Manchester agency expands with opening of London office

A hospitality-focused recruitment and training consultancy has expanded from its Manchester base to open a London office.

Sixty Eight People has set up an operation in Euston’s central hub.

Founded by Abi Dunn, and supercharged by managing director, Charlotte Kemp, previously people director of Manchester-based hospitality group, Mission Mars, Sixty-Eight People says its mission is to build the biggest hospitality network globally and use it as a force for good.

As the hospitality staffing crisis dominates the news agenda in London and the UK, affecting businesses in real-time nationwide, Dunn and Kemp said they felt it was time to bring their Northern hospitality expertise to London.

Over the past four years the agency has supported established names such as Dishoom, Rare Restaurants, Melia Hotels, Everyman Cinemas and Junkyard Golf Club in their regional growth.

Nina Panayiodou, ops director of Dishoom said: “Sixty Eight feels like an extension of our own team, fully immersing themselves in our values and operations.”

Abi Dunn said: “London has been a long time coming for us.

“It’s not a move we are taking lightly. We are coming to build a hospitality network and use it as a force for good, enhancing the existing sense of community the sector already has. The market is challenging right now, but the opportunity to support London job hunters and employers is massive. We want to bring some of our northern warrior spirits to the capital.”

Sixty Eight People’s London journey begins with a five-strong team of experienced hospitality operators, headed by Dunn and Kemp, who will ensure a constant presence in the city to guide and coach the team.

By doing this, the pair say they hope to use this time to discover and create new connections, grow the network even further, get under the skin of the city, and help meet and hire professionals who will help to replicate the strong reputation the agency has in the north.

The consultancy is also looking to take some of its other unique divisions to London, all tackling a different challenge the industry faces.

CLASSOF68, was set up 18 months ago to provide innovative leadership workshops, helping operators develop and retain a management workforce with significant leadership skill gaps. Sixty Eight International was set up following an 18-month pilot scheme to relocate outstanding kitchen talent from overseas to fill vacant roles in UK kitchens. The company said it has been a game changer for the company and its clients.

Charlotte Kemp said: “After working in the capital for the majority of my operational career, I know the London hospitality scene is unrivalled.

“Sixty Eight People isn’t your typical agency full of recruiters focused on commission – we’re a team of people who have previously held management roles in world-class hospitality operations.

“By drawing on our experiences, we bring to the capital a different recruitment experience for both candidates and clients that truly sets us apart.”