In the press: Mitchells & Butlers’ kitchen programme gains royal seal of approval

by Nov 1, 2019Alumni news

Mitchells & Butlers has received a royal accolade for its efforts in recruiting and nurturing chefs to work in its kitchens.

The 1,700-strong pub and restaurant chain set up a ‘Chefs Academy’, offering level 2 and 3 apprenticeships, in response to a chef shortage exacerbated by Brexit.

The programme has significantly boosted kitchen staff retention rates in the business since its launch.

And this week it was presented with a Princess Royal Training Award by HRH Princess Anne in London after being recognised as one of 44 UK-wide organisations delivering outstanding workplace training.
 
Mitchells & Butlers credits the culinary programme, which includes masterclasses with award-winning chefs, with helping it achieve a 70% retention rate, compared to 12% for chefs in the business not undertaking the programme.
 

Other news stories

City & Guilds launches brand new award for training

Organisations across the UK who successfully link learning and skills development to business performance will soon be able to receive national recognition, thanks to a brand new awards programme delivered by the City & Guilds Group. Free to enter, the Princess...

Foundation & Friends Podcast: Exploring Innovative Training Solutions with HX Expeditions

This conversation explores the significance of the Princess Royal Training Awards, focusing on HX Expeditions and their innovative training program designed for expedition guides to ensure safety in polar bear territories. Jim Mayer, the Expedition Team Training Manager, discusses the evolution of their training methods, the impact on guides and guests, and future developments in their training initiatives.

How to get value out of workplace training

A whopping 9/10 employers struggle to recruit people with the right skills. That’s one reason companies are investing in training programmes to upskill existing staff. How do you make sure you’re getting the greatest return on that investment? Especially when you’re...

Upskilling: the key to fighting UK business uncertainty, skills gaps and productivity lags

It’s safe to say that UK businesses are facing a period of unprecedented change and challenges and it doesn’t look like it’s going to let up any time soon. Despite rising slightly in 2018, our productivity still lags behind our European neighbours and two years of...

Case study: what achieving an Award means for IBM

In this video IBM Foundation Managers Joel Thomas and Kelly Markwick talk some of the benefits of achieving a 2021 Princess Royal Training Award for their intern programme.

In the press: Home care company awarded for its end of life care

A HOME care company is celebrating after winning an award for the essential end of life training it provides to caregivers. Home Instead Senior Care, whose national office is based in Stretton, picked up the award at a prestigious ceremony in London as part of the...

In the press: Bartlett Mitchell report organic growth drives 16% increase in turnover

Bartlett Mitchell, one of the UK’s leading independent caterers, has announced a 16% increase in turnover – driven through organic growth and strong client retention. For the period ending 31 October 2018, the company has posted a record £45.5m in overall turnover. It...

Outstanding workplace training programmes recognised in HRH The Princess Royal’s training awards

HRH The Princess Royal, President of City & Guilds, awards employers with outstanding training and skills development programmes which have been proven to have significant positive impact on their business or their staff More apprenticeship programmes have been...

In the press: The impact of awards on recruitment – A signal to attract top-talent

What is a company without its employees?  The heart and soul of every great company is its people and the most successful organisations are those which recruit the right people.  People with passion, drive, and a shared sense of purpose. Recruitment can be the...

New for 2018: hands-on workshops announced to help with your application

Due to popular demand we are running a number of workshops to offer practical help and support to anyone thinking of applying for a Princess Royal Training Award in 2018. You will have the opportunity to get ideas and support on how best to apply and we...

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

HRH The Princess Royal celebrates best-in-class workplace training in 10th anniversary year for Awards

HRH The Princess Royal, President of the City and Guilds of London Institute, awards employers for outstanding training and skills development programmes which have positively impacted organisations, people and wider society. 15 August 2025: City & Guilds has...

HRH The Princess Royal discusses the importance of creating aspirations for young people

n this video series, Kirstie Donnelly MBE, Chief Executive of City & Guilds, talks with our president HRH The Princess Royal about the importance of skills on society, about the role we play as an organisation and about the Awards that we created in her name – The Princess Royal Training Awards – which are celebrating their tenth anniversary.

HRH The Princess Royal discusses the diverse range of Princess Royal Training Award organisations

In this video series, Kirstie Donnelly MBE, Chief Executive of City & Guilds, talks with our president HRH The Princess Royal about the importance of skills on society, about the role we play as an organisation and about the Awards that we created in her name – The Princess Royal Training Awards – which are celebrating their tenth anniversary.

HRH The Princess Royal discusses the value of City & Guilds to society

In this video series, Kirstie Donnelly MBE, Chief Executive of City & Guilds, talks with our president HRH The Princess Royal about the importance of skills on society, about the role we play as an organisation and about the Awards that we created in her name – The Princess Royal Training Awards – which are celebrating their tenth anniversary.

HRH The Princess Royal discusses the changing world of skills

In this video series, Kirstie Donnelly MBE, Chief Executive of City & Guilds, talks with our president HRH The Princess Royal about the importance of skills on society, about the role we play as an organisation and about the Awards that we created in her name – The Princess Royal Training Awards – which are celebrating their tenth anniversary.

A decade of excellence and a room full of inspiration – Princess Royal Training Awards Skills Share 2025

On 30 April 2025, City & Guilds hosted its second-ever Skills Share event – this time at the stunning Goldsmiths’ Hall in London – marking a major milestone: 10 years of the Princess Royal Training Awards. With over 130 Award recipients in attendance, the event was not just a celebration but a forum for shared learning, inspiration and reflection on what a decade of investment in skills development really means.

Ten Years of the Princess Royal Training Awards

In the tenth year of the Princess Royal Training Awards we take a look back at some of the recipients including Balfour Beatty, Fifty Shades Greener and Pret A Manger to find out what achieving the standard means to them and their organisations.

Case study: OnSide Youth Zones

Hear about Princess Royal Training Award recipients OnSide and their award-winning youth centres in this video.

Case study: Pret A Manger

Hear about Princess Royal Training Award recipients Pret A Manger and their award-winning Pret Academy in this video.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This
Princess Royal Training Awards
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. For more information see our Privacy Policy.