Nando's tastes success through training: Expanding restaurant firm retains a family feel

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine four programmes that have won National Training Awards for Nando's Restaurants over the last two years.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on management coaching (which won an award in 2005), training new employees (2005), improving internal communications (2004) and the “buddy” system of training (2004).

Findings

The paper finds that the training has helped the company to retain a “family” feel and stay close to its values, despite rapid expansion from 40 restaurants, mostly in and around London, in 2001, to more than 100 restaurants throughout England today.

Practical implications

The paper indicates that an emphasis on training may go along with high staff morale, since the company has lower‐than‐average employee turnover for its sector, and was placed 33rd in the 2005 Sunday Times Top 100 Companies to Work For awards.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the value of training for all levels of employee – from newly hired restaurant workers to top management staff.

Citation

(2006), "Nando's tastes success through training: Expanding restaurant firm retains a family feel", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 19-21. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670730610656879