Hospitality Talent UK (HTUK) was launched by Ed Grimes (above, right), formerly of Pret, EAT. and Greggs, and Ed Godwin (above, left), ex Monsoon, EAT. and Carluccio’s. The two worked together on the board of EAT. between 2007 and 2017, as director of operations and people director respectively.

The new business draws upon a network of recruitment partners across seven countries, with more partners and countries to be added, a company statement said. “Any role that qualifies for the Skilled Worker visa can be recruited through HTUK, including all levels of management, chefs, bakers, patisserie chefs and other specialists.”

HTUK supports employers in obtaining a Skilled Worker Sponsorship Licence and candidates with obtaining a visa through their partnership with London law firm Quastels, making the whole process of recruiting globally, simple and accessible to businesses of any size. Employers play a flat fee per role, which does not increase with salary.

An early user of the business is London healthy-eating chain Tossed, which has begun recruiting store managers through HTUK. 

Supported by AI, prospective candidates are fully vetted and matched against each role, and behavioural specialists Poppyfish have been brought in to provide candidate profiling. HTUK does not charge candidates any fees. Once a role has been accepted, candidates are given access to specialist and reputable property providers, who advise on location and rents. HTUK has also set up a support network among candidates and maintains contact with recruits throughout the lifetime of their employment.

“With a network of specialist recruitment partners across the globe, HTUK is providing an end-to-end solution allowing hospitality businesses to bring skilled talent from around the world to the UK,” the company statement said. 

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