Hospitality Action, the leading UK charity for the hospitality industry, has announced the appointment of 24 exceptional individuals to its growing network of Ambassadors.
Drawn from individuals in a variety of roles from across the hospitality sector, these inspiring leaders join more than 150 existing Ambassadors in championing the charity’s mission to provide life-changing support to hospitality professionals and their families.
Hospitality Action Ambassadors act as passionate advocates for charity, using their influence, networks and experience to raise awareness of its vital work. Through supporting fundraising initiatives, promoting wellbeing and mental health awareness, and engaging with the wider industry, Ambassadors play a crucial role in helping Hospitality Action reach those who need support most.
Among the 24 newly appointed individuals are Steve Lewis, General Manager at Lainston House Hotel, who brings both his own personal passion and practical support for the role, including hosting this year’s Summer Cycle Challenge, taking place on Monday 22 June.
Speaking on his appointment as Ambassador, Steve Lewis said:
“It’s a real honour to be appointed as an Ambassador. The charity’s work has never been more important, and I’m proud to use my position to help raise awareness, encourage open conversations and support fundraising efforts across the industry. Hosting the Summer Cycle Challenge at Lainston House on 22 June is something I’m incredibly proud of and is just one of the ways I’ll be giving back to the industry this year by helping to provide a great opportunity to bring people together in support of such a vital cause.”
Hospitality Action continues to rely on the generosity, commitment and advocacy of its Ambassador network to help ensure those in hospitality and their families receive confidential advice, financial support and wellbeing assistance when they need it most.
2025 proved the biggest year yet for the charity, awarding over £1.05 million in grants – the highest annual figure since the pandemic. In addition, over £500,000 in unclaimed benefits was unlocked, and hundreds of cases were referred to specialist housing advocacy and debt restructuring services. Yet the need remains significant, as applications for support increased by 30% compared to 2024 as households face rising debt, illness, and relationship breakdowns in a challenging economic climate.
Reflecting on the new Ambassadors, Mark Lewis, Chief Executive of Hospitality Action, said:
“Hospitality is built on people, and our Ambassadors embody the very best of our industry. The appointment of 24 new Ambassadors this year will play a pivotal role in meeting the challenges our industry faces, helping to raise awareness, champion fundraising initiatives, and ensure that more hospitality people and their families know that support is available when they need it most.”
For more information about Hospitality Action and how individuals and businesses can get involved, please visit www.hospitalityaction.org.uk or email fundraising@hospitalityaction.org.uk
Our 2026 Ambassadors:
Samantha Banks, Regional Sales Manager – South West, ADA Cosmetics
Gareth Banner, Group Managing Director, The Ned (Soho House & Co)
Clyde Connellan, Head Chef Supervisor Hospitality & Catering, Cornwall College Camborne
Kelly Dougal, Owner/Managing Director, Wells Crab House
Scott Dougal, Owner/Managing Director, Wells Crab House
Tony Duce, Deputy Head of Faculty, Occupational Studies, Truro & Penwith College
Chris Eigelaar, Managing Director, The Belfry
Maya Gilbert, who walked 2,700-miles around the entire length of the England coast path in 2025 in aid of Hospitality Action
William Gibbs, Non-Executive Director, HOSPA
Jo Green, Managing Director/Founder, The Relationship
Eve Harper Stitson
Nick Hodges, Group Executive Chef, Cornwall Hotel Collection
Steven Lamb, Commercial Course Manager, Compass Group
Simone Le Lievre, Account Director, Custard Communications
Steve Lewis, General Manager, Lainston House Hotel
Nicola MacDonald, PR Director, Montgomery Events
Victoria Marshman, General Manager, The Lowry
Oli Marlow, Executive Chef of Aulis London, ION Harbour, Aulis Phuket and Roganic Hong Kong
John Nugent, Owner, Green & Fortune
Stuart Procter, CEO, The Beaumont
Mike Robinson, Managing Director, Westcountry Foodservice
Louise Russell, Owner & Creative Director, Louise Russell Design Ltd
Chris Smith, General Manager, Whatley Manor
Mike Stitson
