Members’ News

July 2026

Stoiq #

You manage multiple locations with dispersed teams, yet you're relying on fragmented feedback loops and gut feeling about team sentiment. When a location underperforms, is it leadership, working conditions, or something else entirely? You won't know until people have already left.

Stoiq changes that. We give you real-time insight into team sentiment across all your locations — delivered via WhatsApp, email or SMS, built for the way your people actually communicate. No clunky forms. No survey fatigue. Just honest signals you can act on immediately.

What separates contract caterers who retain teams longer from those caught in the turnover cycle isn't luck — it's clarity. Leaders who understand their team's sentiment can tackle retention before it becomes a cost. You'll spot early warning signals. You'll see which locations are performing and why. You'll benchmark your performance against peers doing it right.

Built by hospitality professionals for hospitality realities, Stoiq helps you convert team insight into retention, performance, and a stronger bottom line
 
https://getstoiq.co/

GXE Consumer #

The experience economy is a £932bn market across seven countries, and nine in ten adults take part in it. GXE Consumer exists to measure it and make sense of it: a syndicated read on what people want from live sport, music, wellness, dining, cinema, festivals and the other occasions they choose between, tracked by market and sector and refreshed every quarter. Our purpose is simple. Give the businesses competing inside the experience economy the consumer truth they need to win, rather than the backward-looking guesswork most of them still run on.
 
The findings reset how you read your own market. People do not choose within categories, they choose across them, so your real competition is everything else a consumer could do with that time and that spend. And what they are buying is not the activity but the feeling: connection and memory-making are the two strongest drivers in every market we cover. The willingness to pay is real too, with 76 percent of UK adults telling us they will pay more for better quality. For anyone running food and drink inside venues, events and workplaces, that is the standard the offer is now measured against, and it sits among the core sectors of the economy we track.
Two products carry the work.
 
Pulse gives you the forward read on what consumers want next, by sector and by market. Focus goes deep on a single occasion, following real guests across the whole arc to show where spend, dwell and return are actually won. If understanding what brings people back is the question in front of you, this is the evidence behind the answer. Reply to this note and I will share the headline findings and set up 30 minutes.
 
https://gxeconsumer.com/

Compass named as part of 50 GREAT British Employers of Veterans 2026 #

Compass Group UK & Ireland has been included in the ‘50 GREAT British Employers of Veterans 2026’, for its ongoing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces Community. The list is the definitive national ranking of forces friendly employers and provides an in-depth showcase of the companies setting the benchmark for meaningful pathways into high-value careers for the military community.
 
This further recognises Compass’ position as a forces-friendly employer. The company’s support is driven by its active Armed Forces Network, which brings together colleagues from across the business who are veterans, reservists, military spouses, cadet force adult volunteers or part of an Armed Forces family, alongside allies and supporters. The network provides peer support, raises awareness, informs policy and works with leaders to ensure that colleagues receive practical support at key moments in their military and civilian lives.
 
Compass signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2016, achieved Gold status through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme in 2018 and secured Gold revalidation in 2023. The Gold award recognises employers that demonstrate and advocate meaningful support for the Armed Forces community and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
 
This news is part of Armed Forces Week activity across Compass. The week began with its Armed Forces Network hosting an Afternoon Tea at Compass’ head office. The event was attended by external partners, including charities, plus members of the Executive team and those in the network.
 
The event also saw Will Bateman attend – the grandson of Jack Bateman who founded Compass in 1941. Jack created Factory Canteen Limited to provide wholesome food and lift the spirits of British munitions workers during WWII. Will attended to learn more about the company and its continued support of the Armed Forces. Will spoke powerfully about his grandfather’s original purpose and his reflections on Compass today, recognising that despite how much the business has evolved, those same values of care, service and community remain.
 
Another highlight of the week included a collaborative workshop delivered by the Forces Employment Charity at Restaurant Associates’ Learning Loft. The session provided valuable insights into the skills, experiences, and attributes that members of the Armed Forces community bring to the workplace, while exploring pathways into meaningful civilian careers.
 
Angela Lewis, Co-Chair of Compass’ Armed Forces Network, said: “We are incredibly proud to see Compass recognised as a Top 50 Employer of Veterans. This recognition highlights the meaningful contribution our sector is making, with soft FM playing an increasingly important role in supporting the Armed Forces community.
 
We are committed to creating an environment where veterans, reservists, military spouses and Armed Forces families feel truly supported, valued and able to thrive. The skills, resilience and leadership they bring are a huge asset, and we remain dedicated to ensuring that talent continues to flourish across our organisation.”
 
Compass’ Armed Forces Network is part of its wider Inclusion strategy and is one of six colleague networks. These communities help to ensure that colleagues from all backgrounds can access opportunities, support and a strong sense of community at work. This is part of its Our Social Promise commitment.

Thai street food Isaan Project wins Lexington Catering’s Casual Dining Competition 2026 #

The final of Lexington Catering’s Casual Dining Competition crowned The Isaan Project the winners, celebrating bold flavours and culinary traditions of Northeastern Thailand. The winning team received an engraved trophy, and its dining concept will be rolled out across Lexington’s customer sites.

The Isaan Project was brought to life by chef Kitty Whiteley and her Lexington Independents team at Kent College. Inspired by the region of Northeastern Thailand where Chef Kitty grew up, the concept brings together the traditions, recipes and communal spirit that define everyday life in Isaan. At its heart is Chef Kitty’s “Khun-Ya” (Grandma), whose handwritten recipe notebook has been passed through generations, preserving the dishes, techniques and stories that continue to inspire food served today.

Now in its fifth year, Lexington’s Casual Dining Competition brings together teams from across the Business & Industry brand, tasking them with curating a brand-new casual dining concept from scratch. Full menus, branding, uniforms, marketing strategy and mobilisation plans are all key parts of the presentation and judging element for each concept. The five brands that reached the final will see their concepts introduced to sites across the wider business. The other four finalists created original, diverse concepts drawing on culinary traditions from Jamaica, Shaanxi Province in China, Singapore and Venice.

A total of 29 Lexington teams submitted written entries at the outset of the competition, outlining the scope of their concept. From these, 12 semi-finalists were shortlisted to present their concepts directly to the round one judging panel. Following the showcase, five standout teams were selected to progress to the final, held at OKN1 – a collaborative kitchen and award-winning dining venue located within New City College, Hackney. More than 200 clients and guests attended the finals and sampled food concepts developed by the finalists, voting for their favourite brand concept, which accounted for 25% of the final voting score.

The finalists in the Casual Dining Competition faced a distinguished panel of industry professionals, including:

James Golding, group chef director at Rockwater and a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, with a career spanning The Savoy, Le Caprice and Soho House New York, and formerly chef director of THE PIG hotel group.

Dhruv Baker, winner of MasterChef 2010, author of award-winning debut book Spice Layers of Flavour and founder of one of the most awarded charcuterie companies in the UK, Tempus Foods. Judge for the Great Taste Awards, The World Cheese Awards and regularly invited to be a presenter on various TV shows and live food events.

Mike Carter, chef and creator of Japanese street food Kana Kana, winner of Lexington’s Casual Dining Competition 2025, bringing first-hand experience of competing and succeeding in the event.

Tom Geoffrey, founder of Barang, a restaurant concept bringing Cambodian-inspired open-fire cooking to London’s Borough Market, with previous experience of bringing his bold Khmer-inspired dishes to venues including Bai Sor in Phnom Penh and Carousel, London.Sean Ritson, managing director of Lexington, said: "This year's Casual Dining Competition was a demonstration of innovation, collaboration and authenticity. Every year the bar gets higher and this year our teams did an exceptional job of telling their stories through food. The competition has evolved to showcase some outstanding regional cuisine and that makes it even more special.

"Now in our fifth year, 30 concepts have been rolled out across Lexington sites, broadening our food offering and taking our customers on a journey around the world. This competition is unlike anything else in the industry. It expands the breadth of what we offer our customer base, nurtures our talent and reflects what makes our people and our business distinctive."

Kitty Whiteley, head pastry chef at Lexington Independents and winning team lead at The Isaan Project said: “Winning this competition is incredibly overwhelming. Fire from Isaan, stories from home – that's what this concept is built on. I wanted to bring the bold flavours of Northeastern Thailand to a new audience and represent my family’s recipe and my grandma’s legacy. 

“It is my grandma’s cooking and recipes that fuelled this award win and I’m really proud that her memory lives on. She is behind every dish and to have that recognised means everything to us.”

Dhruv Baker, winner of MasterChef 2010, entrepreneur and TV personality, who was judging the concepts, said: “The Isaan Project is a commercially ready-to-go concept that offers diners an insight into traditional family recipes from a specific region in Thailand, and that's what makes it so magical.”

Lexington has shared a short video capturing highlights from this year’s event, which can be viewed here.

Foodservice inflation stabilises in May as pressures ease in key categories #

Food and drink prices in the hospitality sector eased by 0.1% month-on-month in May, according to the latest Foodservice Price Index from NIQ and Prestige Purchasing.

The fractional deflationary movement brings a measure of stability after an uptick in inflation in April. It demonstrates the continued resilience of UK supply chains in absorbing uncertainty in global commodities.

May’s most significant downward price movements came in fresh produce, dairy, and oils. The vegetables category continued a deflationary trend, after the transition to peak European growing conditions improved supply volumes for salads, leafy crops and outdoor produce.

There was also an easing of prices in the milk, cheese, and eggs category, driven by robust domestic farmgate milk production and intense retail competition, which anchored costs despite fluctuations in global dairy demand. Similarly, the oils and fats category recorded a modest decline, reflecting a notable softening in international palm and soybean oil markets due to weaker global import demand.

However, inflationary pressures continue to affect several other areas of food and drink. Items like soft drinks, jam, syrups and chocolate have been affected by challenges in global sugar markets, including firmer crude oil prices and expectations that a larger proportion of Brazil’s sugarcane crop will be diverted towards ethanol production rather than sugar exports.

The coffee, tea, and cocoa category also inflated in May, as irregular rainfall patterns and low stock levels sustained elevated pricing for coffee out of Brazil and Vietnam. The fish category remained structurally inflationary due to strict North Atlantic quota restrictions and high operational costs in capture fisheries and aquaculture.

Shaun Allen, CEO of Prestige Purchasing, said: “A month-on-month drop of 0.1% in May provides a welcome, albeit slight, reprieve for hospitality operators. The deflation we are seeing in key domestic categories like dairy and vegetables is a testament to strong local supply and the effectiveness of forward buying strategies. However, operators cannot afford to be complacent. The global energy markets remain elevated, directly impacting sugar and beverage costs through ethanol diversion, while structural supply issues continue to plague fish and coffee. As we head into the crucial summer trading period, extreme weather events across major growing regions remain the most significant risk factor. Procurement teams must remain vigilant, leveraging this period of relative stability to secure supply lines against potential climate-driven volatility in the second half of the year.”

Reuben Pullan, senior insight consultant at NIQ, said: “At a time of exceptionally high costs for hospitality, any signs of stability in food and drink prices are welcome. However, many commodities remain at risk of volatility, and sustained deflation seems unlikely. Businesses across the sector are working relentlessly to sustain sales and profits at the moment, with thousands now very fragile. As we enter the second half of 2026 and await a new Prime Minister, many will be hoping for targeted and meaningful industry support for this persistent cost burden.” 

Bestway and Budweiser partnership drives major sales uplift with iconic Bud Bus activation #

Bestway Wholesale has partnered with Budweiser to deliver a series of high-impact trade activations across its depot network, demonstrating how strong supplier collaboration can help independent retailers maximise key seasonal trading opportunities.
 
The activations, hosted at Bestway’s Park Royal, Manchester and Liverpool depots, saw each location welcome Budweiser’s iconic Bud Bus as part of the brand’s nationwide FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Tour.
 
The events delivered outstanding commercial results, with Budweiser volume sales at Bestway’s Park Royal depot increasing by more than 2,095% versus average during the event. Manchester also saw volume sales rise by 197%, while Liverpool delivered a 60% increase, highlighting the impact of combining supplier investment, exclusive trade offers and engaging depot activation.
 
Designed to help independent retailers prepare for one of the biggest trading opportunities of the year, the events brought together exclusive promotional deals, immersive brand experiences and practical retailer support. The activations also reflected Bestway Wholesale’s wider commitment to supplier partnerships that drive depot footfall, boost customer engagement and help retailers maximise major seasonal and sporting occasions.
 
Retailers attending the events enjoyed a packed programme of activity, including interactive penalty shootout challenges, exclusive merchandise and giveaways, entertainment and depot-only Budweiser stock deals.
 
Kenton Burchell, Group Trading Director at Bestway Wholesale, said:
 
“At Bestway, we are committed to creating marketing opportunities that help our supplier partners grow their brands while supporting independent retailers to maximise every trading opportunity.
 
“We were delighted to welcome Budweiser’s iconic Bud Bus to our depots as part of the FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Tour. All three events delivered excellent results, with Budweiser sales significantly ahead of average, both by value and volume.
 
“This was a fantastic event for our customers, bringing together exclusive deals, entertainment and interactive activity, while also helping independent retailers prepare for what promises to be a major sales opportunity during the football season.
 
“Our partnership with Budweiser is a great example of how collaborative investment and engaging activation can deliver measurable commercial results.
 
“Major sporting events present significant opportunities for independent retailers, and our role is to ensure customers have access to the right products, competitive offers and inspiring activations that help them grow sales.”
 
Ollie Devon, Wholesale & Convenience Sales Director at Budweiser, said:
 
“We were incredibly proud to be able to showcase Budweiser’s sponsorship of the FIFA World Cup in such a unique way. This was a fantastic opportunity to engage with local businesses and build excitement among retailers and consumers ahead of the biggest sporting event in the world.”
 
Among those attending the Park Royal event was long-standing Bestway customer Mr Baljit Singh, owner of three stores in Harrow and Wembley.
 
He said:
 
“The Bud Bus event really stood out and immediately caught my attention. The set-up was different from anything I have seen at other depots and created a real sense of curiosity and excitement. The offers available on the day were some of the best I have seen, and the complimentary lunch was a thoughtful touch that made the whole experience even better.
 
“The Bestway depot team are always friendly, supportive and willing to help, which makes a real difference. Events like this are hugely valuable for independent retailers because they give us the chance to meet supplier partners such as Budweiser face-to-face, learn more about products, upcoming launches and future promotional opportunities, and prepare properly for key trading periods.
 
“With the FIFA World Cup ahead, I am expecting football to drive more customers into store, increase footfall and support stronger sales, so events like this really help us maximise the opportunity and improve profitability.”
 
Bestway said the activations formed part of a broader programme of support for retailers throughout the football season, helping customers drive footfall, increase basket spend and capitalise on demand across beer, soft drinks, snacks and other summer occasion categories.

Foodbuy Group brings together purpose-led suppliers through Pitch Social event #

Third Pitch Social event attended by over 100 attendees and 18 socially conscious suppliers

To date, Foodbuy has spent £25m with social enterprisesFoodbuy Group has hosted its third Pitch Social – Powered by Foodbuy Group event, continuing its commitment to supporting socially conscious suppliers and driving greater diversity across its supply chain.
Recently, held at Kents Hill Park Conference and Training Centre in Milton Keynes, the event welcomed more than 100 attendees, bringing together Foodbuy Group stakeholders, clients and 18 socially conscious suppliers. The event provided social enterprises, minority-owned suppliers and other small and medium-sized businesses with a unique opportunity to connect directly with key decision-makers and showcase their products and services to one of the UK's largest foodservice procurement networks.

To date, Foodbuy Group has spent over £25 million with social enterprises, continuing to strengthen its commitment to inclusive and responsible procurement.

At the event, suppliers presented their businesses directly to Foodbuy Group teams and clients, showcasing innovative products and services while bringing to life the stories, missions and social impact behind their brands. The pitches gave stakeholders an opportunity to discover emerging suppliers that are helping to address social and environmental challenges through their business models, with the aim of meeting evolving client and sector needs across foodservice and hospitality.

Christophe Noel, Hospitality Development Manager at Barchester Healthcare (a Foodbuy Group client), said: “I was impressed with all the suppliers I met on the day. Their social values were exceptional, and it was clear that sustainability, inclusion and community engagement are embedded within their organisations. It was apparent that their passion for delivering meaningful benefits beyond the core product offering was particularly noteworthy.”

Selected suppliers will be invited to join Foodbuy Group’s supply chain. Suppliers will also be offered access to a three-to-six-month mentorship programme with Foodbuy Group stakeholders, providing structured support and insights across commercial, sustainability and operational areas. This opportunity is available to all Pitch Social suppliers, regardless of outcome in the selection process.

Successful participants from previous Pitch Social events have included The Uncommon, an English winemaker known for pioneering sustainable formats in award-winning sparkling wine production; Page & Bloom, offering handcrafted paper flowers made from recycled paper; The Glasshouse, which provides horticultural training and employment for female ex-offenders; One Water, supporting sustainable clean water and sanitation services in impoverished regions; and Tap Social, a craft brewery that employs prisoners and prison leavers.

Nilay Mukherjee, Sustainability Executive at Foodbuy Group, commented: “For me, the real value of Pitch Social is the unique space it creates to connect directly with socially conscious businesses. Getting to sit down with these founders, hear the inspiring stories behind their brands, and explore how we can bring their impactful solutions into our supply chains is how we drive real, sustainable change.”

To find out more about Pitch Social and Foodbuy Group’s other sustainability initiatives, visit: https://www.foodbuy.co.uk/sustainability/pitch-social-powered-by-foodbuy-group-2026/

Sodexo Live! takes home 10 awards at the Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards 2026 #

Hospitality and culinary partner, Sodexo Live! celebrated a successful night at the Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards 2026, with its teams securing 10 awards across its UK stadia portfolio - 21% of all accolades presented.
 
The awards recognised teams working across football, rugby and cricket venues throughout the UK, with standout performances from Newcastle United FC, Fulham FC, Headingley Stadium, Barclays Hampden Stadium, Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Millwall FC, celebrating excellence in matchday hospitality, events, sales, marketing and operational delivery.
 
Among the standout successes, Newcastle United Football Club secured two gold awards, taking top honours for both Stadium Event of the Year and Operations Team of the Year. Fulham Football Club was named winner of the Matchday Hospitality Award (Large Stadium), while Sodexo Live! partner Leeds Rhinos at Headingley Stadium won the Visiting Rugby Directors Award, recognising the quality of the matchday experience delivered throughout the season. 
 
Further recognition came for teams at Barclays Hampden Stadium, Brighton & Hove Albion FC, Millwall FC and Headingley Stadium, demonstrating the depth of talent and consistency across the Sodexo Live! stadia portfolio.
 
The awards, hosted by Stadium Experience at Everton FC's new Hill Dickinson Stadium, brought together representatives from more than 70 stadium venues across football, rugby, cricket and athletics. A total of 76 clubs were nominated across 15 categories, with awards independently judged by industry experts.
 
Claire Morris, CEO, Sodexo Live! UK & Ireland, said: "What I love about these awards is that they recognise the reality of what our teams of Experience Makers do every day. They're won through hundreds of small details being delivered brilliantly, whether that's serving guests on a matchday, hosting a major event or supporting venue operations behind the scenes."
 
"To see our teams collect more than a fifth of the total awards, across six different venues is a fantastic achievement. It's a reflection of the pride they take in their work, the strength of our partnerships and the consistently high standards they deliver through food and service for our guests."
 
2026 Sodexo Live! venue awards: 

Non-Matchday Mystery Shopper Award (Bronze) - Millwall FC

Non-Matchday Mystery Shopper Award (Silver) - Headingley Stadium 

Stadium Event of the Year Award (Winner) - Newcastle United 

Matchday Sales & Marketing Team of the Year Award (Silver) - Barclays Hampden 

Operations Team of the Year Award (Winner) - Newcastle United 

Visiting Rugby Directors Award (Winner) - Leeds Rhinos at Headingley Stadium

Matchday Hospitality Award - Medium Stadium (Bronze) - Barclays Hampden 

Matchday Hospitality Award - Large Stadium (Bronze) - Brighton & Hove Albion FC

Matchday Hospitality Award - Large Stadium (Winner) - Fulham FC 

Overall Matchday Hospitality Award (Bronze) - Fulham FC 

Globally, Sodexo Live! supports some of the most well-known and high-profile sports clubs, events, and stadia. In the UK it partners with Ascot Racecourse, Fulham FC, Brighton & Hove Albion FC, Newcastle United FC, Nottingham Forest FC and the home of Scottish football, Hampden Park, to name a few. Internationally it delivers events such as Roland Garros, the Tour de France, the Miami Open and Miami Grand Prix, the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells in California, plus stadiums in the USA including the Hard Rock Stadium (home to the Miami Dolphins) and T-Mobile Park, home to the Seattle Mariners. 
 
Find out more about Sodexo Live! here: www.sodexolive.co.uk

Goodwood and Levy extend partnership for a decade with plans for on-site sustainable venison processing plant. #

Goodwood and Levy have today announced a landmark ten-year extension to their catering and hospitality partnership. Coming in the immediate build-up to the world-renowned Festival of Speed, this long-term commitment solidifies a successful relationship dedicated to delivering best-in-class spectator experiences, pioneering environmental sustainability, and championing local estate-led sourcing.

The Goodwood Estate is celebrated globally for the sheer diversity and scale of its annual event portfolio. From the thundering heritage of elite horseracing to the high-octane engineering of Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard, the immersive celebration of classic cars and vintage lifestyle of Goodwood Revival presented by Dunlop, and the exclusive motoring camaraderie of the Members’ Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport, the estate welcomes over one million visitors each year. Managing the intricate hospitality ecosystem across these radically different events requires immense operational agility and deep creative expertise.

The scale of the food and beverage operation managed by Levy across the Goodwood event season is immense, spanning public concessions, premium enclosures, and high-volume fine dining. At Festival of Speed, the team welcomes 60,000 visitors per day over the four-day event, with hospitality operations delivering 1,800 daily covers alongside an additional 1,200 partner and sponsor covers. For Goodwood Revival, the numbers reach 50,000 visitors per day over three days, supported by 2,100 refined hospitality covers daily. Meanwhile, Qatar Goodwood Festival presented by Visit Qatar sees peak attendance reach up to 20,000 racegoers for spectacular horseracing with up to 2,000 daily hospitality covers, and the Members’ Meeting welcomes 20,000 members and guests of the Goodwood Road Racing Club per day over its two-day weekend.

A central pillar of the newly extended partnership is an innovative, joint field-to-fork campaign to establish a dedicated on-site venison processing plant at Goodwood. This facility will process wild venison sourced directly from the estate, managing the overpopulation of deer humanely and sustainably while transforming it into premium, nutrient-rich, low-carbon menu items, from fine cuts to burgers.

Adam Waterworth, CEO, The Goodwood Group, said: "Our relationship with Levy has thrived because they have shown time and time again that they are sufficiently agile to adapt to the unique DNA of each Goodwood event. Whether it's a premium sit-down lunch at the racecourse or a dynamic offering at Festival of Speed, both Goodwood and Levy are continuously striving to offer our guests an exceptional experience. This extension is built on our shared commitment to elevate the guest experience and push the boundaries of what sustainable event hospitality can look like."

Jon Davies, CEO, Levy, said: "Renewing our partnership with Goodwood for another ten years is an incredibly proud moment for all of us at Levy. Having a joint, unyielding commitment to the planet is fundamental to how we operate, and it is a privilege to work alongside an estate where local sourcing is standard practice. On a personal note, establishing the joint venison processing plant has been a long-held ambition of mine. We are incredibly lucky to partner with a likeminded, forward-thinking team at Goodwood to turn this sustainable vision into a reality."

The partnership proudly boasts that 75% of all produce used across Goodwood’s event portfolio is sourced locally, dramatically cutting food miles and supporting the regional agricultural economy. Key hyper-local suppliers driving this culinary narrative include the venue’s very own Goodwood Home Farm, which provides award-winning organic meats, artisanal cheeses, and milk directly from the 12,000-acre estate. This is supported by premium, ethically-reared meat from Heanens Butchers in Surrey, fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables from local growers through Munneries, and exceptional, award-winning English sparkling wine produced in the heart of Sussex by Bolney Wine Estate.

As we gear up for Festival of Speed later this month, attendees can look forward to world-class motorsport and a matchless, sustainably-driven culinary offering.

Compass Group UK & Ireland climbs 10 places in Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2026 #

Compass Group UK & Ireland has been recognised as one of the country’s leading apprenticeship employers, securing 25th place in the Department for Education’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2026 rankings – a rise of 10 places from last year.
 
Since 2025, the Government and ‘Higherin’ have teamed up to co-deliver the Top Apprenticeship Employers. The aim of this collaboration is to celebrate the very best employers of apprentices in England. The ranking criteria ensures that employers are recognised by measuring:
 
Achievement – successful apprenticeship outcomes and completion rates
Commitment – investment in apprenticeship opportunities, programme breadth and inclusivity
Apprentice experience – feedback directly from apprentices on their learning journey and overall experience 

The ranking reflects Compass Group UK & Ireland’s continued investment in developing future talent through high-quality apprenticeship programmes. The business currently has over 700 apprentices enrolled across more than 40 apprenticeship programmes, ranging from entry-level qualifications through to degree-level apprenticeships. These span a broad range of disciplines including culinary, facilities management, business management, finance, HR, events, technology and sustainability.
 
The organisation’s apprenticeship portfolio continues to evolve, with programmes designed to support people at all stages of their careers while addressing key skills needed across the business and wider industry. The company has developed a number of Signature Programmes including its flagship Forward with Marcus Wareing programme and the FM Academy - creating tailored development pathways that combine practical experience with recognised qualifications.
 
Jonathan Foot, Director of Skills and Early Careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland, said:
"We're incredibly proud of this achievement and remain committed to investing in people, developing future talent and creating opportunities that help individuals build rewarding careers. I also want to thank our delivery partners for their continued support, collaboration and commitment, which play a vital role in helping us deliver high-quality apprenticeship opportunities across the business. Well done to our apprenticeship team and all our apprentices who work so hard.”
 
Apprenticeships play a vital role in Compass Group UK & Ireland’s Our Social Promise – the company’s commitment to positively impact one million lives by 2030 through job creation, education, training, community and charitable engagement.
 
For the full list of Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, visit Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers

Victoria Marshall on Building a People Strategy for the Future #

Following her recent promotion to People Director at Restaurant Associates Group, Victoria Marshall reflects on how the business is evolving its people strategy to attract, develop and retain talent in a rapidly changing workplace.

Having spent more than 13 years with the organisation, Victoria has played a pivotal role in shaping the culture and employee experience across the business. While the growth of the portfolio has brought fresh perspectives and new opportunities, she believes one event fundamentally reshaped how organisations think about people: the pandemic.

"The pandemic challenged every organisation to rethink how it attracts, engages and supports its people," says Marshall. "What we have done since then is continuously evolve our approach, using data, technology, diversity and career development to create a stronger employee experience and a more compelling proposition for future talent."

Understanding a New Generation of Talent
For Victoria, attracting and retaining talent is one of the most important priorities facing any business today. The workforce has become increasingly diverse, not only in backgrounds and experiences, but also in expectations.

"We are now seeing multiple generations working side by side, all bringing different perspectives on what they want from an employer," she explains. "For many people, it is no longer just about salary or a traditional career ladder. Candidates want to understand an organisation's purpose, values and impact. Increasingly, they want to work for businesses whose ESG commitments align with their own beliefs and ambitions."

This shift has influenced every aspect of Restaurant Associates' recruitment and employer brand strategy, creating a more authentic and people focused approach to attracting talent.

"We have worked hard to create more genuine conversations with candidates," says Marshall. "People want to know what it is really like to work here, and that means being open about our culture, our values and the opportunities available."

Transforming Recruitment Through Inclusion
One of the most significant developments over the past 18 months has been the transformation of the recruitment function under the leadership of Head of Recruitment, Gemma Manning. "We have fundamentally evolved the way we recruit, ensuring inclusion is embedded throughout the process." says Marshall.

A key part of that journey has been the introduction of a dedicated Inclusion and Belonging Lead, helping to ensure recruitment strategies resonate with diverse audiences and create meaningful opportunities for all.

The impact is being felt across the whole business. Employee network engagement continues to grow, while initiatives such as Neuro Inclusive Leadership training are helping managers build more inclusive and supportive environments.

Creating Pathways for Long Term Careers
Victoria is equally committed to helping people build rewarding, long-term careers while supporting Compass Group UK & Ireland’s social mobility strategy; Our Social Promise, which aims to positively impact one million people by 2030 through job creation, skills development, training, and community engagement.

"Our focus is on helping people grow, develop new skills and see a future for themselves within Restaurant Associates. With the addition of a dedicated Learning and Development Business Partner, we're now able to take a more strategic approach to talent mapping and succession planning.”

This commitment has also been reinforced through the launch of the company's first bespoke graduate programme, as well as the opening of The Learning Loft, a dedicated learning and development hub in central Bermondsey.

Alongside ongoing learning opportunities, apprenticeships continue to play an important role in Restaurant Associates' approach to nurturing talent and creating accessible routes into the industry.

"Apprenticeships are an incredibly important part of our talent strategy," says Marshall. "They allow us to identify potential, invest in individuals and create opportunities for people from a wide range of backgrounds. Whether someone is starting their career or looking to develop into a leadership role, apprenticeships provide a pathway for growth and long-term success."

Together, these initiatives and appointments represent a significant investment in future talent and a clear commitment to creating meaningful career pathways for employees at every stage of their professional journey.

"People are, and always will be, our greatest strength," concludes Marshall. "By continuing to invest in inclusion, development and opportunity, we are building a business where talented people can thrive, and where true engagement can grow."