There is no doubting that a career in hospitality can offer you flexibility that other job types will not offer you however, there is so much more to a career in this fun and vibrant industry than many consider!

One individual who champions the career opportunities afforded by the hospitality industry is General Manager David! In this blog, David will provide an insight into his career at M&B and will explain why he feels so passionately about hospitality careers.

What is your M&B career story? 

I joined M&B the first time due to the opportunities and job security a large company afforded me. This is my third time back with the company and I can safely say coming back to M&B was like coming home. We are a company that truly does innovate and invest in our people, our brands and the technology to make managers lives easier.

When I first joined M&B I worked for what is now Premium Country Pubs. My first role was as Assistant Manager at the Rose & Crown, Kings Langely, then Assistant Manager at the Cromwell Cottage, Kislingbury. I then took a break from the industry returning 2 years later to rejoin Premium Country Pub’s. In April 2022 I joined Ember Inns as a GMD on D244. I supported distressed sites and helped them get back to a better position. I also supported the district however I could, being given the nickname "IT Dave". I January 2023 I took over as holding GM for my current site, being appointed as GM in February.  

What advice would you give someone considering a career in hospitality?

All too often people dismiss hospitality as a filler job, something you do whilst you are in University or whilst you are looking for your 'real' job. What people don't understand is that as managers and leaders within our businesses we master so many different skills, from managing multi-million pound businesses and being responsible for their operation and profitability, to recruitment and developing future talent within the industry, to real world project management skills. The opportunities are endless within hospitality and along the way you will make life long friends that will support you and help you grow as a person and as a leader. So take the chance on a career in hospitality, push yourself to be the best you can be, and have an absolute blast while you do it. 

What are the biggest benefits of a career in hospitality?

Some of the biggest benefits of hospitality would probably be the flexibility the industry can provide to you. Businesses have such varied hours that you will always be able to find a position that suits you and your needs. We are one of the biggest employment sectors in the UK and we are always happy to take fresh talent even if people have no experience. As managers we see a spark in people and know that we can help nurture and develop that into something awesome. Another huge benefit to a career in hospitality is the huge amount of training and qualifications that you can gain through doing apprenticeships. Everyone learns in different ways and we offer training and development that caters to everyone's needs.

How does M&B’s variety of brands help those who want to secure a successful career in hospitality?

The vast array of brands that we have means that there is a position out there for everyone, whether you love what Toby Carvery does with a roast or what Ember Inns does to be the heart of the community or what PCP does to deliver an amazing premium experience, with an awesome vibe. There is space for us all to grow as people and as future leaders within the industry. You can always find the next step in your career too. I am proof of that, spending my early career with the Premium Division and now finding my spot within the Pubs Division with an awesome district, an amazing Retail Business Managers and the Operations team and the belief in myself to continue you to grow and achieve.

Where could a career with M&B take you?

If David's story has inspired you to consider a career in hospitality check out our kitchen, bar and waiting or management jobs and take that one step closer to a career in hospitality.

Or, if you want to learn more about #LifeAtMAB, you can check out our latest M&B blogs.