A great attitude in candidates is key to recruiting top hospitality staff, according to Jan Marshall, director of HR at London Marriott Hotel County Hall .

Recent research by sector skills council People 1st shows 68% of businesses in the UK which implemented customer service training said generating repeat business was a key benefit, while 18% witnessed increased sales.

The UK currently ranks 14th in the international customer service rankings and 13th for its perceived ‘Welcome’ by the annual Nation Brand Index Survey.

Marshall told Recruiter: “We offer a great deal of training in all aspects of the jobs but a great attitude is what we really look for. If someone has previous customer service skill, for example in retail, this is helpful, but not essential. People who have done work experience or volunteering with children, disabled people or senior citizens also have that important approach to helping people and wanting to make people happy.”