Portico, the market leader in premium, tailored guest services, has been awarded ‘Accredited Learning Department’ status from The Learning and Performance Institute (LPI) – the only professional body dedicated to workplace learning. This prestigious accreditation is given to companies that approach L&D in a forward-thinking way and set a benchmark for excellence.

Portico expanded its award-winning L&D offering dramatically in 2023, after its workforce expanded to 1000+ people post-COVID. The project was spearheaded by the newly-appointed Head of L&D, Dr. David Bevens who has 16 years’ experience and holds a doctorate from Middlesex University’s Faculty of Business and Law.

Thanks to the guidance of Bevens and his team, Portico team members can now engage with over 40 separate learning activities divided in to seven separate pathways. The team also champion apprenticeship engagement with Portico offering access to over 40 separate apprenticeships divided into key categories: business, digital, hospitality, operations, people and services. 147 face-to-face training courses have been held since the start of 2023, covering topics such as pioneering service excellence, confidence and assertiveness, understanding bias, inclusive language, deaf awareness and emergency first aid.

Portico people can also earn professional qualifications through Portico’s status as an Approved Centre for ILM, including the Level 5 Award in Leadership and Management and the Level 4 Award in Managing Equality and Diversity in an Organisation. Currently, 60+ employees are pursuing an ILM qualification. Mental Health First Aid qualifications at Levels 2 and 3 are also delivered by the L&D team through Portico’s Registered Centre status with Qualsafe.

Commenting on the accreditation, Director of Operations, Hanna Barrett said: “Guest services is a highly rewarding but demanding line of work. We wanted to equip our people with the skills to create outstanding customer experience across a diverse range of sectors. Every single Portico person has their own personal development pathway to support this. We’re delighted that the efforts of our incredible L&D team have been recognised by the LPI.”

David Bevens said, “Our people are our greatest asset at Portico. To continually empower, enable, motivate, inspire and engage them, we needed to create a development offering that not only excited them, but was practical and relatable in the real world, leading to enhanced performance and excellence for our clients. This accreditation underscores our commitment to L&D, which is deeply embedded in all facets of Portico’s culture.”

Turning 20 this year, Portico creates bespoke front-of-house experiences for 230+ locations, such as 22 Bishopsgate and 20 Fenchurch Street, across professional services, commercial property and the premium residential sector. The company prides itself on adopting a ‘one size fits one’ approach to guest services, encompassing tasks such as overseeing meeting and event spaces, cultivating dynamic and innovative workplace communities and even managing cycle parks.

The company embodies a philosophy of proud inclusivity, genuine warmth, inspirational positivity, and enduring transformation. Its Learning and Development (L&D) portfolio significantly enhances employee retention and the quality of services delivered. In acknowledgment of this, last year, 45 of Portico’s most dedicated employees were honoured with long-service awards at a special ceremony, recognizing their invaluable contributions. Additionally, 40% of current management positions were filled internally, highlighting the company’s commitment to nurturing talent from within.