Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club, a member of Accessible Hospitality Alliance (aha), has appointed Paul Hawkins, Head Concierge, as its Access Champion.
Set within the Ashdown Forest, the hotel joined Accessible Hospitality Alliance earlier this year as part of its wider commitment to engaging with accessibility through shared learning and practical action alongside hospitality peers.
Paul Hawkins, Head Concierge, Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club, said: “It was a privilege to be asked to represent Elite Hotels and the Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club as the nominated Access Champion.
“With my Front of House role, I am looking forward to meeting others working in the sector and combining the ideas and knowledge the aha Forum will bring to evolve and improve facilities for our customers in and around the hotel.”
The appointment establishes Hawkins as the hotel’s dedicated internal advocate for accessibility, helping ensure awareness, discussion, and practical consideration remain active across the business as accessibility continues to develop as an operational priority within hospitality.
As Access Champion, Hawkins joins The Access Champions Collective, the peer group formed through aha membership to bring together hospitality operators sharing operational experience and practical learning.
Created following the first gathering of Access Champions at Kimpton Fitzroy London, the collective is guided by three stewards selected by fellow members: Ian Bartlett, Head of Built Environment at Swinton Estate; James Dixon-Box, Operations Director at Marsham Court Hotel; and Hannah Myles, Group Health & Safety Manager at Clermont Hotel Group.
Charlotte Evans, Group Partnerships Director, Accessible Hospitality Alliance, said: “Paul’s appointment reflects the leadership we are proud to champion, and we are delighted to welcome him to the Access Champions Collective.”
“As Elite Hotels and Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club begin their accessibility journey, their thoughtful, progressive approach ensures inclusivity is not just planned but genuinely felt throughout the guest experience. By sharing insight with peers, Paul will help shape meaningful progress across hospitality.”
For guests arriving at Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club, there is a quiet significance in this appointment. Accessibility is being placed at the point of welcome, helping reinforce a simple message: everyone is welcome.