First ‘Founder Sponsor Partner’ of The Mediterranean aha Forum, in Partnership with Corinthia St George’s Bay Announced

Following yesterday’s announcement of The Mediterranean aha Forum, in Partnership with Corinthia St George’s Bay, Accessible Hospitality Alliance is proud to confirm BB Merchant Services as its first Founder Sponsor Partner, a major step in anchoring long-term industry support as our purpose expands internationally.

BB Merchant Services, a leading global consultancy in payments and merchant services, already works with hospitality clients worldwide to reduce payment processing costs, optimise payment infrastructure, and deliver tailored payment solutions.

Their expertise spans cost-benchmarking and renegotiation, payment processing advisory, and global network access. Capacity that aligns with the alliance’s ambition to help hospitality operators build more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable businesses.

Neil Fillbrook, Group CEO, BB Merchant Services set out his strategic vision for the partnership saying: “The Accessible Hospitality Alliance brings the industry together around a vital shared goal: creating workplaces and venues where everyone feels welcome.

“Their commitment to genuine accessibility resonates strongly with us. Inclusivity should permeate every stage of a customer’s journey, from booking, through the service itself, into payment and beyond.

“That’s why we are committed to the work of aha and proud to support their purpose. At BB Merchant Services we help organisations shape payment journeys that are simple, fair and accessible to all. Standing alongside aha reflects shared values and a shared determination to build a more inclusive hospitality industry for everyone..”

Shawn Pisani, Advisory Board Member of Accessible Hospitality Alliance, welcomed Neil and BB Merchant Services saying: “Founder Sponsor Partnership signals momentum, and it also requires confident leadership.

“BB Merchant Services, through Neil’s leadership, have chosen to join us and lead from the front. As we bring the aha Forum to Malta, their confidence and commitment strengthens our ability to drive positive change at pace across the Mediterranean and beyond.”

The appointment of BB Merchant Services comes less than 24 hours after the launch of the alliance’s first international expansion into Malta. The timing underlines how commercial partners have a crucial role to play in building a hospitality world that welcomes everyone.

BB Merchant Services Associate Partner Shelley Cowan spoke at The aha Forum, in Partnership with Thomas Franks in London last month, sharing her experiences of accessibility in Dubai and reflecting positively on cultural accessibility in the region. Cowan, a highly acclaimed international speaker on her lived experiences in accessibility will deliver a keynote address to The Mediterranean aha Forum, in Partnership with Corinthia St George’s Bay.

Accessible Hospitality Alliance welcomes hospitality and catering operators from across the Mediterranean and beyond to come together and mirror the ongoing action and change flowing from the forums that took place in London.

Details of two forthcoming UK forums will also be announced in January.

If you are interested in being present at aha Forum events in London or Malta next year please express your interest here and a member of the aha team will respond promptly.