Two hundred inspired Stonegate General Managers (GM’s) will descend on parliament today, (12th September,) to showcase their learning achievements via the company’s bar to boardroom Albert’s career development programme and to demonstrate to government the huge opportunity the hospitality industry offers young people to progress and develop.
The GM’s have all progressed through Stonegate’s inspirational and award-winning ‘Accelerator’ programme, designed to identity talented deputy managers and transform them into high achieving business operators and future leaders. The learning takes career progression to a new level supporting the development of skills required to run successful, million pound businesses through developing self-leadership, effective goal setting, leading winning teams and putting together strong sales strategies and proactive business plans. The programme also covers personal finance; setting personal goals and leading people. Throughout the 6 month programme each Accelerator undertakes a charity fund-raising project which has seen over £300K raised for local and national charities.
Over 700 employees engaged with the multi-level ‘Albert’s’ learning programme last year, and with the top 200 now running their own pub a further 15 have transitioned from GM to Area Manager with a further nine moving into operational support roles such as marketing and HR bringing credence to the ‘bar to boardroom’ philosophy practiced by the company.
Chief Executive Simon Longbottom said, “It makes me immensely proud to be leading a business that demonstrates clear career progression as we see more of our people move up the management ranks. Many of these young, talented people are on the path that will lead them to a seat on the board as they continue to develop their business acumen and leadership skills.
Enabling Lords, Ministers and MP’s to share in our celebration helps them to better understand the myriad of career opportunities within hospitality that are open to people of all ages and from all walks of life as well as appreciating the contribution these businesses make to their communities and UK PLC.”
Stonegate Pub Company is the largest privately held managed pub operator in the UK, with revenues in excess of £700m and we employ over 13,500 people. The company has 724 pubs, split into two divisions, Branded, comprising: Slug & Lettuce, Yates, Walkabout, Be At One and Venues; and Traditional comprising: Proper Pubs, Town Pub & Kitchen (TPK), Classic Inns and Common Room.