A pioneering training initiative has launched at HMP Styal in Cheshire, offering offenders a structured pathway to employment upon their release. This program is a testament to the growing intersection of food manufacturing and social rehabilitation.
Marston’s has opened ‘The Hope & Anchor,’ marking a significant milestone in its commitment to create transformative opportunities for marginalized groups. This initiative sets a new benchmark for inclusive recruitment within the UK hospitality sector.
As the first hospitality academy designed specifically for women in custody, the academy will provide culinary training for up to 32 women annually. Participants will gain valuable experience in a purpose-built kitchen and restaurant environment, preparing them for line chef roles.
The program is delivered in collaboration with Novus Education and the New Futures Network, ensuring trainees receive hands-on kitchen experience alongside professional qualifications and a direct pathway into employment at Marston’s pubs.
Commenting on this initiative, Lord Timpson, minister for prisons, probation, and reducing reoffending, stated: “Getting former offenders into stable work is a sure way of cutting crime and making our streets safer. Hospitality partners like Marston’s are leading the way – helping prisoners gain the skills and confidence they need to turn their lives around and break the cycle of reoffending.”
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony occurred last week (Thursday, 6 November 2025). Guests toured the facilities, met the first cohort of trainees, and enjoyed food prepared by the participants. This firsthand experience showcased how the program is effectively transforming lives.
The Hope & Anchor joins Marston’s growing network of training sites, which includes The Lock Inn at HMP Liverpool and The Crown & Key at HMP Stoke Heath. Specifically, the Excel program has successfully guided nearly 80 prison leavers into jobs since 2022, boasting retention rates significantly above the industry average.
Looking ahead, Marston’s aims to increase the employment of ex-offender graduates across its pubs by 25% within the next year.
Cameron Fisher, an Excel graduate now employed by Marston’s, expressed his thoughts on the opening of this new academy: “Getting a second chance with Marston’s changed everything for me,” he said. “The support, training, and belief in my potential gave me the confidence to rebuild my life and aim higher. Seeing this opportunity now extended to women at HMP Styal is inspiring, and The Hope & Anchor will give others the same chance to prove themselves and start again. I know firsthand how much that means.”
Todd Lockley, senior inclusion & communities manager at Marston’s, added: “The launch of The Hope & Anchor marks a significant milestone for Marston’s as we expand our commitment to inclusive training and employment opportunities for all. Establishing the first hospitality academy within a women’s prison is not just about equipping individuals with practical skills and job opportunities. We’re also supporting rehabilitation through meaningful careers, reducing reoffending, and empowering participants to build brighter futures within our industry.”