The event was a Knowledge Exchange funded project led by Dr Cristina Maxim (LGCHT Course Leader for MA International Tourism and Aviation Management), with Dr Gergina Pavlova (Lecturer in Events Management) and Jayanti Jayanti (Lecturer in Hospitality). Three industry speakers talked to a captivated student and business audience about their respective strategies.

Siân Richards, Head of Sustainability at conference venue Olympia London, outlined the company’s vision known as the ‘Grand Plan.’ A key pillar in their wider strategy, sustainability is embedded in every employee’s objectives. Fundraising events, volunteering days and regular competitions are just some of the ways it engages its people.

Sian said,

Show how employees can contribute to make a positive difference. It could be something as simple as reminding them to turn the lights off.”

Kayley Charland is Sustainability Officer at family-owned real-estate and lettings business Lamington Group which owns the Green Tourism Gold certified room2 brand. Through its internal Team Planet competition, points are awarded to employees based on sustainability actions they take from health and happiness through to land use and wildlife.

Kayley commented,

It’s amazing how excited our employees get about Team Planet. In 2022, 44 teams across our sites participated in the competition. Everyone wants to be more sustainable.”

Bissi Mileva, Senior HR & Training Manager at Angela Shanley Associates discussed the sustainability challenges and opportunities facing a hotel and events intermediary small business.

Sustainability can be seen as a major investment. If necessary, start small. Also engage junior colleagues. Sustainability shouldn’t just come from the top. If your company isn’t rewarding sustainable actions ask, why not?”

Local businesses and students proceeded to collaborate in group sessions, discussing the factors influencing sustainable behaviour changes in the workplace.

Lauren Richards, Food & Beverage Senior Manager at iconic music venue Roundhouse, said,

I’ve enjoyed hearing some inspirational ideas today. Me and a colleague are going to see how we can embed these practises in our business.”

Kirsteen Raiit, Group Recruitment Manager at Firmdale Hotels said,

I brought two of our graduates along today to learn more about sustainability. It’s also a great chance to network. I really enjoyed hearing what other companies are doing.”

Ishan Pandit a Level 6 BSc International Hospitality Management student, said,

As a student aspiring to make a difference in sustainability, it was a wonderful opportunity for me to network with industry leaders. I learned first-hand about innovative approaches and best practices.”

Mohamed Hammadh (MA International Tourism and Aviation Management) said,

I found the event incredibly insightful. The knowledge I gained will certainly contribute to my thesis and future career endeavours.”

Dr Cristina Maxim, Course Leader for MA International Tourism and Aviation Management, said,

I was thrilled to see the engagement between business representatives and students on such an important topic. The knowledge gained will help develop a free toolkit we are launching later this year.”

• Learn more about UWL's London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism
• Find out more about UWL's sustainability strategy
• Further information about the Knowledge Exchange team at UWL