Steve Lant, owner of the four-strong operator Portsmouth Pubs, was praised by judges at the People 1st Apprenticeship Awards for the ‘great pastoral care’ offered to apprentices when he collected his accolade at a House of Commons award ceremony.
The licensee, who operates the Eastfield Hotel, the Invincible Bar, the Old House at Home — all owned by Enterprise Inns — and the Froddington Arms, has employed up to 15 apprentices in the past and is currently training up a further eight.
Each apprentice is given the opportunity to attend external courses, and up their maths and English to a higher standard.
They are also involved in planning events, kept informed about monthly sales so they can suggest where improvements could be made and are assured of full time positions at the end of their training — with an incentive to eventually manage or supervise a pub of their own.
“The apprenticeships have led to better customer service and had a positive impact on customers,” People 1st managing director Simon Tarr said.
Lant said it was much easier to train people from scratch, which “results in quality staff and means that customers can walk into any of my pubs and receive the same high standard of service every single time”.
“I’m gobsmacked to have been awarded Small Employer of the Year, especially given the size and scope of all the other winners,” he added.
Enterprise Inns regional manager Tony Warnants said: “This recognition is hugely deserved for Steve, who puts 110% into his pubs. His people-first approach means that he has a successful business model and, as a result, very happy staff and customers.”