By Denis Sheehan, Managing Director, Accessible Hospitality Alliance: The aha Forum, in Partnership with Thomas Franks: Movement forms Community
The second aha Forum, in Partnership with Thomas Franks took place on Wednesday 5th November bringing hospitality people together at Scale Space in West London’s White City.
People with lived experience of disabilities shared their experiences with attendees.
Operators embarking upon their accessibility journeys heard from fellow operators already on theirs sharing learning with peers, not competitors.
Access Champions appointed by operators following the first aha Forum, less than five months ago, provided valuable insight to initiatives already underway within their businesses. An Access Champion network for cross organisation learning was initiated.
Suppliers set out how working with operators enables remarkable results in accessibility.
More operators joined as members of Accessible Hospitality Alliance, more suppliers joined as sponsors, and current sponsors renewed their support of Accessible Hospitality Alliance’s purpose.
Following the first aha Forum, the consensus of opinion from attendees was that a movement had been formed. The second saw community emerge, stronger connections develop and recognition that the actions that stemmed from the first were to be built upon. Hospitality’s accessibility community formed.
Many of the attendees present at The aha Forum, in Partnership with Thomas Franks now take over this ‘review’, as their words say much more than mine.
I should add, the request for comments was sent out only hours before publishing this review, so depending on when you are reading this, it’s another measure of enthusiasm for the growing movement and community that is Accessible Hospitality Alliance. As more are received this page will be regularly updated, so please come back and check for more.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all who have embraced our purpose to date: A hospitality world that welcomes everyone. And welcome other likeminded hospitality people to join our movement and community, everyone is welcome.
“What a great pleasure it was to be at The aha Forum last week in partnership with Thomas Franks. A great opportunity to network with some inspiring thought leaders across the hospitality sector, each striving to make their businesses more inclusive, accessible and welcoming to those with additional needs, disabilities, neuro-divergence and for those who face complex barriers around accessing the sector. There was a determined atmosphere in the room to be part of a movement for genuine change and I look forward to all of the things that we will achieve together as this network grows.”
Donna Marie Edmonds, Chief Executive Officer, The Clink Charity
“The aha Forums are so inspirational and allow some of the top people in accessible hospitality to come together to share best practice and encourage others start the journey in their businesses. The potential to drive change in our industry that is so needed. I am proud to be a part of this wonderful organisation.”
James Dixon-Box, Operations Director, Marsham Court Hotel, and UK Government-appointed Disability & Access Ambassador for the Hospitality Industry
“The aha Forum was a wonderful reminder of how powerful it can be when people come together with a shared purpose. The conversations and insights exchanged throughout the day left me both inspired and motivated to continue driving meaningful change within our industry.”
Luciana Patran, Group Manager, Thomas Franks London
“The aha Forum stopped me in my tracks. It made me think of the world through a new set on eyes. I met some incredibly inspirational people who lit up the conference and conveyed a powerful message of empathy, understanding and walking in the shoes of others’. I am a better man for being part of this accessibility movement.”
Neil Fillbrook, Group Chief Executive Officer, BB Merchant Services
“What an incredible organisation! The Accessible Hospitality Alliance brings together kind, passionate professionals to raise awareness and spark meaningful conversations on improving the lives of individuals living with disabilities. Their commitment to inclusion and innovation is truly inspiring.”
Paulius Kriksciunas, National Hotel Services Manager, Bupa
“The time for change is now…”
Neil Butler, Hotel Manager, The Chester Grosvenor
“Enlightenment for the soul and mind and a chance for humans who have the power to make change for the better.”
Kofi Jeffers, Security Manager, Kimpton Fitzroy London
“Listening to the experiences and ideas of others left me truly empowered, reaffirming that meaningful change is not only possible but already underway, driven by brilliant minds and unwavering determination to create better opportunities, build stronger communities, and live with greater purpose.”
Sheridon Mascoll-Parker, Business Development Director, Guarantee Laundries
“An outstanding event, we at Hatch Mansfield are proud to be involved. Fabulous guest speakers delivering informative content, combined with engaging and productive discussions. The diversity of experience of the attendees created a wide range of very positive input. Hearing first-hand about the lived experience of those that deal with accessibility challenges daily was both eye-opening and moving. I hope this growth and action continues so we can truly embrace this community in the Hospitality work and play space.”
John Ferguson-Smith, National Accounts Manager, Hatch Mansfield
“The aha Forum was a truly inspiring and thought-provoking event. Attending as a representative of RNIB (the Royal National Institute of Blind People), it was great to have so many people in one room from the hospitality sector who are as equally committed to building an inclusive society as we are at RNIB. I made several connections and discussed ideas for future collaboration with a number of businesses. I’m looking forward to the next forum!”
Hannah Whitcombe, Corporate Partnerships Manager, RNIB
“It was wonderful to attend and chair a roundtable at The aha forum, and also to find out about the tremendous work across the sector to improve disability inclusion both for employees and for guests. It was also fantastic to have the opportunity to connect with like-minded colleagues committed to driving accessibility in the sector forward”
Kim Hoque, Professor of Human Resource Management, King’s Business School, King’s college London
“I was extremely honoured to be invited to The aha forum in November. Not only was it humbling experience and truly highlighted how privileged I am, I also happened to be in the presence of some extraordinary role models. Vicky Freeman was inspirational in her keynote speech, highlighting simple changes can make a huge difference. George Shippy exuded confidence and held the room. Not only was his account positive and powerful but it had me walking away saying – yes, I back you! Someone wise beyond his years.
“Overall I walked away feeling positive about the future of accessibility in hospitality – a long way to go, but the people in the room, including me, are willing to fight for what is fair and accessible for all.”
Dorrianne Casey, Coaching, Learning and Development Manager, BM Caterers
If you are a hospitality operator and are interested in membership of Accessible Hospitality Alliance, or as a supplier of products and services becoming a sponsor partner, simply complete the form here and one of the Accessible Hospitality Alliance team will respond to you promptly.
*Updated November 14
“Few experiences are more inspiring than being in a room surrounded by like-minded individuals, and that perfectly describes my time at the AHA Forums. These events create a space where we speak frankly and openly about the changes needed to make our world accessible for all—a mission we are all deeply passionate about.
“As a neurodivergent individual, this movement resonates strongly with me. The roundtable discussions are particularly valuable: they bring together a diverse mix of voices—experts, people with lived experience, and those willing to challenge the status quo. The insights shared are both informative and thought-provoking.
“If I could suggest one improvement, it would be to extend the time allocated for these roundtables. Doing so would allow participants to fully explore the rich discussions and ideas that emerge.
“Overall, The aha Forums open the floodgates to creating a better, more inclusive world. They are not just events, they are catalysts for meaningful change.”
Ursula Boardman, Head of Centre, The CRUMBS Project
“The aha Forum was again amazing. A room full of passionate people making hospitality welcoming, accessible and inclusive for everyone.”
Shelley Cowan, Associate Partner, BB Merchant Services
“What I experienced at the event was extraordinary, the ability to sit amongst some truly Inspiring people, who really do want to make a difference. Spear headed by some very inspirational individuals was empowering and reassuring that the culture is shifting.”
Ben Schobs, Regional Chef Manager & Access Champion, BM Caterers
“I spent the day listening to lived experiences and talking to people with disabilities. If we could just walk a mile in their shoes, we would quickly realise that there is so much that we could do in hospitality that doesn’t require huge expense; A child with a disability doesn’t want to share a double bed with his mother so why don’t we swap out our double beds for zip’n’link in our accessible rooms. A guest in a wheelchair doesn’t want to be shoved in a corner of the restaurant so that they are out of the way, they want to experience the moment so train our staff where to seat them. If a guest books a disabled room, reach out to them in advance of their stay to find out what their requirements are, don’t wait until they arrive.
“It is commonplace for hoteliers & restaurateurs to focus on the challenges of accommodating guests with disability. Let us turn this around and instead look at how we could better embrace this opportunity.”
Robert Holland, Managing Director UK & Ireland, HotelPartner
“The aha Forum is a brilliant, networking event, where I met many interesting and accessibility committed executives who were leading the charge towards greater inclusion in their own companies. The quality of the speakers was outstanding and the panels and round tables provided a lot of food for thought. I look forward to attending the next event.”
Mike Tunnicliffe, Founder, Inclusion Partners
“It is so refreshing to be part of a coalition that does not just talk the talk but means it and takes action.”
Richmal Maybank, Neuroinclusion Consultant, Seats at the Table
“I was delighted and proud to facilitate one of the discussion panels at the second AHA event in London on Wednesday, 5th November. Hearing lived experiences and seeing the progress being made within the UK hospitality industry was truly inspiring.
“There’s still a long way to go, but events like these help build momentum toward meaningful change across all sectors. It’s vital that the industry understands the financial benefits of accessibility and taps into the ‘purple pound’ to create inclusive spaces for everyone.”
Lee Whalley, Head of Operations, The CRUMBS Project
*Updated November 15
“I was honoured and delighted to attend The aha Forum, in Partnership with Thomas Franks, a uniquely humbling, insightful, and helpful experience.
“Listening to truly inspirational people who live with disability, their experiences in hotels and restaurants were extremely concerning. They did not complain or offer criticism in any direction; instead, their talks were positive, setting out how our industry could benefit from paying more heed to their needs, and their wallets.
“Their experiences emphasised the huge challenge facing our great industry in creating a hospitality world that welcomes everyone. I hope to persuade hospitality associations to invite some of the inspirational speakers, such as Shelley Cowan, Charlotte Evans, and George Shippey, to share their experiences more widely. I will also challenge hoteliers to spend a few hours in a wheelchair in their own hotel. All hotels, restaurants, pubs, and the wider catering sector should display on their websites full details of their accessibility facilities. Accessible culture needs to be embedded into our industry’s DNA.
“Hospitality leaders everywhere must honour, respect, and be totally committed to creating a hospitality world that welcomes everyone.”
Harry Murray MBE MI FIH, President of HOSPA
*Updated November 20
“The aha Forum, in Partnership with Thomas Franks was a genuinely enriching event. Being surrounded by so many committed and passionate individuals brought real energy and optimism to the conversations around accessibility. Hearing lived experiences first-hand was a powerful reminder that accessibility in hospitality isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’ but a long-overdue obligation. The momentum is real, and we now have a responsibility to turn that energy into meaningful, measurable change.”
Rya White, DEIB Lead, Institute of Hospitality
*Updated November 25
“It was really powerful being in a room that called for action and brought together people learning from others about making positive change. Providing tangible solutions and real life examples of how this movement is growing was inspiring. The forum demonstrated increased accessibility, and inclusion already underway, with everyone in the room being actively part of enabling change.
“We got so much out of the event and as a direct result of being present are currently having meaningful conversations with multiple organisations about how we may be able to work together. It called everyone to action and accelerate change, thank you for creating such a movement and community that I am proud to be a part of.”
Amy Campo McEvoy, Head of Programmes, Fair Shot
If you are a hospitality operator and are interested in membership of Accessible Hospitality Alliance, or as a supplier of products and services becoming a sponsor partner, simply complete the form here and one of the Accessible Hospitality Alliance team will respond to you promptly.