Nicholls appointed disability ambassador for hospitality

Kate Nicholls, chief executive, UKHospitality, has been appointed as the hospitality sector’s first disability ambassador as the government launches its new National Disability Strategy.

Nicholls said she was honoured to have been appointed to the role – one that she will use to ensure the sector becomes even better at accommodating customers with disabilities, as well as providing employment. “There is huge potential for great jobs and careers for those with disabilities,” she said.

“This will boost the difference that we can make to deliver on our previous commitment in the Tourism Sector Deal, to make our sector more accessible and to work to broaden public understanding of disability and accessibility, beyond simply visible disabilities.”

Launched today (28 July) the strategy sets out the actions that government will take to improve the everyday lives of the 14.1 million people in the UK living with a disability, which includes making the world of work more inclusive and accessible.

“Our sector has always striven to welcome team members and customers from all backgrounds and levels of physical or mental ability but today’s announcement will hopefully provide the basis to improve yet further our ability to do so,” added Nicholls.