SPM Consults, an accessibility advisory firm working across hospitality and healthcare, has joined Accessible Hospitality Alliance (aha) as a sponsor partner, aligned in viewing accessibility as a commercial opportunity rather than a cost.
Led by founder Stephen Maley, the business works with organisations seeking to better understand how accessibility can be embedded within operational and design decision making.
Maley’s perspective is shaped by a career that began in orthotics and prosthetics, later developing within a global German universal design manufacturer, before moving into advisory work focused on accessibility within the built environment.
Having attended aha Forums in London and Malta, Maley now formalises that engagement through becoming a sponsor partner.
Reflecting on the decision, Stephen Maley said: “Each forum has built on the last, both in terms of the information exchanged and the membership attendee profile.
“I am now working on projects as a direct result of the people I met at the forums, both in London and in Malta. People who like me see accessibility as a strategic advantage.
“I am proud to work with Robin, Denis and the aha team and am very much looking forward to being present at their next forum in London.”
Robin Sheppard, Chair, Accessible Hospitality Alliance, welcomed the announcement, saying: “Having known Stephen for many years and worked with him extensively at Bespoke Hotels, results are what Stephen delivers.
“At our Forum in Malta recently I held a roundtable that examined empirical data from return on investment analysis. Stephen’s work was part of that analysis, and the RevPAR returns saw raised eyebrows from the many hoteliers around the table.
“Understanding the commercial benefits of accessibility is key to hospitality businesses not just embarking on their accessible journey but staying the course.”
As with all sponsor partners, aha introduces organisations contributing to the conversation, while maintaining independence.
The commercial value of accessibility, and how it is being applied across hospitality businesses, will once again be examined at The aha Forum, in Partnership with Thomas Franks, taking place at Barings, 20 Old Bailey, City of London, on Tuesday 9 June 2026.
