Another Hospitality Apprenticeship Success Story For NAW2026

Family Business United (FBU) is marking National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (NAW2026) by celebrating the vital contribution apprentices make within family-owned businesses across the UK.

Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of FBU, said the campaign showcases both the depth of talent emerging from family firms and the long-term perspective that defines the sector. “Family businesses are the engine room of the UK economy,” he said. “They take a long-term view, investing across their operations as they seek to build sustainable businesses for generations to come. Investing in apprentices is a key part of that commitment, and it is a pleasure to share the stories of apprentices working in family firms during National Apprenticeship Week.”

Among the businesses featured in the campaign is JW Lees Brewery. JW Lees is Manchester’s oldest brewery and remains based in Middleton, in the north-east of the city. Today, the family-owned group employs more than 1,525 people across its operations, including 150 at the brewery and Middleton Junction site and over 1,375 staff working across its 49 managed pubs, inns and hotels, as well as The Alderley Edge Hotel, The Trearddur Bay Hotel and Willoughby’s Wine Merchants. A further 100 pubs are operated in partnership with pub partners, with sites stretching from Manchester to North Wales.

Theresa Mitchell is the Learning & Development Business Partner at JW Lees Brewery, a seventh-generation family business with a proud brewing heritage dating back to 1828. Founded by retired cotton manufacturer John Lees

Theresa said apprenticeships play a critical role in sustaining the business for the long term. “Investing in apprenticeships is beneficial for a family business like JW Lees Brewery because they support long-term skills development while preserving the company’s values and heritage,” she explained.

“Operating a brewery, warehouse and a large pub estate across the North West of England and North Wales requires a skilled, loyal workforce with diverse knowledge."

"Apprenticeships support in-house training, allowing our team members to further develop skills and knowledge to meet specific operational needs.”

She added that apprenticeships also offer a clear and cost-effective route to developing talent. “By utilising the Levy fund, apprenticeships provide JW Lees with a structured framework for building clear career pathways, helping us retain talent over time and reduce recruitment and additional training costs."

"We continue to broaden the range of apprenticeships offered across all areas of the business to promote the passing on of traditional brewing and hospitality skills, embrace new technologies and ensure the business continues to thrive for future generations.”

One of those benefiting from this commitment is Louis Lees-Jones, a Business Development Manager who is currently undertaking the ILM Level 5 Operations Manager apprenticeship with Kendal College. The programme is designed to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to create and deliver operational plans, manage projects, lead and manage teams, oversee change, manage finance and resources, develop talent, and coach and mentor others.

Reflecting on his experience, Louis said the apprenticeship has been both engaging and rewarding. “The Operations Manager apprenticeship has been highly engaging, combining learning in an academic environment with the opportunity to connect with colleagues across a wide range of roles throughout our business,” he said.

“It’s a privilege to be supported in taking this time to develop, and this long-term investment in people is something that is truly iconic of family businesses like ours.”

As National Apprenticeship Week 2026 continues, stories like this underline the message at the heart of Family Business United’s campaign: apprenticeships not only help individuals build successful careers, but also play a vital role in securing the future and legacy of the UK’s family businesses for generations to come.