Held on Friday 31 January, The Liverpool City Region For All Forum brought together industry leaders, accessibility champions, and businesses committed to making tourism truly inclusive. Hosted at Exhibition Centre Liverpool, the event showcased the region’s leadership in accessible tourism while equipping businesses with practical tools to improve their offer.
INSIGHTS, INSPIRATION & ACTION
The day opened with a compelling keynote from keynote speaker and event host, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE DL, who reinforced that “Inclusion drives innovation and growth.” She shared insights on accessible transport, disability rights, and why designing for all isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s an opportunity.
Cllr Mike Wharton, Deputy Mayor of Liverpool City Region, welcomed attendees with a strong message of commitment to accessibility, while Donna Howitt, Accessibility Lead for Liverpool City Region LVEP, set the stage for a day of learning and action.
Watch the short film below to hear from the speakers.
PANEL 1: STRATEGIC POWER OF ACCESSIBLE TOURISM
The first panel, The Strategic Power of Accessible Tourism, brought together leading voices on accessibility, including:
- Ross Calladine, Accessibility & Inclusion Lead, Visit England, highlighted the national framework for inclusive tourism.
- Tony Killen, Project Lead for Rail Developments, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, discussed accessibility advancements in public transport.
- Marcus Hansen, Senior Lecturer in Tourism and Events Management, LJMU, provided research-driven insights on visitor expectations.
- Lucy Edwards, Broadcaster, Disability Activist, Author, and Content Creator, shared her lived experience as a blind traveller.
From the business case for accessibility to the importance of inclusive design, the session made it clear that accessible tourism isn’t just a social responsibility, it’s an economic opportunity.
PANEL 2: ACCESSIBILITY IN ACTION
The second panel, Accessibility in Action, explored real-world examples of how businesses are making inclusivity a priority. Panellists included:
- Paul Evans, CEO, Carlisle Support Services, showcased accessibility improvements in customer service and frontline operations.
- Donna Howitt, returned to highlight how Liverpool ONE is embedding accessibility across the visitor experience.
- Ollie Thorn, Endurance Athlete, Keynote Speaker, Disability Inclusion Specialist, and Advisor, inspired businesses to share their stories and think creatively about accessibility solutions.
- Matt Pierri, CEO, Sociability, demonstrated how an inclusive and pro-active attitude can remove barriers for disabled visitors.
IMAGE GALLERY
-
- Panel one of the Liverpool City Region Forum For All event, with audience
-
- Panel two of the Liverpool City Region Forum For All event
-
- Arriva’s most accessible model is displayed for delegates
-
- Baroness Tanni-Grey Thompson DL DBE delivers her keynote speech
-
- Guests applaud speakers at the event
-
- Crowd shot of delegates enjoying the event
-
- Accessibility Marketplace
-
- Accessibility Marketplace
-
- Shot of event delegates registering for the event
-
- Exterior shot of Exhibition Centre Liverpool with event branding
-
- LCR For All Forum Speakers
QUOTES FROM THE DAY
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE DL:
“Inclusion isn’t just about compliance; it’s about how we treat people and the choices we make to create a welcoming world. The opportunities to get this right are limitless—but only if we’re willing to adapt.”
Ross Calladine:
“Accessibility isn’t a ‘nice to have’—it’s a business imperative. Venues, attractions, and hotels that embrace inclusivity don’t just do the right thing; they open their doors to millions more visitors.”
Tony Killen:
“Liverpool’s commitment to accessible transport has made a real difference—not just for disabled travellers but for everyone. Fewer slips, fewer trips, and a city that’s easier to navigate for all.”
Lucy Edwards:
“As a disabled person, I have to plan ten steps ahead—and that’s given me an edge in business. Accessibility isn’t just about ramps and doorways; it’s about attitude, awareness, and the willingness to adapt.”
Janet Nuzum, Sector Manager, Liverpool City Region’s Visitor Economy, reflected on the success of the day:
“Hearing firsthand from accessibility experts and those with lived experience gave us a new perspective on how small changes can make a massive difference. We’re leaving with practical ideas and real motivation to put them into action. This event challenged us to rethink accessibility—not as a box-ticking exercise, but as a way to unlock new opportunities and welcome more customers. The insights shared today will shape how we move forward.”
A key takeaway? Small changes have a huge impact. As Lucy Edwards put it: “Accessibility isn’t just about ramps and doorways; it’s about attitude, awareness, and the willingness to adapt.”
LIVERPOOL’S ACCESSIBILITY JOURNEY
A specially created video showcased how businesses across the region are leading the way in accessibility, introduced by Baroness Grey-Thompson DBE DL. The positive response reinforced the real impact of accessibility-led initiatives.
[Event video Embed from YouTube]
NEXT STEPS: TURNING IDEAS INTO ACTION
Wrapping up the forum, Donna Howitt outlined next steps for improving accessibility across the region, emphasising research, best practices, and the role businesses play in shaping a truly inclusive visitor economy.
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE DL closed with a powerful call to action:
“Together, we can make accessibility the rule, not the exception. Let’s turn these ideas into action and make Liverpool City Region an international leader in inclusive tourism.”
GET INVOLVED IN LJMU ACCESSIBILITY RESEARCH
The University of Liverpool is launching a research project led by Professor Philippa Hunter-Jones to explore how organisations 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.
TAKE ACTION: FREE ACCESSIBILITY TOOLKITS FOR BUSINESSES
Want to improve accessibility in your business? These free resources can help:
- VisitEngland Accessibility Toolkit – Practical guidance on physical accessibility, digital inclusion, and staff training.
- VisitLiverpool Accessibility Toolkit – Tailored support for Liverpool City Region businesses.
A HUGE THANK YOU
A massive thank you to Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Liverpool ONE, ACC Liverpool, and all speakers, panellists, and attendees for making this event a success. Your passion and dedication to accessibility will drive real change.
Let’s keep the momentum going—together, we can make Liverpool City Region a destination that truly is for all.