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Andaz London has partnered with Hackney Quest, as part of a wider campaign, named #NotMeWe, to provide individuals interested in a career within hospitality a chance to gain work experience at the five-star lifestyle luxury hotel.
On 15 October 2023, Andaz London began hosting individuals invited by Hackney Quest within the Front Office and the F&B departments with the ongoing partnership continuing into 2024. Since the launch, five individuals started their work experience at the hotel, with one heading back for regular shifts.
Through this programme, the hotel aims to inspire guests, visitors, employees and beyond to lean on their surrounding communities. Throughout 2024 Andaz London plans to take this partnership further, with the Andaz leadership team mentoring individuals at Hackney Quest.
Last year, Andaz London’s #BeWhoYouAre campaign encouraged individuals “to find comfort in being authentic”. Building on the message, the #NotMeWe campaign emphasises the “importance of community and how its impact can help one progress further within one’s personal journey”.
Anca Dimian, assistant human resources manager at Andaz London Liverpool Street, said: “Our partnership with Hackney Quest has been a real win-win. The youth we have been supporting through the #NotMeWe campaigns are finding their feet in the work scene, and that is the kind of progress we are all about. It is not just a partnership, it is a common mission to give these young people a shot at success.
“The young individuals we’ve welcomed from Hackney Quest have become integral members of our team and they brought with them all sorts of experiences that fit perfectly in Andaz London.”
Bella Relph, employability and wellbeing manager at Hackney Quest, said: “It has been great collaborating with Andaz London on the #NotMeWe campaign. Ubuntu has been a concept close to Hackney Quest’s heart since we worked with the Ubuntu Foundation many years ago and our young people met Desmond Tutu! We really believe in the power of compassion and collaboration and are loving developing our relationship and creating opportunities for young people together.”
