This article focuses upon positive examples of hospitality, tourism and leisure small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the area of training and development. The research reports part of the most detailed study of hospitality-related SMEs ever undertaken in the UK. A total of 89 case studies were completed. Our results indicate that successful organizations adopt an informal approach which is integrated into the culture of the organization, providing a positive training and development environment where employees are more likely to be retained.