Able Magazine is proud to be a partner with the Blue Badge Access Awards 2023, recognising the very best accessible style and design in the hospitality and leisure business.
The winners of the prestigious Blue Badge Awards (BBAAs) were announced at an exciting ceremony in October at London’s Great Scotland Yard Hotel.
Nominations flooded in, ranging from an accessible recording studio, a chapel, distillery, and a dinosaur park! The 11 awards, from best loos to hotels and best spas to bars were presented to venues and individuals that have truly excelled in providing exceptional accessibility, stylish, and imaginative design – as well as those that haven’t!
Pushing the boundaries to exceed expectations takes enthusiasm and drive and the BBAA exists to commend them – and to encourage more.
With an estimated one in five people in the UK living with a disability, the industry should thank the clear mindedness and energy of President of Bespoke Hotels and champion of accessibility, Robin Sheppard and Fiona Jarvis, who is co-founder of the BBAAs and chief awards judge, in demonstrating the potential of the market for those that take the trouble to understand the needs of disabled customers.
For instance, according to figures published by Visit Britain: “Expenditure on tourism trips in England by those with an impairment, is worth around £15.3 billion annually” – and though the language is clunky and outdated, the numbers are cold and hard as the cash they represent. Other commentators, meanwhile, are quite used to suggesting that businesses are estimated to lose around £2bn a month by ignoring the needs of disabled consumers.
A more inclusive approach has so many benefits – in all industries, not just hospitality. With just a bit of inclusive thinking, companies and organisations can access a larger portion of the market and the loyalty of disabled people impressed by your efforts among an ocean of missed opportunities.
Fiona Jarvis said: “This was a very emotional and positive evening as all the nominees and winners were there with the common goal of making places hospitable for all. None were complacent and all wanted to know how they could do better. But the list to choose from for our Ludicrous Loo and Ridiculous Ramp awards was unbelievable and shows that there is more to be done. It’s hard to remain positive when you hear of such disregard for 19% of the population.”
For further information about the awards and a list of winners, visit:
And the winners are!
Above & Beyond and Best Accessible Bathroom awards
AbleStay
Best Luxury Hotel
The Kimpton Fitzroy Hotel, London WC1
Best Boutique Hotel
Yard
Best Venue in an Historic Building
Blenheim Palace
The Blue Badge Style Access Champion
Anna Neary
Best Spa
Chewton Glen
Best Restaurant Award
Gaucho,Cardiff
Best International Venue
Amilla Resort Maldives
Best Bar
The Audley Public House
Special Award for Outstanding Achievement in Accessibility
Charlie Lyons, Sesame Access Systems
And the losers were…
The Ludicrous Loo
45 Jermyn Street. SW1
Ridiculous Ramp
The Quarter Lounge, Southampton
