Access Group acquires CPL Learning: Software company The Access Group has acquired training company CPL Learning. It will be incorporated into The Access Group’s hospitality division. The addition of CPL Learning to the Access Hospitality management suite is the latest in a series of solutions that provide a fully integrated technology service for multiple operators within the hospitality and retail sectors. Jamie Campbell, director of learning – hospitality, of CPL Learning, will join Access to support the integration of resources across the two businesses. Access Hospitality managing director Henry Seddon said: “Access Hospitality’s strategy is to continue bringing new and innovative products to market and CPL Learning is a natural fit within our expanding technology solutions. We believe there will be particular benefit of integrating CPL Learning into Access Workspace, which powers the tools that increase engagement and share information across all business functions. The importance of well-trained and motivated employees will be crucial for post-pandemic recovery and subsequent business growth as they are the face and service of exceptional hospitality experiences. We are excited by the additional opportunities that integrating the CPL learning and development capability with Access Hospitality’s existing solutions, including HR and workforce management, EPOS, CRM and reservations, will provide for our customers as well as increasing the growth potential for their own client base.” Campbell added: “We are looking forward to CPL Learning continuing its journey with Access and becoming bigger, brighter and better. Each of our customers will be able to take advantage of a far-reaching suite of best-in-class solutions, delivered from a single supplier, through Access Workspace and we are excited CPL Learning will now be an integral part of such an effective technology portfolio.”

Itsu promotes Ganan Kanagathurai to UK chief executive, launches ‘build you own’ app feature: Itsu, the healthy Asian food chain, created by Julian Metcalfe, has promoted Ganan Kanagathurai to UK chief executive, Propel has learned. Kanagathurai, formerly of Tesco Ventures, joined Itsu as its UK chief financial officer in 2016. Kanagathurai has also previously held roles at Disney and ABC television, and advised retail technology start-ups in San Francisco. Metcalfe told Propel: “I’m thrilled to say Ganan has been made chief executive of the UK business after five tremendous years as chief financial officer. Itsu awaits the great return to work as lockdown finally ends. We are eternally grateful to our courageous teams and leaders for sticking with us and getting through this awful year. It’s been an honour to support them.” The promotion of Kanagathurai came as Itsu launches a “build your own” feature on its app. The company said it was in response to the “abundance of popular dietary trends and growing appetite for personalised options”, and strengthened the brand’s digital customer experience. Customers can build bespoke hot and cold Itsu dishes – from rice and noodle bowls, right through to sushi boxes – and features more than 1,000 different combinations. The function will also limit contact in store, making it a safer environment for both consumers and restaurant staff. Kanagathurai said: “The function is the next step in Itsu’s journey to further innovation, bringing us closer to becoming the better future for fast food. In recent years, we’ve seen a surge in customer requests to go ‘off menu’. Allowing customers to pepper in more protein, cut the carbs and dial up flavour, reinforces our ethos to ‘eat beautiful’ – whatever way that works for you.”

Just Eat to create more than 1,500 jobs in Liverpool as it expands new worker model: Just Eat is planning to create more than 1,500 jobs in Liverpool by the end of the year as part of its expansion of the new UK agency worker model for couriers. Liverpool is the third city in the UK in which Just Eat is offering the new model, following its launch in London in November 2020 and Birmingham in February. The move has already created almost 2,000 jobs and will continue to be rolled out to further cities. All couriers contracted through this model are entitled to hourly pay, minimum/living wage, pension contributions and certain statutory benefits including holiday pay and sick pay. Just Eat UK managing director Andrew Kenny said: “We recognise our responsibility to provide couriers with the best possible opportunities and we’re delighted almost 2,000 jobs have already been created as part of our worker model.” Couriers will have the option to operate from a central hub, a space that they can also use to take breaks. Before heading out on their shifts, they will be provided with branded clothing and equipment to boost brand visibility. Just Eat Takeaway.com operates this model across 150 European cities.