Ed Warner MBE joins Accessible Hospitality Alliance Advisory Board

Accessible Hospitality Alliance has appointed Ed Warner MBE, Co-Founder and CEO of inclusive design consultancy Motionspot, to its Advisory Board.

Warner co-founded Motionspot in 2012 and has since led the company to become a recognised authority in inclusive design for hospitality, later living, and commercial environments. Motionspot’s work has demonstrated the commercial and operational value of environments that combine design excellence with accessibility. In 2024, he was awarded an MBE for services to disabled people and inclusive design practices.

At The aha Forum, in Partnership with Thomas Franks Warner led a roundtable session titled ‘Beautifully Accessible’, exploring how hospitality environments can combine aesthetic ambition with genuine accessibility. His leadership on the subject underscores the growing industry view that inclusive design is not an after-thought but a strategic differentiator.

As a member of the Advisory Board, Warner will bring his design-led and user-centred perspective to support the Alliance’s work with hotel, catering, restaurant and pub operators aiming to embed accessibility and inclusion into everyday operations.

Ed Warner said of his appointment: “I’m delighted to join the Accessible Hospitality Alliance Advisory Board and to contribute to its mission of placing accessibility at the heart of hospitality. Inclusive design is no longer an optional extra, it is a strategic opportunity for operators who want to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

“I’m looking forward to collaborating with stakeholders across the sector to champion environments that can be accessible and inclusive for all.”

Robin Sheppard, Chair of Accessible Hospitality Alliance, welcomed the appointment, noting Warner’s experience will further strengthen an Advisory Board that draws leaders from across hospitality, design and lived experience. “Having worked successfully with Ed for many years on the development and delivery of ‘Liberty Rooms’ and wider accessibility initiatives at Hotel Brooklyn and others across the Bespoke Hotels portfolio, I know what Ed and Motionspot bring to accessible hospitality. Ed’s experience and expertise will add significantly to our Advisory Board’s capabilities.”

Warner joins the Alliance at a time when accessibility is gaining greater recognition across the hospitality industry. More operators are viewing their physical environments and guest journeys through an inclusive accessible lens, reflecting a shift toward hospitality that is authentically open to and welcoming of all.