Safeguarding in hospitality should be more than just policy, it should be embedded in a business' culture.

In this episode, we explore how training, awareness, and prevention can transform venues into safer spaces for both staff and guests.

In this powerful episode of Talking Hospitality, we’re joined by Eren Bessim, Head of Training & Development at Safer Business Network, who brings frontline experience from the police force, festivals, and now the hospitality industry to tackle a critical subject: safeguarding.

We dig into why safety training isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about changing the culture of your business. Eren shares eye-opening stories from venues where prevention and intervention made all the difference, from spiking and harassment to hidden disabilities and suicide prevention.

We unpack the significance of schemes like Ask for Angela, WAVE (Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement), and the upcoming Martyn’s Law. You’ll hear how proactive training helps not only protect customers, but also can empower your team, improve retention, and strengthen the integrity of your entire operation.

This is an urgent conversation for anyone working in hospitality today.

"Safeguarding isn’t just a policy on the shelf — it’s the culture you build every shift, with every interaction."

Eren Bessim

Takeaways:

• The importance of early intervention & prevention
• How to identify vulnerability in venues
• “Ask for Angela” – what it really means & where it came from
• What is WAVE training and how to use it across your business
• Preparing for Martyn’s Law and why it matters
• Cultural changes vs one-off training sessions
• How safeguarding supports staff wellbeing and retention
• Real-life stories of intervention that saved lives

Resources & Mentions:

• Safer Business Network: saferbusinesstraining.org.uk
• White Ribbon UK
• Kelly’s Cause Foundation
• The Sunflower Scheme (Hidden Disabilities)
• Martyn’s Law (Protect Duty) – pending legislation

Talking Hospitality is proudly supported by:

• Graphic Kitchen – creative storytelling for hospitality brands
• LeisureJobs – the go-to recruitment platform for the industry

When we chat about the potential of AI in hospitality, one of the big ideas we dive into is the concept of agentic AI.

Essentially, we’re talking about creating little digital helpers—think minions from Despicable Me—that can take on specific tasks, learn from context, and get better over time.

Instead of just tossing queries at a model like ChatGPT and hoping for the best, these agents are designed to work within your organization’s unique environment, pulling from your specific data to provide accurate and relevant responses.

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Matt Grimshaw, the founder of Youda, to explore how agentic AI is redefining the employee experience in hospitality—from onboarding to retention and everything in between.

We unpack:

🧠 What agentic AI actually is (think smart little digital minions)

📲 How it automates repetitive HR admin and improves employee communication

📉 Why it could reduce turnover by identifying root causes in real-time

🌍 How multilingual access, personalisation, and data-driven insights reshape frontline engagement

🛠️ And what businesses need to know before diving in—tech integration, GDPR, and AI hallucinations included

If you’ve ever wished your employee handbook could talk, or your team had more time to focus on people, not paperwork—this is your episode.

🎧 Listen now to discover how AI isn’t replacing HR—it’s enhancing it.

Takeaways:

1. Agentic AI = Personalised, Automated Support for Teams

Agentic AI works like a team of smart, task-specific “digital minions” that can automate everything from employment references to onboarding workflows—freeing up time for HR and managers to focus on people, not paperwork.

2. It Doesn’t Just Save Time—It Unlocks Powerful Insights

By embedding AI agents across employee touchpoints, businesses can generate rich data sets that help predict why people leave, what onboarding experiences work, and how to improve retention at scale.

3. From Handbooks to Helpdesks—Instant, Accessible Answers

Whether it’s policies, training manuals, or recipes, employees can get what they need instantly via natural language queries—even in their preferred language. No more digging through PDFs or waiting days for a reply.

4. GDPR-Friendly, With the Right Culture and Controls

AI’s potential is huge, but it must be implemented with care. Transparency, clear permissions, and building a culture of trust are vital when collecting employee data—especially with Gen Z’s data-savvy mindset.

5. The Biggest Barrier? Legacy Systems

The tech works—but if your rota, HR, or ATS systems don’t integrate well, it’ll hold you back. Future-proofing your tech stack is essential to get ahead of the AI curve.

6. Start Small: Solve Annoying Problems First

The fastest wins come from removing admin headaches. Automate frustrating, repetitive tasks (like return-to-work forms or reference requests) to boost morale and free up time for strategic thinking.

7. It’s Not Optional—It’s Inevitable

Matt’s advice? Don't wait. Within 18–24 months, organisations that aren’t using AI to enhance employee experience will be left behind. Early adopters are already pulling ahead.

Links referenced in this episode:

• youda.co

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Youda
• ChatGPT
• Graphic Kitchen
• Leisure Jobs

Hospitality is at the heart of what makes London the greatest city in the world, and in this episode, we're diving deep into that very idea! Jason shares his unforgettable encounter with Bill Clinton, who declared London the best city, sparking an inspiration that led to the creation of the London Lifestyle Awards.

We chat about how these awards celebrate all the amazing experiences outside of work that make London shine, from top-notch restaurants to cozy coffee shops. With over 15 years of recognizing the best of the best, Jason gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how the awards evolved and adapted to the changing landscape of hospitality. So grab your favorite drink, sit back, and join us as we explore the vibrant world of London hospitality and the joy of celebrating it together!

What does Bill Clinton, the Dorchester, and a passion for public recognition have in common? Jason Gale, founder of the London Lifestyle Awards, joins us for an unfiltered and inspiring look at how the capital’s hospitality scene is celebrated—and what still needs to change.

In this episode, Jason shares how a conversation with the former US President sparked the creation of one of London’s most recognised consumer-voted awards. We unpack the rise of “competitive socialising”, the changing values of Gen Z diners, and the essential role of team celebration in staff retention. Jason also shares candid insights on navigating industry egos, how trends like wellness and one-venue nights are shaping the future, and why some hospitality awards risk becoming hollow when they operate on a pay-to-win model.

This is a must-listen for hospitality leaders who believe in meaningful recognition, building loyal teams, and putting the public at the heart of what we do.

Takeaways:

• Meeting Bill Clinton left a lasting impression and sparked a northerners' passion for London.
• The London Lifestyle Awards celebrate hospitality and the best experiences outside of work, uniting the public with businesses.
• Great hospitality is essential for London's appeal; without it, nobody would want to be here.
• The awards process allows the public to nominate and vote for their favourite businesses, creating a true celebration of excellence.
• Over the years, the hospitality industry has changed, with a rise in demand for entertainment alongside food and drink.

This episode is brought to you by LeisureJobs and Graphic Kitchen.

LeisureJobs connects top talent with the best hospitality roles.

Graphic Kitchen brings bold hospitality stories to life through creative content.

We’re proud to have them on board.

In this episode, Timothy and Joe are joined by the brilliant Akashia Carswell, CEO of London Talent and founder of Hive Cru, a new platform aiming to revolutionise temp recruitment in the hospitality sector.

They dig into:

• Why the current recruitment model is broken
• The invisible cost of poor training and high turnover
• How Hive could reduce recruitment timelines from four months to four hours
• The impact of government legislation on young workers and apprenticeships
• Why employers must change their mindset to attract and retain talent
• The emotional toll of poor leadership and how better L&D can break the cycle

From hard-earned stories to real-world solutions, this episode is a must-listen for every hospitality employer who’s said, “I just don’t have the time.”

This episode is brought to you in partnership with Leisurejobs and Graphic Kitchen —thank you for supporting industry conversations that matter.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• London Talent
• Hive

What does real allyship look like in hospitality — and why does it matter now more than ever?

In this episode, recorded in front of a live audience, Talking Hospitality host Timothy R Andrews is joined by Tris Reid-Smith, founder of Pride Wide, for an urgent and inspiring conversation on LGBTQIA+ rights, representation, and the power of storytelling.

We explore how toxic narratives are being weaponised against the queer community and why hospitality businesses have a unique role to play — not just in waving flags during Pride, but in creating truly inclusive, respectful spaces for both staff and guests all year round.

From corporate pinkwashing to authentic engagement, Tris offers a candid take on what support really means, why equality improves business performance, and how you can get involved.

Takeaways:

• In our podcast episode, we dive deep into the significance of Pride and how it continues to impact the hospitality industry, highlighting the importance of supporting the LGBTQIA community.
• Mass communication is key! We discuss how effective storytelling can shift public attitudes towards the LGBTQIA community and why this is crucial for societal change.
• We explore the idea that organizations need to embrace advertising as a tool for reaching target audiences, and there's no shame in selling the message of love and liberation.
• Training and empowering community members is essential; we believe that sharing skills with campaigners can help them effectively communicate their messages in hostile environments.

What happens when hospitality businesses keep saying “we support mental health” — but don’t back it up with action?

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Rachel Kerr-Lapsley, Managing Director of Kelly’s Cause, the mental health charity changing how the industry supports its people — from the ground up.

Rachel shares hard truths about performative wellbeing, what really makes a difference to staff, and why the most effective mental health support doesn’t have to cost the earth.

In this episode:

• What businesses get wrong about mental health “awareness”
• Why rota consistency matters more than a free yoga class
• The shocking gap between support offered vs actually used
• How better culture cut one hotel’s turnover from 85% to under 45%
• What employers can do this week to help their teams thrive
• Why fear of losing staff shouldn't stop you from training them
• How Kelly’s Cause partners with hospitality leaders to embed real change

Whether you’re running a kitchen or a multi-site group, this episode offers honest, actionable advice to create safer, healthier workplaces — without the fluff.

💡 “It’s not your job to educate people about mental health. It’s your job to create a workplace that respects it.” — Rachel Kerr-Lapsley

👉 Learn more or support their work at kellyscause.com

📩 Email: [email protected]

📲 Follow on Instagram: @kellyscause

🔗 Talking Hospitality donation link: https://www.kellyscause.com/donate

Takeaways:

• It's crucial for employers to understand that mental health awareness has evolved significantly post-pandemic; employees today know more about mental health than ever before.
• Kelly's Cause is dedicated to providing tailored mental health support specifically for hospitality workers, founded in memory of a chef who tragically died by suicide.
• Employers should focus on practical tools and strategies to create a healthy workplace rather than merely raising awareness about mental health issues.
• Effective mental health support can save businesses money on recruitment and turnover by fostering a supportive and healthy work environment for employees.

Links referenced in this episode:

• kellyscause.com
• instagram.com/kellyscause
• talkinghospitality.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Kelly's Cause
• Mental Health First Aid England
• Hinge

In this powerful and personal episode, we speak with Matt Cameron, founder of TMC People Agency and co-founder of WellJam, who shares the story behind his mission to transform toxic hospitality workplaces into thriving ones.

Matt opens up about his early years in hospitality, the pressure-cooker environments that almost cost him everything — and the moment that changed his life. Now, he's on a mission to help employers build people-first cultures that don't just retain staff, but genuinely help them thrive.

We discuss:

• The silent burnout epidemic in hospitality
• How poor workplace culture nearly ended Matt’s life
• Why many employer “wellbeing” perks miss the mark
• What younger staff really want — and why it matters
• Practical ways leaders can spot and stop toxic behaviours
• What it means to actually empower your team
• Why retention starts before Day One

This is an honest, solutions-focused conversation every hospitality leader needs to hear.

👉 Explore more episodes, blogs and training at www.talkinghospitality.com

📲 Connect with Matt: thatmattcameron.com

🙏 A big thank you to our brand partners

We’re proud to be supported by two fantastic organisations:

• Graphic Kitchen – bringing hospitality stories to life with standout creative that cuts through the noise.
• LeisureJobs – connecting top talent with the best opportunities across the industry

Takeaways:

• Matt's journey in hospitality shows the importance of mental health awareness in the workplace.
• Creating a supportive work environment can significantly boost employee retention and satisfaction.
• Work-life balance is often misunderstood; it should focus on improving the workplace culture, not just outside activities.
• Understanding individual employee needs is crucial for effective management in modern hospitality settings.

Links referenced in this episode:

• mattcameron.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• TMC // Agency
• wellJam

In this special 50th episode of Talking Hospitality, we celebrate a major milestone — and pull back the curtain on the real story of starting (and sustaining) a podcast in our industry.

Joined by a line-up of fellow hospitality podcasters, we talk candidly about the lessons we’ve learnt, the mistakes we made, the kit we’ve loved and hated, and the very human reasons that keep us hitting "record" week after week.

Featuring:

• Mark McCulloch (Supersonic Marketing)
• Shell Righini (We Recover Loudly)
• Michael Tingsager (Hospitality Mavericks)
• Kieron Bailey (People on Purpose)
• Tracey Rashid
• Timothy R Andrews

Hosted by:

• Sarah Kettel & Phil Street (Hospitality Meets...)

In this episode:

• Why most podcasts never make it past Episode 4 (and how we did)
• The honest truth about editing, kit, guests... and imposter syndrome
• How to find your voice (and your why)
• Tips for getting started without blowing your budget
• The power of vulnerability – and why it’s okay to evolve
• How hospitality voices are reshaping the industry one episode at a time

Whether you're dreaming of launching your own podcast, already hosting one, or just curious about what really happens behind the mic — this episode is full of insight, laughter, and straight-up real talk.

Takeaways:

• Putting your voice out there takes a lot of bravery, especially in today's world.
• Over 95% of podcasts don't make it past their fourth episode, often due to boredom.
• It's essential to have a clear purpose for your podcast; otherwise, you might lose motivation.
• Editing podcasts can be a complex and time-consuming process, but it can also be rewarding.
• Choosing a niche for your podcast helps to define your audience and content focus.
• The podcast journey is full of unexpected connections and opportunities that can enrich your life.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• We Recovered Loudly
• Hospitality Mavericks
• Supersonic Marketing
• Propel
• Talking Hospitality
• Graphic Kitchen
• Leisure Jobs

🎧 Like what you hear?

Subscribe, share it with someone who needs a nudge to press record, and don’t forget to check out our full library of episodes at www.talkinghospitality.com

In this vibrant episode of Talking Hospitality, recorded live at Zest Quest Asia 2024, hosts Timothy R. Andrews and Tracey Rashid meet Cyrus and Pervin Todiwala, the passionate founders behind Zest Quest Asia.

This exciting conversation uncovers the story behind their mission to elevate Asian cuisine within the UK hospitality industry. Cyrus and Pervin explain their dedication to getting Asian culinary training onto the British curriculum, promoting authentic Asian cooking beyond stereotypes, and fostering homegrown talent. They reveal how Zest Quest Asia empowers young chefs through immersive competitions and international exposure, providing life-changing experiences.

Listeners will discover:

• How Zest Quest Asia is shifting perceptions and overcoming barriers within hospitality education.
• The remarkable growth students demonstrate after just 24 hours of competition.
• Success stories highlighting previous winners who have advanced to prestigious roles, including opportunities in Tokyo and Michelin-starred kitchens.
• Why Cyrus and Pervin insist on UK residency for participants to ensure the benefits stay within Britain.
• Their inspiring vision for an inclusive hospitality industry accessible to all, irrespective of background.

Takeaways:

1.Elevating Asian Cuisine: Zest Quest Asia aims to integrate Asian culinary training into the British hospitality education curriculum, promoting authentic Asian dishes beyond common stereotypes.

2.Developing Homegrown Talent: The initiative prioritises British residents to ensure skills and knowledge developed through Zest Quest Asia remain within the UK hospitality industry.

3.Rapid Student Growth: Students participating in Zest Quest Asia competitions show significant skill and confidence improvements within just 24 hours, demonstrating the transformative power of hands-on experience.

4.Real-Life Success Stories: Past winners of the competition have advanced into prestigious international positions, including opportunities in Michelin-starred restaurants and esteemed establishments in Tokyo.

5.Inclusivity and Accessibility: Cyrus and Pervin advocate strongly for making hospitality careers accessible to everyone, irrespective of their background, thus helping to dismantle traditional barriers within the industry.

Through engaging anecdotes and reflective insights, this episode captures both the struggles and successes of introducing Asian cuisine to mainstream hospitality education. Cyrus and Pervin also share heartfelt personal stories and reveal their continued commitment despite earlier setbacks.

If you’re passionate about the future of hospitality, diversity, and the exciting evolution of Asian cuisine in Britain, this is an episode not to be missed

Asian cuisine has long been relegated to the sidelines of the culinary world, often overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of French and Italian fare.

This episode dives into the vibrant world of Asian food, exploring its undeniable potential and the rising trend of Michelin-starred Asian restaurants.

We discuss the growing recognition of Asian chefs and the importance of elevating Asian cuisine to its rightful place in the culinary hierarchy.

With lively anecdotes from the Zest Quest competition, we share insights from chefs and participants who are passionate about showcasing Asian flavours and techniques. It's not just about cooking; it's about challenging perceptions and inspiring new generations to embrace the rich culinary tapestry of Asia. The conversation is peppered with humor and personal stories that highlight the dedication and creativity of those involved in this culinary quest, making it relatable and engaging for listeners.

For anyone interested in food, culture, or simply a good laugh, this episode is a feast for the senses!

Takeaways:

• Asian cuisine has historically been overlooked compared to French and Italian, but it's gaining recognition now.
• The goal of Zest Quest Asia is to elevate Asian food and make it a respected culinary choice in Britain.
• Participants in the competition often start from humble beginnings, emphasizing that success is achievable for everyone.
• Zest Quest Asia aims to integrate Asian cuisine into the educational curriculum, promoting its diversity and richness.
• Students showcased incredible talent, with many already displaying professional-level skills during the competition.
• The competition fosters a passion for cooking among students, with internal contests encouraging participation and skill development.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Zest Quest Asia
• Hilton Tokyo
• Panasonic
• Cafe Spice
• UCB Birmingham