BUSINESSES in the hospitality and catering sector in East Sussex are being given additional support to help them recruit and retain staff ahead of their busy season.
Representatives from the hospitality industry were given training and advice at an event held at the De La Warr Pavilion to help them prepare for what many see as the busiest and most crucial part of the year for the sector.
Organised by Rother District Council and supported by East Sussex County Council, as well as local colleges, training providers, MP Huw Merriman and Job Centre Plus, the event looked at the skills required for roles in the hospitality and catering industry, the training available and how opportunities are marketed to jobseekers.
Councillor Christine Bayliss, Rother District Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration and economic development, who opened the event, said: “This season really is make or break for so many businesses and I hope that the additional support and advice will help them maximise their profits.
“For many of our coastal towns, hospitality and catering is one of the biggest sectors employing a significant number of people. Supporting those businesses to thrive benefits us all and gives a real boost to the prosperity of our county.”
Members of the county council’s Employability and Skills team were also on hand to give employers direct help and advertised their job vacancies through a ‘Cooking up Community Skills’ stand at the Bexhill Jobs Fair held on Friday, March 10.
Councillor Rupert Simmons, lead member for economy at East Sussex County Council, added: “Many businesses have struggled to get back on their feet having been hit hard by Covid, but our hospitality and catering sector was one of the most affected by the lockdowns and restrictions.
“As they head into the spring/summer season it is vital they have all the support and tools they need to make it a success and I am delighted that the county council has been able to play a part in that. The event provided a valuable insight into the challenges and needs of the sector. We particularly welcomed the input from the Eastbourne Hospitality Association who recently became business members of Skills East Sussex’s Visitor and Cultural Economy Task Group.
Any businesses interested in accessing the support available, can contact skillseastsussex@eastsussex.gov.uk to find out more.
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