Overview of the hospitality and events sector in the UK

What areas of hospitality can I work in?

The sector is broad, giving you the chance to specialise in areas that match your interests and strengths. You could work in:

• hotels and accommodation - ranging from luxury chains to independent B&Bs
• food and beverage - within restaurants, cafés, bars, and catering companies
• events and conferences - opportunities to support corporate events, exhibitions, weddings, festivals, and sports events
• entertainment - including cinemas, theatres, and nightlife venues.

Beyond customer‑facing roles, hospitality companies also recruit graduates into head‑office functions such as:

• finance
• human resources (HR)
• IT
• law and compliance
• marketing and communications
• property and facilities
• sales and commercial roles.

With more than 170,000 hospitality businesses operating in the UK, over 99% of which are small -to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs), you can find opportunities across both large employers and independent businesses.

Why choose to work in this sector?

Many professionals are drawn to hospitality because of:

• rapid progression opportunities - many managers start in entry-level hospitality roles and progress quickly through internal promotion.
• varied and creative work - no two days are the same, particularly in events, venue, and operations roles.
• global mobility - hospitality experience is recognised globally, opening doors to work abroad or with international brands.

Event management careers are particularly flexible, and graduates may work for agencies, venues, or suppliers. Charities also recruit event managers for fundraising activities, while some professionals choose to:

• become self-employed
• freelance
• or join a franchise.

It's worth noting that salaries vary depending on the organisation, and many roles involve working evenings and weekends.

Hospitality and events suit people who are energetic, adaptable, and motivated by working with others. If you enjoy fast‑moving environments, thrive on variety, and want to take on responsibility early, this sector offers a rewarding and future‑focused career path.

You'll see the direct impact of your work on customers and clients, and you'll develop skills that open doors across the world.

Who are the main graduate employers?

The UK hospitality landscape includes major employers such as:

• Compass Group - one of the largest contract catering companies.
• Greene King - major UK pub, restaurant and hotel operator.
• Hilton Hotels and Resorts - international hotel brand with numerous UK locations.
• JD Wetherspoon - pub chain known for value-focused pubs and pub hotels.
• Mitchells & Butlers - pub and restaurant operator with brands like All Bar One, Miller & Carter and Toby Carvery.
• Merlin Entertainments - operator of attractions such as Alton Towers and LEGOLAND.
• Rekom - known for bars and clubs, particularly in nightlife destinations.
• Sodexo - catering and event services provider.
• Stonegate Pub Company- the largest UK bar operator with brands like Slug & Lettuce and Be At One.
• Travelodge - UK budget hotel chain with hundreds of hotels nationwide.
• Whitbread - known for the Premier Inn brand and restaurants and pubs like Beefeater, Brewers Fayre and Table Table.

Long-term, the events sector is forecast to grow an estimated 3 to 5% annually through to 2027. In this field, leading UK companies include:

• Clarion Events - events and exhibitions organiser across sectors including hospitality, food and drink, and business trade events.
• KDM Events - specialist business events organisers for large employers.
• Live Nation Entertainment - live events and entertainment company with major UK concert, festival operations like O2 Academy venues.
• RX Global - hosts major trade shows in multiple industries including food, hospitality and catering.
• Ticketmaster - the world's largest ticket marketplace for live events including concerts, theatre, sports and festivals.

What roles can I do in the sector?

You can enter a range of roles, including:

• digital communications
• event coordination and hotel management
• food and beverage management
• front‑of‑house leadership
• marketing
• operations and logistics
• visitor experience.

Many large employers offer structured graduate schemes designed to fast‑track you into supervisory or management positions.

For more detail on typical salaries and working conditions, explore our job profiles.

What can I earn in hospitality and events?

Earnings vary depending on the:

• employer
• level of responsibility
• location
• role.

Here are some examples of average annual salaries:

• Entry-level roles - around £20,000 to £26,000.
• Graduate schemes and trainee management roles - between £24,000 to £30,000.
• Mid-level roles - £28,000 to £40,000 for managers, supervisors, and specialist marketing or revenue roles.
• Senior management - £40,000 to £70,000, particularly in major cities or large venues.

Many roles also include tips, service charges, bonuses, commission, and staff discounts.

How do I find a job in hospitality?

Many independent hospitality businesses - especially hotels, restaurants, bars, and venues - hire through direct applications or in-person enquiries, particularly during busy seasons. When applying, make sure your CV highlights transferable skills such as:

• customer service
• communication
• problem solving
• reliability
• teamwork.

These qualities are highly valued across the sector and can help you stand out, even if you're new to the industry.

Flexibility is key. Be open to starting in an entry-level role - many graduates progress quickly in hospitality, and promotion is often based on initiative and performance rather than time served.

See hospitality jobs for more details on finding and applying for roles.

Do I need a related degree?

While some employers ask for a 2:1 degree and specific UCAS points for direct entry into management roles, most are open to graduates from any discipline.

Hands‑on experience is often more important than subject background. Postgraduate study in tourism, hospitality, or event management isn't essential, but it can demonstrate commitment and help you stand out.

Search for postgraduate courses in the hospitality sector to explore your options.

What skills do hospitality and events employers want?

To succeed in this sector, you'll need:

• commercial awareness
• excellent organisation and time management
• familiarity with social media and booking systems
• strong interpersonal and customer service skills
• the ability to stay calm under pressure
• teamwork and leadership potential.

Language skills, cultural awareness, and sustainability knowledge are increasingly important as the sector becomes more global and environmentally conscious.

With around 26,000 hospitality vacancies in per month in the UK, employers prioritise adaptable candidates who can start quickly and learn on the job.

How can I get hospitality work experience?

Work experience is essential and often easy to access if you're proactive. Many people start with part-time jobs in restaurants, cafés, pubs, or hotels, gaining valuable customer‑service and teamwork experience. Volunteering at festivals, charity fundraisers, or university events is another excellent way to build event‑management skills.

If your degree includes a placement or internship, choose an employer in the hospitality or events sector. For example, the Red Carnation Hotels Internship Programme offers paid nine‑ to twelve‑month placements in London or Edinburgh, giving students hands‑on experience in food and beverage, rooms division, or culinary roles.

Seasonal work, like working at festivals, holiday parks, or tourist attractions can also help you build industry contacts. Even small opportunities - such as organising student society events or coordinating club nights - demonstrate the transferable skills that employers look for.

Can I do an apprenticeship in hospitality?

Offering paid work alongside structured training, apprenticeships are a well‑established route into the sector. They're a strong option for school leavers, career changers, and graduates who prefer practical learning.

Programmes range from Level 2 to Level 4, preparing you for supervisory or management roles.

Opportunities include:

• business support, such as marketing, HR, and digital roles
• commis chef, chef de partie, and senior culinary roles
• events assistant or events management
• hospitality team member
• travel, tourism, and visitor experience roles.

Explore our guidance on apprenticeships in hospitality to find out more.

Can I do a graduate scheme in hospitality or events?

Large hotel groups, contract caterers, leisure companies, and event agencies offer structured graduate schemes designed to fast‑track you into management roles. These programmes often include departmental rotations, mentoring, and leadership training.

You'll find a range of opportunities within the business functions of hospitality organisations, including roles in:

• management
• marketing
• operations.

For example, the De Vere Graduate Management Programme is an 18‑month rotational scheme offering experience across hotel operations and specialist areas such as finance, sales, and HR. On completion, graduates are supported into their first management role.

To explore opportunities, search graduate jobs in hospitality and event management.

What trends are emerging in hospitality and events?

If you're thinking about a career in hospitality and events, it's useful to know the key trends shaping the industry - and how they might affect the types of roles employers are hiring for.

The sector is evolving rapidly, influenced by:

• digital transformation - with hybrid events, advanced booking systems, data analytics, and personalised customer experiences becoming standard.
• experience‑driven hospitality - consumers increasingly seek unique, immersive experiences - driving demand for creative event concepts and innovative hospitality offerings.
• skills shortages - ongoing demand for skilled workers makes this a favourable time for graduates entering the field.
• sustainability and responsible tourism - continue to grow in importance, with businesses reducing waste, adopting greener practices, and prioritising ethical supply chains. In fact, over 90% of UK hospitality businesses with ten or more employees have a formal sustainability strategy planned or in place.

Find out more

• Explore hospitality jobs.