Hospitality Action is the Hospitality Industry Benevolent Organisation. This charity offers vital assistance to all those who work, or have worked within the hospitality industry. Their Hospitality Action 180 Club #HA180 was launched to celebrate the 180 years that Hospitality Action has been established. Since 1837 Hospitality Action has assisted those that face serious difficulties on a daily basis. From life-changing illness and poverty to bereavement and homelessness.

I am very proud to be part of the Hospitality Action 180 Club #HA180 supporting such a worthy cause. Last Monday at Claridges they held an exclusive Laurent-Perrier Champagne reception to mark the occasion. The great and the good from the hospitality industry were in attendance. Their long standing supporters and patrons that were there included Claude Bosi, John Campbell, Anton Mosimann OBE, Ashley Palmer-Watts and Brian Turner CBE to name just a few. There were in fact 200 hospitality professionals present that evening showing their support.

Jonathan Raggett from Red Carnation Hotels, also a trustee for the charity gave a very moving speech. He spoke of how Hospitality Action has helped his team. The occasion was also very poignant as their long standing Chief Executive Penny Moore who set up their Employee Assistance Programme steps down at the end of this year. The new Chief Executive that will take over her role is Mark Lewis. Mark has worked for The Caterer for the past 14 years and so is no stranger to our industry.

Mark Lewis – new Chief Executive for Hospitality Action (Photo courtesy of Jacqueline Franklin)

 How can I support Hospitality Action?

There are all sorts of ways  that you can support Hospitality Action through donations, membership and attending their charity events just to start. One event you won’t want to miss out on is their 180th Birthday Party which takes place on the 2nd October 2017 at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge. The evening starts with a drinks reception and canapes prepared by award winning Tom Sellers. This will be followed by a four course meal by top Hospitality Action supporters Angela Hartnett MBE, Tom Kerridge, Ashley Palmer-Watts and Paul Hood.

I will be there and look forward to seeing you there too, so remember to book your ticket.