This award recognises the operators going above and beyond the requirements of the Equality Act in accommodating and catering for people with disabilities and special needs.

The winner will be an individual hotel, pub, restaurant, foodservice contract or other hospitality operation offering equal levels of customer service to customers with and without disabilities. This category is not open to groups but is open to an individual establishment within a group.

All entrants must confirm that they comply with all aspects of the Equality Act. They must produce their accessibility statements for both their business and their website.

They must also clearly demonstrate that they have understood the business case of providing excellent customer service for a wide range of people with disabilities. Details of the financial case must be presented including the costs of investment and the return on that investment. Other awards gained or won plus testimonials from up to three satisfied customers may be included as supporting evidence.

The judges will be looking for evidence to support your answers. This could include customer feedback, market research, staff training activities, access statement, accessible improvements to the building or facilities and financial success.