Salford-based brewer and pub retailer Hydes Brewery is helping inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals through a hands-on educational initiative with Helsby High School, now in its third year.
The ongoing programme allows economics students to explore the diverse career paths available across the hospitality sector, from human resources and marketing to pub management, kitchen leadership, and even the technical side of brewing.
As part of the initiative, students are challenged to develop and pitch creative campaigns for a real Hydes pub, The Hornsmill at Helsby, one of its successful premium dining sites.
Working in teams, they research the business, devise promotional strategies, and create social media and marketing plans aimed at helping the pub engage with the local community and grow its customer base.
The initiative not only introduces students to the breadth of opportunities within the industry but also encourages practical skills in teamwork, communication, and business thinking.
Stephen Jackson, Business Development Manager at Hydes Brewery, said: “We wanted to show students that hospitality is a professional, exciting and varied industry with huge potential for career development. Whether your strengths lie in marketing, management, or technical brewing, there’s a place for everyone. Working with Helsby High has been incredibly rewarding, the creativity and enthusiasm from the students each year has been outstanding.”
Adam Mayers, Managing Director of Hydes Brewery, added: “This partnership perfectly captures what Hydes is all about – community, opportunity, and growth. It’s great to see local young people getting a real insight into how a modern hospitality business works and contributing fresh ideas that genuinely make a difference. We’re proud to support the initiative and look forward to seeing it continue to grow.”
Kirsty Lindop, department leader for business studies, computing and economics at Helsby High School, said: “During the visit, students attended insightful talks delivered by Hydes staff, which explored key topics such as the importance of business location, the impact of global economic shifts, and the company’s response to challenges like the pandemic and evolving consumer trends. The brewery tour also allowed students to see the production process firsthand and appreciate how the quality of raw ingredients directly affects the final product.
“Building on this experience, students were given a live marketing brief with a tight deadline. This unforgettable experience not only enriched the students’ academic understanding but also helped them develop vital transferable skills, including teamwork, communication, and meeting deadlines under pressure. We are extremely proud of the professionalism and creativity our students demonstrated and look forward to continuing this valuable partnership with Hydes Brewery in the future.”
The positive partnership continues to strengthen ties between education and local enterprise, helping students connect classroom learning with real-world opportunities.
With its brewery at Media City, Hydes supplies beers across the UK and operates a pub estate of nearly 50 sites throughout the North West and North Wales. The business is actively recruiting for more apprentices and is encouraging people considering careers in hospitality or brewing to explore the opportunities available.
