Driving Inclusion in Hospitality: Be Inclusive Hospitality and Bibendum Wine Partner
Be Inclusive Hospitality is excited to announce a year-long partnership with premium wine distributor Bibendum Wine. This collaboration is dedicated to fostering a fairer and more inclusive hospitality industry. This initiative will create impactful opportunities for ethnically diverse hospitality professionals through education, networking, and industry recognition.
Launching Changemakers: A Platform for EDI Leadership
To begin, the partnership launches with Changemakers, an exclusive event series that brings together industry leaders, EDI decision-makers, and change agents. More importantly, this initiative is designed to drive equity, diversity, and inclusion in hospitality. The first event takes place tonight at BloomsYard, Regent’s Place, while additional events are already scheduled for June and November. As a result, these gatherings create a space for meaningful discussions, knowledge sharing, and high-impact networking. Ultimately, the Changemakers series addresses the increasing demand from businesses looking to connect, exchange best practices, and collaboratively tackle EDI challenges.
Revitalising Thrive in Wine: Education for Career Growth
In addition to Changemakers, Be Inclusive Hospitality is relaunching Thrive in Wine, a programme first introduced in 2022. This initiative provides funded wine education and helps participants enhance their skills, boost their confidence, and advance in their careers. Applications are now open for 10 fully funded places to study WSET Level 2 or Level 3 in Wine. These courses, held at Bibendum’s London offices, are specifically available to ethnically diverse professionals in hospitality or those pursuing careers in wine. The application deadline is 14th April 2025, and courses will commence in June 2025. Apply here.
Recognising Talent with the BIH Spotlight Awards
To strengthen this collaboration, Bibendum Wine will support Be Inclusive Hospitality as a sponsor, awards judge, and supplier for the BIH Spotlight Awards 2025, which will take place on Monday 13th October 2025. The BIH Spotlight Awards celebrate and elevate outstanding ethnically diverse hospitality, food, and drink professionals. This prestigious event provides industry-wide visibility and recognition for top talent.
A Shared Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
Lorraine Copes, CEO & Founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership:
“I am thrilled to partner with Bibendum on this meaningful collaboration, which aligns with our mission to create a fairer and more inclusive hospitality industry. By combining our expertise and resources, we can drive real impact through industry-leading conversations with Changemakers or by providing tangible skills development opportunities through Thrive in Wine. Partnerships like this are vital in ensuring that equity, diversity, and inclusion are not just words but actions that shape the future of our industry.”
Andrew Ingham, Sales Director at Bibendum Wine, echoed this sentiment:
“At Bibendum, diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t just values; they’re how we do business. Partnering with Be Inclusive Hospitality is a natural step forward. We’ve long admired Lorraine and the incredible work she’s doing, and we’re excited to join forces to drive real change and build a more diverse, inclusive, and thriving hospitality industry.”
Get Involved
To apply for Thrive in Wine or register interest in the Changemakers networking series, contact us at [email protected].