The hospitality industry in London saw tremendous growth in 2023, with over £15 billion in revenue generated just in food and accommodation services alone according to market research. As we enter 2024, the industry is poised for continued success but faces potential hiring challenges with the UK’s exit from the EU and the tight labor market. This article provides key statistics, trends, and tips for hospitality businesses looking to unlock success with the help of a top recruitment agency this year.
Key Hospitality Industry Statistics and Trends for February 2024
- Revenue for accommodation and food services in London projected to rise 4.2% from 2023 (£15.3B)
- Average hotel occupancy rates in London expected to reach over 85% year-round
- Pub, bar, club and restaurant sales forecast to grow 3.1% annually over the next 3 years
- Demand for experienced hospitality staff, especially chefs and managers, outpacing supply
- Competitive salaries, benefits, flexible arrangements key staff retention strategies
- Sustainability a priority – reducing waste and energy usage major goals for hotels and restaurants
Top 10 Hospitality Recruitment Agencies in London
Successful hospitality businesses require strong, reliable staffing. Here are the top agency partners in London for sourcing top talent:
- Premier Hospitality – Specialists in volume hiring for hotels and restaurants
- Team RAL – The Recruitment Agency – Experts in chef, sommelier and manager recruiting
- Hospitality Ventures – Focused on senior executive and director searches
- Restaurant Recruit – Top agency for front and back of house staffing
- Quick Placement – Known for high-end hotel and corporate hospitality recruiting
- Cater Link – Trusted for temp and permanent catering and event staff
- Easy Hotels – Specializes in economy hotel and quick service restaurant hiring
- Hospitality First – Boutique agency with exceptional candidate reach and networks
- Work Ventures – Multilingual recruiters working with international hospitality firms
- Staff Direct – Vast candidate pool for all general staffing needs
Building a Winning Workforce
Partnering with an expert recruitment agency provides significant advantages for hospitality employers looking to assemble an outstanding workforce, including:
- Access top talent – agencies have vast candidate pools and advanced sourcing capabilities
- Savings on time and administration costs – agencies handle screening, interviews, assessments
- Insights on market rates for salaries, benefits and incentives to attract and retain top talent
- Expert advice on training, compliance, trends that impact staffing needs and recruitment strategy
- Ability to scale teams up and down to meet seasonal or event-driven demand
As part of a proactive recruitment strategy, hospitality businesses can amplify their employer brand and talent pipelines by:
- Promoting open positions through multiple online and offline channels
- Offering employee referral rewards to incentivize word-of-mouth recruiting
- Developing internship and apprenticeship programs to build in-house talent
- Using social media and other platforms to showcase company culture, values and advancement opportunities
- Building partnerships with local hospitality schools and educational programs
FAQs for Working with a Hospitality Recruitment Agency
Q: What fees are typically associated with an agency?
A: Most agencies charge a percentage of the hired candidate’s first-year salary. Fees typically range from 15-25% depending on level of service.
Q: Can agencies source candidates internationally?
A: Yes, top London agencies have networks worldwide for sourcing international talent.
Q: Are there temp-to-perm hiring options?
A: Absolutely, many agencies offer temporary or contract-to-permanent staffing arrangements.
Q: Is off-site safety and skills training available?
A: Leading agencies provide compliance checks, safety certifications, customer service skills development, and other value-added services.
Q: How quickly can they fill urgent positions?
A: Agencies with vast networks can often source specialised hospitality staff within days for emergency situations.
Partnering for Growth in 2024
This February, hospitality businesses can set themselves up for a successful 2024 by connecting with a top London recruitment agency to build resilient, high-performing teams ready to deliver excellent service and drive revenue growth all year long. With peak demand projected across sectors, now is the time evaluate staffing needs and recruiting strategy.
