FLEXSHFT set to tackle hospitality staffing gaps with Manchester launch

FLEXSHFT will launch in Manchester on 2 November 2026, connecting hospitality businesses with verified local professionals looking for flexible shifts.

The platform offers operators another way to manage staff shortages, cover last-minute absences and find extra support for events and seasonal peaks.

In Manchester’s hospitality community, the last-minute scramble to find cover is often known as a “disco shift”.

FLEXSHFT aims to make these situations easier to manage by allowing businesses to advertise individual shifts and select professionals directly on a self-employed basis, rather than relying solely on traditional staffing agencies.

Businesses can browse professional profiles detailing skills, experience and preferences, alongside FlexScores, reviews and badges. This gives operators more information when choosing someone for a particular shift.

The platform is also designed to turn temporary work into longer-term opportunities.

Through its ‘Perfect Match’ feature, businesses can offer permanent roles to professionals who make a strong impression during a shift.

For a small commission, the professional can move off the platform and join the business directly.

There are no upfront fees for businesses. FLEXSHFT charges a small commission only when a shift is completed, while founding partners will receive a discounted commission rate for their first three months.

The idea behind FLEXSHFT draws on more than 20 years of experience in hospitality and tourism.

Chairman Tim Gibson, who has held director roles at hospitality and travel groups including Away Resorts and Haven, has experienced first-hand the challenges that arise when the reality of a trading day differs from the rota.

Mr Gibson said: “Hospitality is inherently difficult to predict. There are obvious seasonal peaks, but even with careful forecasting and well-planned rotas, the reality can look very different. Good weather can suddenly drive demand, bookings can be stronger than anticipated, people can call in sick, or you can simply have a much busier day than expected.”

When that happens, managers can spend valuable time ringing around for cover, while existing teams come under additional pressure.

For Gibson, the need for a more flexible approach became particularly apparent during the launch of South Beach, a new restaurant concept at Haven’s Devon Cliffs holiday park.

The restaurant was carefully staffed for its Easter opening, but quickly became busier than anticipated.

Sunny weather then drove even more customers towards its outdoor terraces overlooking Sandy Bay, creating demand the team had not expected.

“We had customers wanting to spend money with us and a team working incredibly hard to serve them, but we couldn’t simply create additional trained people at short notice.”

Mr Gibson added: “That’s exactly the sort of moment when I wish FLEXSHFT had existed. If we’d been able to quickly identify verified local hospitality professionals who were available that day or over that weekend, we could have flexed the team alongside the demand.

“It would have relieved pressure on our existing team, helped us maintain the customer experience and allowed us to make the most of what was actually a fantastic trading opportunity.”

The experience helped shape FLEXSHFT’s approach: even with careful planning, hospitality businesses need to be able to respond when trading conditions change.

In a recent survey conducted by FLEXSHFT, 68% of hospitality professionals said they regularly miss out on opportunities to earn extra income because they cannot access suitable shifts when they want them.

Manchester has been deliberately chosen as FLEXSHFT’s first launch city, giving the company an opportunity to work with a large and diverse hospitality sector while developing its understanding of the needs of both businesses and workers.

“We were very deliberate about choosing Manchester,” says Gibson.

“It gives us the opportunity to work with a large and incredibly diverse hospitality sector while also understanding the needs of the people using the platform.”

For professionals looking for additional hours, FLEXSHFT offers greater control over when and where they work.

Users can set their own rates, skills and preferences, then browse available shifts and choose opportunities based on factors including pay, location and hours.

For hospitality businesses, the platform provides access to verified local professionals when additional cover is needed.

While the initial launch focuses on hospitality, FLEXSHFT is designed to support flexible staffing across other sectors and roles, including cleaning, delivery and warehouse work.

Both businesses and professionals must be verified before using the platform. Professionals can also build a FlexScore based on their activity and performance, giving businesses another source of information when selecting candidates for shifts.

FLEXSHFT will officially launch in Manchester on 2 November 2026, with expansion into other cities planned following the regional launch. The company is inviting local businesses to register now.