Frank Bothwell, Group CEO and Founder of Thomas Franks, has joined the Advisory Board of Accessible Hospitality Alliance (aha), further strengthening a movement committed to making hospitality more inclusive.
Thomas Franks, the UK’s leading family-owned catering partner, employs more than 3,000 people globally and is guided by a culture of kindness. Through sourcing food from independent family-run suppliers to offering every team member a personalised training pathway, the company’s ethos is rooted in community and care. The company was named in the top ten of The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Work list and was awarded platinum accreditation from Investors in People in 2025. Through its charitable arm, The Thomas Franks Foundation, more than 3.5 million meals have been donated to those at risk of food poverty in the UK and around the world.
Following his participation in the inaugural aha Forum, Bothwell met with aha co-founders Robin Sheppard and Denis Sheehan to explore a deeper role in the alliance. That meeting quickly evolved into action.
Reflecting on the moment, Robin Sheppard said: “It was clear immediately that Frank fully embraced aha’s purpose: a hospitality world that welcomes everyone.
“He wanted to be at the very heart of that mission. The three of us spoke the same language, and when Frank agreed to join as an aha advisor, we celebrated.
“I very much look forward to working together with Frank at the centre of our efforts to drive authentic measurable progress.”
Frank Bothwell commented on joining the Accessible Hospitality Alliance Advisory Board saying: “The Accessible Hospitality Alliance is doing groundbreaking work to ensure our sector provides a home to people from all walks of life. This is the culture I’ve always sought to nurture at Thomas Franks and I’m eager to play my part in building a more inclusive hospitality sector nationally.
“There is a real sense of purpose about the group, and I’m determined to deliver impactful solutions alongside my fellow advisory board members. If we listen, learn and act with kindness then there is no limit to what we can achieve.”
Frank Bothwell’s voice will also help shape the next aha Forum, being held in November 2025 in the City of London, in Partnership with Thomas Franks.
Following the sold-out success of the first Forum, demand to attend the next is high.
Details of the agenda, venue, and contributors will be announced soon, those wishing to attend are encouraged to register interest here.
