Academy, learning is brought to life with dynamic, hands-on workshops and real-world training that equip individuals with the skills, confidence and mindset needed to thrive in modern hospitality. This approach raises service standards and supports the creation of memorable guest experiences that build loyalty and strengthen the estate’s reputation. Alongside technical development, the Academy places equal emphasis on communication, emotional intelligence and teamwork — the human qualities that define exceptional hospitality and help shape a new generation of confident, charismatic hospitality professionals.
Claire Dalton, Head of HR Operations at The Newt in Somerset, said:
“At The Newt in Somerset, our people are at the heart of everything we do. This partnership reflects our commitment to nurturing talent, inspiring growth, and creating opportunities that allow our team to thrive. When our people flourish, so does the guest experience – and that’s what makes The Newt in Somerset truly special.”
Elevate: Learning in Action
The new Elevate academy supports twelve apprentices drawn from front-of-house teams across the estate. Their learning journey brings together hands-on experience, mentoring and guided personal development, helping them build the confidence, knowledge and leadership potential needed in a fast-paced, people-focused environment. Apprentices also take part in immersive masterclasses across the estate — from butchery and bakery to cheesemaking and horticulture — gaining a first-hand understanding of The Newt’s field-to-fork approach. These experiences strengthen their appreciation of provenance and craftsmanship, ensuring they understand the complete guest journey from the land and its produce to the table and beyond.
Creating the Next Generation of Hospitality Professionals
For HIT Training, the partnership with The Newt in Somerset demonstrates how tailored academies can reflect a business’s unique culture and values while delivering measurable impact, from improved retention and engagement to service quality and future leadership development programmes.
Paul Mannering, National Hospitality and Culinary Lead at HIT Training, said:
“The Newt in Somerset is a brilliant example of what modern hospitality looks like when learning and innovation go hand in hand. Through the HIT Hospitality Academy, we’re proud to deliver training that helps people grow in confidence, develop essential skills, and build meaningful, long-term careers. This partnership shows how investing in people can transform both businesses and the wider industry.”
Both organisations share a clear ambition: to ensure hospitality remains a vibrant, sustainable and aspirational career choice. Through this expanded partnership, The Newt in Somerset and HIT Training are creating opportunities that combine practical learning with a deep understanding of service and craftsmanship, ensuring that today’s learners become tomorrow’s industry leaders. Together, they are helping to shape the future of hospitality — developing people who not only serve with skill, but lead with passion.
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