Be Inclusive Hospitality: Advocating for Diversity in the Hospitality Sector
Lorraine Copes launched Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH) to address the shortage of people of colour in positions of influence within the hospitality sector.
Date: 19 March 2024
Be Inclusive Hospitality was founded off the back of my lived experience. For the last two decades, I have worked in the hospitality sector. I was a ‘unicorn’ in having moved upwards within the industry, but at any event, boardroom or award ceremony I attended, there was never anyone who looked like me.
The Discrepancy in Representation
In hospitality, there’s technically an over-representation of people of colour, with 17.8 percent identifying as Black, Asian, or Ethnic Minority, reflecting census data across the UK. However, in any restaurant or hotel in central London, the back-of-house teams are largely ethnically diverse, while the boardrooms remain predominantly white. The industry often celebrates its support for career progression, yet it raises a critical question: Why are Black and brown individuals, who begin their careers in junior positions, not advancing?
Addressing the Challenges
A significant number of people of colour have talented perspectives and experiences that remain unheard and unrecognized. This lack of visibility prompted an urgent conversation within the industry, especially during the pandemic. I sought to connect with individuals who share a commitment to elevating diversity and inclusion. This aspiration drove me to take voluntary redundancy in 2020 and seek a career filled with purpose.
Centering Communities for Change
Before BIH came into existence, conversations surrounding equity, diversity, and inclusion in the hospitality industry lacked a genuine focus on community experiences. At BIH, we prioritize these voices, allowing their experiences to inspire change. Each year, we conduct research for our Inside Hospitality Report, examining various topics such as career progression, barriers, racism, discrimination, and what organizations are doing to advance meaningful changes in diversity and inclusion.
Professional Development and Mentorship
Our report, which is available for free download, emphasizes professional development. We support ethnically diverse founders and aspiring hospitality professionals by offering grants, funding for qualifications, and mentorship to break down barriers hindering advancement. For instance, a participant named Sting Khumalo progressed from an HR manager to an HR director in Mayfair, showcasing the transformative power of mentorship combined with dedication.
Societal Implications and Future Directions
Addressing race and ethnicity in the hospitality sector is essential for understanding current landscapes and moving towards actionable solutions. It is imperative to recognize that this challenge is deeply embedded in societal structures. The perception among the next generation considering careers in hospitality is that a glass ceiling exists for people of color. Thus, cultivating leaders of color in senior positions is critical. Our platform endeavors to amplify underrepresented voices through events, content creation, and the annual BIH Spotlight Awards, celebrating diverse businesses and individuals.
The Community We’ve Built
After four years of dedicated work, our commitment to fostering an inclusive hospitality community has yielded remarkable results. Currently, we have 700 industry professionals involved, including over 100 ambassadors and mentors across 50 businesses. I take immense pride in this collaborative network of diverse backgrounds committed to driving change within the industry.
As told to Noo Saro Wiwa
