Launched in 2024, the £1m hub has facilitated the training of 2,200 people as well as hosting career fairs, culinary competitions and business team meetings. The celebration event, which was attended by almost 100 people, was hosted during National Apprenticeship Week 2025.

Xcelerate with Edgbaston is operated by Levy UK and supports the training and upskilling of Compass colleagues, the industry and the local community. The aim is to nurture and empower the next generation of hospitality professionals, as well as offering skills and knowledge to the local community.

Jonathan Foot, director of skills and early careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland, said: “We’re proud to celebrate the incredible success of Xcelerate in its inaugural year. This facility is truly contributing to our industry and the local community. National Apprenticeship Week has been the perfect time to highlight the contributions of our people and partners, whose hard work and dedication has brought Xcelerate to life and showcased the value it can bring.

“Our objective is to offer everyone the opportunity to develop and progress, regardless of their background and qualifications, as part of our Mission to a Million promise. Xcelerate brings this to life and I look forward to seeing how this progresses throughout 2025 and the years ahead.”

Guests heard from HR and apprenticeship leads from Compass Group UK & Ireland, Warwickshire County Cricket, UKHospitality, Change Please and the Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance. Attendees were treated to a lunch, menu items included:

• Crispy guinea fowl roulade with pickled apple puree and lemon sauce
• Roast cauliflower, parmesan polenta and salsa Verde

Some of the dishes were cooked by the finalists of Compass’ Apprentice Chef of the Year 2024 competition. They were supported by the senior chefs participating in Compass Group UK & Ireland’s ‘Forward with Marcus Wareing’ programme.