New WORQ group chief calls on ScotGov to value hospitality jobs

WORQ Hospitality’s newly appointed CEO Anna Lagerqvist Christopherson has called on the Scottish Government to place greater value on hospitality sector jobs.

Christopherson is best known for the Boda Bar Group of Swedish pubs & venues, which she launched with her husband Mike in 2004, growing the brand to eight locations across Edinburgh.

The hospitality entrepreneur, business consultant and project manager has now joined Worq, where she is leading a hospitality training programme for its 250 staff across Glasgow, Edinburgh and Helensburgh.

“It does strike me that as our sector continues to recover from the pandemic, we are presenting the Scottish economy with instant job creation,” said Christopherson. “The Scottish Government should be showing us much more support.

“There are young people entering this industry who want to progress, we want to elevate hospitality jobs and show them that they can go onto to achieve worldwide careers, fulfilling top front of house roles, and top sommelier roles, for example, in five-star establishments.

“The sky really is the limit, but, with the pandemic, Brexit, and all the other obstacles over the past few years, it has been very, very hard for countless hospitality businesses to progress.”

Commenting on her new role and remit at WORQ, Anna said: “I am very excited to join WORQ Group, and the Doherty family, in the further development of the WORQ Hospitality workforce. It’s fantastic to be on board at such a progressive and groundbreaking entity as WORQ, which embodies the true spirit of entrepreneurship, and values growth in people across the board.

“I can’t wait to get started with this special training programme I have developed just for WORQ Hospitality, and its particular needs. Every single member of staff will have access to this, and I am confident it will make a huge difference to their confidence, knowledge base, and future career prospects.”

Christopherson also lauded the ‘growth mindset’ in the WORQ business: “Together, CEO Jonathan and I can achieve a great deal, not just through the training, but in all areas of the business, especially through structure and in staff retention.”

WORQ Hospitality currently operates El Santo Bar & Restaurant and the Revolver Hotel in Glasgow’s Merchant City; the Boutique 50 hotel in Glasgow’s West End; the 55BearsdenCross bar and restaurant in Bearsden; the Polton Inn gastro pub and Luci’s Italian restaurant in Lasswade, Midlothian; The Tally Ho gastro pub in Winchburgh; Chianti Italian restaurant in Falkirk; Riva boutique Hotel in Helensburgh; West End hotel in Edinburgh; and Hemingways restaurant in Leith.