Arc Hospitality Recruitment Solutions Ltd, the Liverpool-founded temporary staffing agency supplying hospitality professionals to the UK’s biggest venues and live events, has been named Investors in People UK Employer of the Year (Platinum) – one of the highest accolades awarded by the organisation.
The company achieved Platinum accreditation from Investors in People just eight months ago, an elite status held by only 2 per cent of accredited organisations worldwide, recognising exceptional commitment to people development, leadership, wellbeing, and workplace culture.
Founded by former university flatmates Michael Gavin and Paul Marcinkowski, Arc has grown from a local start-up into a nationwide staffing partner, providing highly trained front and back of house staff to major arenas, stadiums, festivals, and large-scale events across the UK.
Being named UK Employer of the Year: Platinum places Arc among the very top employers internationally. The award recognises Arc for demonstrating outstanding people management practices, such as its focus on training, career progression, flexible working, and clear communication to ensure employees feel valued, supported, and empowered.
Sarah Harrison, Head of People for Arc, who joined in 2020, has led initiatives that transformed the employee experience, increasing retention from 32 per cent to 70 per cent in just two years. Through targeted professional development programs, flexible working policies, and a culture of recognition and progression, Sarah has strengthened Arc’s reputation as a people-first employer. She said: “Winning an Investors in People Employer of the Year Award is an incredible milestone for Arc. It validates everything we stand for: our commitment to shaping the world of flexible work into a better place for all, and our belief that people are at the heart of sustainable success.”
Over 27 per cent of Arc’s core workforce are currently pursuing professional qualifications, including Data Analytics and Level 5 Leadership & Management, through company-sponsored development. Each employee receives one paid day of study leave per month, underlining Arc’s dedication to continuous learning and long-term workforce success.
For Arc’s temporary workforce, which numbers over 10,000 active team members, the focus on professional standards is equally strong. While the Investors in People Employer of the Year award specifically recognises the achievements with Arc’s core team, the company ensures that all of its team members benefit from its culture of learning and excellence.
In 2023, 44 per cent of team members expressed a desire for additional skills and job-specific training, prompting the introduction of MAPAL Online Training. The program features four key modules – Food Allergens, Food Safety, Alcohol Licensing, and Health & Safety – and since its introduction, over 11,300 team members have completed training, reflecting Arc’s commitment to upskilling and empowering its workforce.
With growing demand for high-end service and specialist skills, Arc also runs VIP Hospitality and Barista Training courses, delivered on-site at client premises for practical, real-world experience. These programs are highly selective, designed to recognise and reward the top-performing team members who demonstrate exceptional skill, professionalism, and dedication. To date, just 497 VIP-trained team members and 119 baristas have successfully completed the courses.
Paul Marcinkowski, Director and creator of the VIP Hospitality course, said: “We designed this programme to set a new standard in hospitality training. It’s intensive, challenging, and hands-on, so only those who truly excel gain the qualification. Our aim is to ensure every VIP-trained team member delivers an exceptional experience for our clients and their guests.”
Today, Arc continues to support clients across the UK, supplying skilled professionals across waiting staff, bar teams, kitchens, logistics, and event operations, while maintaining strong roots in Liverpool.