Operators urged to embrace inclusivity at Blue Badge Access Awards launch

The Blue Badge Access awards have been launched with a mission to recognise those who are best addressing the needs of disabled people and gaining access to a spend in hospitality of £163m a month.

Speaking at the launch Robin Sheppard (pictured), co-founder of the awards and president of Bespoke Hotels, said that he had set out to ensure every guest feels “welcome and valued through sympathetic design, helpful features, and the training and attitude of our people”, but that neither Bespoke nor the wider industry was there yet.

He added: “As ever, it is the commercial argument that gets the biggest and broadest range of organisations to pay attention, and so we welcome the range of studies that prove the value of the ‘purple pound’ – Purple Tuesday, for example, assessing that businesses lose approximately £2b a month by ignoring the needs of disabled people.”

Chef Michael Caines, who is supporting the awards said: “The future should be all about inclusivity. My hope for tomorrow is that spaces are designed with consideration for all people’s needs. Accessible, creative, beautiful, and above all, inclusive.”

The 12 Blue Badge Access Awards will be presented in October rewarding those in the hospitality, leisure and tourism industry that promote exceptional accessibility and inclusivity.

Along with the Best Bar, Best Spa and Best Conceptual Design awards, there will awards for the worst examples off accessibility too, with Ludicrous Loo and Ridiculous Ramp awards shining a spotlight on poor practice.

Fiona Jarvis CEO of Blue Badge Style and co-founder of the awards said: “The Blue Badge Access Awards are about exceeding the expectations of disabled people and to give recognition to businesses and establishments that have addressed accessibility imaginatively and thoughtfully.

“The very definition of hospitality is to welcome, and this is at the very heart of the BBAA.”

The Blue Badge Access Awards is the sponsor of the Accessibility Award at the 2023 Cateys.

Enter the Blue Badge Access Awards