Latest news with #StephenCassidy
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hilton unveils first Tapestry Collection hotel in Northern Ireland
Hilton has unveiled The Marcus Portrush, a Tapestry Collection hotel, marking the brand's foray into Northern Ireland. The property offers 80 rooms and is set in a location along the North Atlantic coastline. It is housed in a restored Victorian building that has been in the area for over 85 years, operating as a hotel and artisan bakery from 1895 until the 1980s. The £11m ($15.08m) renovation project has maintained the building's historic character, encompassing original mosaic signage and floor mosaics. The hotel's opening is strategically timed to coincide with the 153rd Open Championship, which will be held at the nearby Royal Portrush Golf Club on 13–20 July 2025. This will be the golf tournament's first return to Northern Ireland since 2019. Hilton UK & Ireland senior vice-president Stephen Cassidy said: 'Northern Ireland has seen a strong rise in tourism in recent years, drawing travellers from around the world to experience its unique charm. 'As the only internationally branded hotel in Portrush, The Marcus Portrush, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, offers high-quality accommodation with an authentic local touch, making it the perfect base for visitors eager to explore all that Northern Ireland has to offer.' The development of The Marcus Portrush is a result of a franchise agreement with Andras House, the largest hotel group in Northern Ireland. The new hotel is expected to contribute to the local economy, with an estimated £1.1m in annual visitor spending and the creation of more than 40 permanent jobs. Earlier this year, Hilton also confirmed a franchise agreement with Loughview Leisure Group for a DoubleTree hotel in Belfast City Centre, Northern Ireland. "Hilton unveils first Tapestry Collection hotel in Northern Ireland" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
North Wales Live
18-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Just 5pc of people with learning disabilities are currently in work
A lack of visible role models in the workplace – particularly in customer-facing roles – is a major barrier to seeking employment for adults with learning disabilities such as Down's Syndrome and Autism, new research has revealed. In the UK, there are 1.5 million people with learning disabilities, but only 5% are currently employed. Hilton's survey of more than 500 people with learning disabilities and their carers found that 79% believe businesses should do more to promote job opportunities and the benefits of inclusive hiring. Just 16% of respondents who are in the workforce said they have a role model with a similar condition to connect with and learn from. The study, released to mark Learning Disability Week, highlights the importance of hiring, supporting and celebrating employees with learning disabilities, particularly in customer facing service roles across sectors such as hospitality and retail. Stephen Cassidy, senior vice president, UK & Ireland, Hilton, said: 'Representation matters – seeing people like yourself succeed at work builds confidence and opens doors to career opportunity. Our team members with learning disabilities contribute across a wide range of roles, from front-of-house positions like reception and concierge to behind-the-scenes work in kitchens, housekeeping, and revenue management. They bring unique strengths and a strong commitment that enrich our culture and elevate the guest experience. By providing the right support and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, we empower individuals to reach their full potential and demonstrate that inclusion is a powerful driver of success in hospitality.' Sam Innes, Food and Beverage Assistant, The Waldorf Hilton, London added: 'Finding work was really difficult for me, so when I started my role at Hilton, it was such a relief. I've always wanted to work and be around people, and I knew a hotel would be the perfect place to do that. Having a job helps people with learning disabilities feel valued and shows others what we can achieve when given the chance. It's boosted my confidence and helped me become more independent. Now, I want to be a role model and inspire others to believe that they can do it too.' This year marks the 10th anniversary of Hilton's partnership with Aurora Foxes, a hospitality college and training hotel in Minehead that supports young people with learning disabilities. Over the past decade, the collaboration has provided 89 work placements, with 15 former students currently employed in roles with Hilton. A long-standing partnership with the Down's Syndrome Association (DSA) has also enabled 52 work placements, with almost 40 team members currently working at Hilton through the DSA's WorkFit programme. To celebrate the valuable contributions of people with learning disabilities in the workforce, Hilton opened a pop-up tearoom at The Waldorf Hilton, London, on 16 June. The event featured a special performance from blind, autistic musical savant Derek Paravicini. The tearoom gave Aurora Foxes students real-world experience preparing and serving afternoon tea, including a signature two-tone macaroon created especially for the event. The macaroon, inspired by vintage sweet-shop flavours and Aurora Foxes' college colours, was co-created by six students and their chef tutor alongside Executive Head Chef Malcolm Camilleri. Ahead of the launch, students also visited the hotel to help design the menu and service, while leaders from the hotel provided training at Aurora Foxes – strengthening this two-way partnership. Additional public sittings will take place on 2 July at 12 noon, 2:30pm, and 5:00pm. Tickets are priced at £49.50 and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. To book, contact:
Wales Online
18-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Just 5pc of people with learning disabilities are currently in work
Just 5pc of people with learning disabilities are currently in work In the UK, there are 1.5 million people with learning disabilities Aurora Foxes students serving Afternoon Tea for Hilton's A Meal to Change Minds event A lack of visible role models in the workplace – particularly in customer-facing roles – is a major barrier to seeking employment for adults with learning disabilities such as Down's Syndrome and Autism, new research has revealed. In the UK, there are 1.5 million people with learning disabilities, but only 5% are currently employed. Hilton's survey of more than 500 people with learning disabilities and their carers found that 79% believe businesses should do more to promote job opportunities and the benefits of inclusive hiring. Just 16% of respondents who are in the workforce said they have a role model with a similar condition to connect with and learn from. The study, released to mark Learning Disability Week, highlights the importance of hiring, supporting and celebrating employees with learning disabilities, particularly in customer facing service roles across sectors such as hospitality and retail. Stephen Cassidy, senior vice president, UK & Ireland, Hilton, said: 'Representation matters – seeing people like yourself succeed at work builds confidence and opens doors to career opportunity. Our team members with learning disabilities contribute across a wide range of roles, from front-of-house positions like reception and concierge to behind-the-scenes work in kitchens, housekeeping, and revenue management. They bring unique strengths and a strong commitment that enrich our culture and elevate the guest experience. By providing the right support and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, we empower individuals to reach their full potential and demonstrate that inclusion is a powerful driver of success in hospitality.' Article continues below Sam Innes, Food and Beverage Assistant, The Waldorf Hilton, London added: 'Finding work was really difficult for me, so when I started my role at Hilton, it was such a relief. I've always wanted to work and be around people, and I knew a hotel would be the perfect place to do that. Having a job helps people with learning disabilities feel valued and shows others what we can achieve when given the chance. It's boosted my confidence and helped me become more independent. Now, I want to be a role model and inspire others to believe that they can do it too.' This year marks the 10th anniversary of Hilton's partnership with Aurora Foxes, a hospitality college and training hotel in Minehead that supports young people with learning disabilities. Over the past decade, the collaboration has provided 89 work placements, with 15 former students currently employed in roles with Hilton. A long-standing partnership with the Down's Syndrome Association (DSA) has also enabled 52 work placements, with almost 40 team members currently working at Hilton through the DSA's WorkFit programme. To celebrate the valuable contributions of people with learning disabilities in the workforce, Hilton opened a pop-up tearoom at The Waldorf Hilton, London, on 16 June. The event featured a special performance from blind, autistic musical savant Derek Paravicini. Article continues below The tearoom gave Aurora Foxes students real-world experience preparing and serving afternoon tea, including a signature two-tone macaroon created especially for the event. The macaroon, inspired by vintage sweet-shop flavours and Aurora Foxes' college colours, was co-created by six students and their chef tutor alongside Executive Head Chef Malcolm Camilleri. Ahead of the launch, students also visited the hotel to help design the menu and service, while leaders from the hotel provided training at Aurora Foxes – strengthening this two-way partnership. Additional public sittings will take place on 2 July at 12 noon, 2:30pm, and 5:00pm. Tickets are priced at £49.50 and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. To book, contact:
