Edge Hotel School

Colchester Institute welcomed educationalists, members from the British Hospitality Association and local hoteliers/restaurateurs, as well as Deputy Mayor, Helen Chuah, on Wednesday 2nd March, for the launch of the Edge Hotel School.

The Centre for Business and Management at Colchester Institute, along with partners, the University of Essex and Edge, launched the Edge Hotel School with an informative presentation, followed by dinner in the Balkerne Restaurant.

The Edge Hotel School, to be located at Wivenhoe House, on the grounds of the University of Essex, is a cutting edge concept which will provide high levels of training and education in a world class facility, based on the model of a commercially sustainable hotel. It will provide both practical and vocational learning and a quality hotel experience for guests.

The Edge Hotel School will be a fully controlled and operational hotel, ready to open in spring 2012. The premise behind the school was the demand for work ready, talented and skilled workers in the hotel industry.

Sir Garry Hawkes, CBE, President of independent education foundation, Edge, commented: ‘‘This is one of the most exciting developments in hospitality education for well over a generation. To be able to operate a fully functioning hotel with real members of the public staying, as well as providing both quality practical and vocational learning for the next generation of hospitality students is a great move forward for the industry. We are delighted to be working with the University of Essex and Colchester Institute on this unique project.''

Christian Norman, Head of Centre for Business and Management, said: ‘‘The support we have received so far from those looking to sponsor has been fantastic and we hope this will continue to grow between now and the opening in spring 2012. Those on the panel for validation have so far been impressed with the innovative way the Edge Hotel School seeks to respond to the industry sector requirements.''

Shara Ross, Chair of the Eastern Committee of the British Hospitality Association and herself a hotelier based in Cambridge, who attended the regional launch said: ‘‘Many industries are critical of graduates' ability to translate several years of theoretical study into the work place. The Hospitality industry, where thinking on your feet is vital to the commercial success of business, is no exception. A fully operational hotel with paying guests provides a real environment for students to blend practice with theory and is a fantastic step forward for the industry. At a time when Hospitality is looking to maximise its social and economic contribution this firmly positions the East of England on the national as well as international stage.''

Dr Tony Rich, Registrar and Secretary of the University of Essex, said: ‘‘We are very excited to be part of this important development, both for the eastern region, which will gain a top quality hotel, and for the hospitality industry.''