London, United Kingdom – 10 June 2025 – The inaugural Future Leaders Challenge (FLC) UK & Ireland convened a powerful coalition of academia, and industry on 9 June 2025 at The Derby, part of the Megaro Collection Hotel Group—to reimagine the region’s hospitality and tourism workforce strategy for a changing world.
More than 130 participants—including industry executives from top-tier companies, government stakeholders, and academic leaders—gathered for a high-impact day of strategic collaboration, bold ideas, and action-oriented dialogue.
With the sector facing transformative shifts in talent, technology, and guest expectations, FLC UK&I signaled a renewed commitment to investing in human capital as a lever for long-term growth and competitiveness.
A Platform for Industry Evolution
From live case challenges and curated networking to a dynamic recruitment fair, FLC UK&I showcased what’s possible when the public and private sectors align around shared workforce goals. Industry executives worked alongside educators and government representatives to identify regional priorities, spark new partnerships, and map out a more sustainable and inclusive future for hospitality and tourism.
A dedicated dialogue featuring industry experts and school directors focused on concrete actions to:
“This isn’t just about preparing for the future—it’s about designing it,” said Hubert Ummels, Founder of the Future Leaders Challenge. “What we saw at FLC UK&I was the sector coming together with purpose—to create a talent pipeline that reflects the ambition and diversity of the industry itself.”
“At Accor, investing in the future workforce isn’t just a priority — it’s a responsibility. The inaugural FLC UK&I exemplifies the kind of bold, collaborative action needed to equip the next generation with the skills, mindset, and purpose our industry demands. We’re proud to support this platform and help shape a more inclusive, agile, and empowered hospitality future.” said Aiden McAuley, COO Managed Hotels, Europe North Africa, Accor Hotels.
Strategic Board Leadership
The event was guided by a Strategic Board of respected industry voices, with representation from:
Their input ensured the initiative remained rooted in the region’s evolving talent priorities—balancing immediate needs with long-term vision.
Purpose, and Partnership
Our key stakeholders in industry and academia played an active role in shaping the dialogue, reaffirming their commitment to workforce development as a priority in the hospitality and tourism sectors. FLC UK&I accelerated the alignment needed to scale up impactful initiatives and champion the economic significance of hospitality and tourism.
Winner Announcement
The winning team of the FLC UK&I Challenge was Glion University, whose innovative response to the live business case stood out for its strategic clarity, creativity, and practical implementation potential. They will go on to represent the UK and Ireland Future Leaders Challenge at the MEA Finals in Dubai in January 2026, where standout teams from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa will compete and collaborate on solutions to shape the future of global hospitality and tourism.
About the Future Leaders Platform
The Future Leaders Platform is a global initiative that convenes students, school directors, educators, industry executives, and policymakers in region-specific challenges to advance hospitality and tourism. Through annual events and leadership development programmes, the platform builds a sustainable talent pipeline aligned with the evolving needs of the sector.
Media Contacts
Mike Richters
