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," said Paul Mannering, National Hospitality and Culinary Lead at HIT Training. "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."
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 enrolment nationwide.
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