Liverpool City Region champions accessibility with groundbreaking forum

The Liverpool City Region’s Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) is spearheading a transformative accessibility initiative, uniting businesses and stakeholders in a coordinated effort to create the UK’s most welcoming and accessible destination for all visitors.

The “Liverpool City Region For All Forum: Unlocking an accessible visitor economy” marked a significant milestone in the region’s commitment to universal accessibility, headlined by Paralympic champion and disability rights advocate Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE DL.

A significant step toward creating an inclusive visitor economy with its pioneering accessibility forum, the event brought together leading disability advocates, businesses, and stakeholders at Exhibition Centre Liverpool, part of The ACC Liverpool Group.

The event launched the innovative Accessibility Marketplace, a digital platform designed to connect businesses with disability specialists and resources for continuous improvement in accessibility standards. This pioneering initiative will provide ongoing support to organisations committed to enhancing their accessibility journey.

Baroness Grey-Thompson DBE DL, who delivered the keynote address, praised the region’s proactive approach:

“This initiative demonstrates Liverpool City Region’s genuine commitment to accessibility. By bringing stakeholders together for these crucial conversations, we’re creating real momentum for positive change in the region.”

The forum featured powerful insights from influential speakers including Lucy Edwards, an award-winning presenter and disability activist who lost her sight at 17, and Ollie Thorn, an international para-snowsports athlete and disability inclusion advocate.

Natalie Wyatt, Managing Director of the Liverpool City Region Visitor Economy Partnership, emphasised the economic significance:

“With over 60 million annual visitors to our region, ensuring universal accessibility isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential for our continued growth and success.

“Our role is to collaborate with public and private sector partners to ignite the growth of the region and this means working harder to ensure that all visitors are welcome. The perspectives of the speakers today helped illuminate the path toward a more inclusive visitor economy and the forum was an excellent way to share best practice.”

Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director of Liverpool ONE and Deputy Chair Liverpool City Region’s Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) said:

“Liverpool City Region welcomes over 60 million visitors annually, drawn by our world-class attractions and experiences. We’re dedicated to making these experiences accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. Through initiatives like the forum, we’re equipping local businesses with practical tools and knowledge to enhance accessibility, ensuring every visitor can fully participate in and enjoy everything our vibrant region has to offer.”

The event revealed key findings from a Liverpool City Region Combined Authority-commissioned report on disabled visitors’ experiences, providing valuable insights for future improvements.

The forum was supported by major regional stakeholders including Liverpool ONE, ACC Liverpool, Liverpool BID Company, Liverpool Hospitality, Carlisle Support Services, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Sodexo and Hospitality Hero.

The Accessibility toolkit is now live, offering businesses across the region continuous access to expert guidance and resources for improving accessibility standards.

A link to the toolkit is HERE 

Get Involved in University of Liverpool’s accessibility research

In addition to the forum event, The University of Liverpool is launching a research project led by Professor Philippa Hunter-Jones to explore how organizations in the visitor economy are improving accessibility. The study will take place across the Liverpool City Region, beginning with an initial phase in the coming weeks and months, followed by a second phase a year later.

By understanding the challenges, enablers, and solutions that businesses encounter on their accessibility journey, the research aims to provide valuable insights that can drive real change. Organizations involved in the visitor economy are encouraged to take part and share their experiences.

To get involved, contact Professor Philippa Hunter-Jones at phj@liverpool.ac.uk. Find out more here: VisitLiverpool event page.

Top image: Group shot of panellists:

Back Row (L-R)  Ross Calladine: Accessibility lead for VisitEngland, Dr Marcus Hansan: Senior lecturer in tourism and events management at LJMU and host of the Accessible Tourism podcast, Tony Killen, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Project lead – Rail, Donna Howitt: Accessibility lead for LCR LVEP Board / Place Strategy Director Liverpool ONE.

Front Row: Matt Pierri: CEO, Sociability, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE, Ollie Thorn: Advisor, facilitator & Speaker, Art of the Possible

Image credits: Photography – Marketing Liverpool / Caitlin Sullivan Photography