Tue 19th Dec 2017 - ALMR launches gold-standard diploma scheme, grows membership by 11% ALMR launches gold-standard diploma scheme, grows membership by 11%: The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has launched a gold-standard diploma scheme for the UK’s hospitality sector. The first stage of the ALMR Hospitality Diploma has been designed for Level 2 hospitality staff in both front and back-of-house roles but will be expanded to cover a broad range of careers. Training will be delivered by HIT Training and end-tested by BIIAB, with six modules – customer service, under-age sales prevention, drugs awareness, conflict management, food safety, and an award for personal licence holders. The modules will be provided by CPL Training and delivered via e-learning online, except for the Award for Personal Licence Holders, which will be sat face-to-face. The ALMR Diploma was launched by chief executive Kate Nicholls at the association’s annual Christmas lunch today (Tuesday, 19 December) at Old Billingsgate, London, with enrolment beginning in January. Nicholls said: “The ALMR Hospitality Diploma will provide the UK’s hospitality businesses with an all-inclusive, exhaustive training and assessment scheme designed to meet the myriad demands of this innovative and varied sector. It will also provide employees with the support and education they need to progress within the sector and will deliver a solid foundation for a potentially long and rewarding career and a senior role within our dynamic industry.” Meanwhile, the ALMR said its membership grew 11% during 2017, with outlet numbers up 18%. The ALMR said it had undergone an “unprecedented period of growth” during the past three years, with membership increasing 66% and outlet numbers up 168% during the period. Nicholls said: “Eating and drinking out businesses have faced legislative barriers and uncertainty over their futures but they have shown amazing resilience and ingenuity to flourish during difficult times. We are looking forward to continuing our hard work with all our members to make sure these integral businesses are in the best position to succeed.”