Amanda Thomson, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Avani Solutions
Amanda is a business performance improvement professional with over 30 years’ experience helping organisations achieve sustainable growth through operational excellence, process improvement and people engagement. She is co-founder and Managing Director of Avani Solutions, and has built a team that challenges traditional approaches to beer dispense management, demonstrating that better quality, lower waste and more sustainable operations can go hand-in-hand.
Amanda is delighted to support Hospitality Rides both as a corporate sponsor through Avani Solutions and as an individual fundraiser. She is passionate about giving back to the hospitality sector and helping raise vital funds for the LTC and OAPA, reflecting her belief that successful businesses have a responsibility to support the communities they serve.
Donate to Amanda’s Hospitality Rides 2027 fundraising page: Amanda Thomson is fundraising for Licensed Trade Charity
Andy Spencer, Chief Executive Officer at Punch Pubs & Co
Andy has worked in the hospitality industry for over two decades and has extensive experience in both the leased & tenanted and managed pub sectors. Having started his career at Allied Domecq, he subsequently held senior roles at Greene King Pub Partners, Greene King’s Metropolitan Pub Co, and Brewhouse & Kitchen before joining Punch as Managing Director of Operations.
Since taking on the role of Chief Executive Officer in 2024, Andy has been focussed on building the business’ multiple model capability, whilst ensuring Punch concentrates on partnering with the very best people, with people at the heart of every decision.
Andy is a keen rugby fan and is married with two children.
Charlotte Heyes, Managing Director at Nell’s
Charlotte Heyes is co-founder of Nell’s, a family run business, changing the Manchester pizza game since 2020. Famous for its 14 and 22 inch New York pizzas and house made gelato, Nell’s has 6 sites so far, with a growing QSR model and plans to expand out of Manchester. Pizzas are crafted using the core principles of NYC slice shops for thin, crisp slices with the perfect amount of char and crunch.
Happy team, happy customers, happy planet, happy business. Nell’s prides itself on house party hospitality for guests, being a Times Best Places to Work 2024-2026 and on raising money for charity, having raised over £50k in the past 5 years.
Charlotte runs the business along with her husband, Jonny. After 15 years of running a hospitality business and bringing up 3 kids, it’s time for an adventure and to raise some money for 2 incredible charities, Only a Pavement Away and The Licenced Trade Charity.
Donate to Charlotte’s Hospitality Rides 2027 fundraising page: Charlotte Heyes is fundraising for Licensed Trade Charity
Dolores Panetier, Head of Operations at Only A Pavement Away
Dolores is Head of Operations at Only A Pavement Away, where she has spent the past seven years helping the charity grow from a small team into an organisation supporting thousands of people facing homelessness and barriers to employment into meaningful careers in hospitality.
Passionate about the charity’s mission and proud of the impact it makes, Dolores is taking on Hospitality Rides to raise vital funds for both Only A Pavement Away and Licensed Trade Charity.
Having previously taken part in Hospitality Rides across Jordan, Sri Lanka and Kenya, she knows exactly how rewarding (and tough!) the challenge can be.
This year, she’s back in the saddle! Fresh from maternity leave, she’s decided that sleep deprivation wasn’t quite enough of a physical challenge and thought cycling a very long way through extreme conditions would be a good idea too. But for Dolores, every tough climb and sore muscle is worth it when it means raising funds and awareness for two causes she truly believes in.
Jackie Marlow, Chief Operating Officer at UKHospitality
After a former career as a canoeist and netballer, Jackie found (or was strong armed into,) a love of extreme challenges when cycling. Having used canals paths to train for her first challenge in Sri Lanka and discovered she was severely under prepared, she upped her game and transferred her attention to roads and steep hills.
When not on her trusty steed (her beautiful purple sparkly road bike), churning up the miles, or skiing, Jackie can be found at UKHospitality, the single representative voice of the hospitality sector working as its COO. She is also a proud Governor of LVS Ascot, one of the LTC schools and a supporter of Only A Pavement Away.
Donate to Jackie’s Hospitality Rides 2027 fundraising page: Jackie Marlow is fundraising for Licensed Trade Charity
James Elliot, Co-Founder and Creative Director at Pizza Pilgrims
James Elliot is the co-founder and Creative Director of Pizza Pilgrims, the award-winning restaurant group that has spent the last decade bringing a slice of Naples to the UK. What began as a six-week pilgrimage from Naples to London in a three-wheeled Piaggio Ape has grown into more than 30 pizzerias across the country, all built around a simple mission: to create a one-hour holiday to Italy.
As the creative driving force behind the brand, James has helped shape Pizza Pilgrims’ distinctive blend of great food, storytelling, design and hospitality. From menus and marketing campaigns to books, events and restaurant concepts, his focus has always been on celebrating the culture, people and traditions that make Italian food so special.
A passionate advocate for craftsmanship, creativity and authentic hospitality, James continues to explore new ways to connect people through food, travel and shared experiences.
Donate to James’s Hospitality Rides 2027 fundraising page: James Elliot is fundraising for Licensed Trade Charity
James Nye, Managing Director at Anglian Country Inns
James Nye in MD of Anglian Country Inns, the award-winning pub group known for its quality food and great hospitality. The family run business based in East Anglian prides itself on looking after its people and has been a long term supporter of the ride. Alongside the business, James is involved with the wider hospitality industry and supports many initiatives including fundraising for charities, he is a Trustee of the BII and recently appointed as a mentor on the Boardwalk programme.
James was one of the first to sign up and sport the Hospitality Rides lycra and has been on every ride since Jordan. He takes great pride in supporting the two incredible charities, Only a Pavement Away and The Licensed Trade Charity, that in turn support those in the hospitality industry when they need it most.
Donate to James’s Hospitality Rides 2027 fundraising page: James Nye is fundraising for Licensed Trade Charity
Jason Jefferys, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at FETCH Technology Group and Co-Founder at EngineWorks.ai
Jason Jefferys is an entrepreneur and technology founder with a passion for using innovation to transform the hospitality industry. As the founder and CEO of FETCH Technology Group and co-founder of EngineWorks.ai, he has built businesses that help hotels and restaurants improve the guest experience through digital ordering, payments, AI, and operational efficiency.
Away from business, Jason is an adventurer who enjoys pushing himself both physically and mentally. His achievements include sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, climbing Mont Blanc, and competing in endurance challenges. A keen golfer, he also co hosts the annual Hospitality Rides Golf Day, bringing together leaders from across the hospitality industry to network and raise funds for worthwhile causes. Whether in business, sport, or adventure, Jason is driven by resilience, determination, and a passion for taking on new challenges.
Jess Peaty, Head of Account Management & Enterprise Sales at Access Group Hospitality
Jess has spent over a decade in hospitality technology, currently leading Upper Market and Enterprise Sales across Access Group’s Hospitality division — working with some of the biggest names in UK hospitality on everything from EPOS, CRM to Workforce Management and Procurement Solutions.
But her connection to this industry goes well beyond the day job. Jess is passionate about hospitality as a community — the people who show up, keep going, and look out for each other, often in tough and unpredictable conditions. That’s exactly why she’s taking on HospitalityRides again this year, riding in support of the Licensed Trade Charity and Only A Pavement Away.
Jess is also a vocal champion for women in leadership within hospitality and tech, and believes in showing up fully for the causes and people she cares about — on the bike and off it.
Donate to Jess’s Hospitality Rides 2027 fundraising page: Jessica Peaty is fundraising for Licensed Trade Charity
Joby Mortimer, Director Charity Operations at LTC and Executive Director at LTC Education Group
Having spent his career working across the hospitality sector, from being an Operator with The Grillshed to senior roles in Budweiser Budvar UK, AB-InBev, Bablake Wines and Brakes UK before joining the LTC Executive team, Joby also acts as NED for Flawsome! Joby also now works across Education with the newly formed LTC Education group.
Joby has been a proud supporter of the Licensed Trade Charity for many years taking part in every Hospitality Rides fundraiser since its inception raising significant funds to help support people in our industry.
Hospitality has always been close to his heart, and he is passionate about giving back to the sector that has given him so much ensuring everyone who works in Hospitality has the right support available to be the best version of themselves each and every day.
Katie Jenkins, Co-Owner and Marketing & Partnerships Director at KAM
Katie is Co-owner and Marketing Director at KAM Insight. After moving from the off-trade eight years ago, she quickly fell in love with hospitality and, most importantly, the brilliant people who make the industry what it is.
Chile will be Katie’s fifth Hospitality Rides cycling challenge, having already raised more than £25,000 for its charity partners. The ride has somehow become both one of the best and worst weeks of her year: an unforgettable adventure preceded by months of early mornings, rainy training rides and shameless fundraising.
Katie is taking on Chile to support incredible causes, challenge herself once again and share another memorable week with some of hospitality’s finest people.
Donate to Katie’s Hospitality Rides 2027 fundraising page: Katie Jenkins is fundraising for Licensed Trade Charity
Katy Moses, Founder and Managing Director at KAM
Katy is the founder and MD of KAM, a consultancy that she started in 2014. She is passionate about pubs, bars and restaurants (and not just about being in them!). Katy founded KAM as she saw a gap in the market for a hospitality and food service insight consultancy that puts creativity at its heart.
Katy is a Bii Trustee and an advisor for Only a Pavement Away. She is also a judge of the Bii Licensee of the Year Award, Restaurant Marketer and Innovator Awards and the Great Taste Awards. Katy is also the founder of Hospitality Rides, the hospitality initiative that raises money and awareness for the LTC and OAPA.
Donate to Katy’s Hospitality Rides 2027 fundraising page: Katy Hamilton/Moses is fundraising for Licensed Trade Charity
Louise Neilson, Chief Operating Officer at State of Play Hospitality
Louise Neilson is the Chief Operating Officer of State of Play Hospitality, She joined State of Play in 2021 as UK Development Director before relocating to Chicago in 2024 to lead U.S. operations and global development as the company grows across North America.
Louise brings more than two decades of experience in hospitality operations, construction, design delivery, concept development and multi-unit expansion.
Prior to joining State of Play, Louise spent more than a decade at Bill’s Restaurants, where she played a central role in scaling the brand from just two locations to more than 80 restaurants across the UK. Earlier in her career, she held senior management roles at Cote Brasserie and Strada.
She has also championed sustainability initiatives across State of Play’s portfolio, helping advance waste reduction programs, venue efficiency efforts and conscious operating practices and has been a member of Zero Carbon Forum since 2017.
Donate to Louise’s Hospitality Rides 2027 fundraising page: Louise Neilson is fundraising for Licensed Trade Charity
Maria McCann, Operations Director at Blacklock
Maria McCann is Operations Director at Blacklock. With two decades of experience across brands including Hard Rock Cafe, The Living Room, Shake Shack, Dickie’s and Blacklock, Maria has built a career around developing great people, creating memorable guest experiences and giving back to the industry that has given her so much.
Recognised in Code Hospitality’s Women of the Year and a passionate supporter of hospitality charities, Maria completed the Hospitality Rides Vietnam challenge in 2026. Inspired by the resilience, generosity and camaraderie of that experience, she’s back for Hospitality Rides Chile 2027 to continue raising vital funds for the Licensed Trade Charity and Only A Pavement Away, of which she is an ambassador. For Maria, every mile represents an opportunity to support colleagues across hospitality, ensuring people facing hardship receive the help they need when it matters most.
Donate to Maria’s Hospitality Rides 2027 fundraising page: Maria McCann is fundraising for Licensed Trade Charity
Peter Mortimore, Operations Manager at Incipio Group
Pete is an Operations Manager for Incipio Group. He’s a longtime admirer of Hospitality Rides and first-time participant!
At 41 years old he’s worked in the hospitality industry for 23 years, at every level and says it’s the excellent people providing guidance and support that keeps him motivated.
He says that he’s incredibly proud to be given the opportunity to support such wonderful charities. His experience in distance-cycling goes as far as a charity ride from London to Paris in 2017 (which was apparently incredibly difficult but very rewarding) and is excited to be a part of the 2027 challenge.
When asked about the ride he said “Wish me luck! 10 years without much road under the wheels will be hard but not impossible!”.
Donate to Peters’s Hospitality Rides 2027 fundraising page: Peter Mortimore is fundraising for Licensed Trade Charity
Sam Hagger FBII, Founder and Managing Director at The Beautiful Pubs Collective
Sam Hagger FBII is the Founder and Managing Director of The Beautiful Pubs Collective, an independent hospitality business operating a collection of award-winning pubs across Leicestershire. With more than 25 years’ experience in the licensed trade, Sam founded the business in 2008 with a vision of creating pubs where exceptional hospitality, outstanding food and drink, and genuine care for people come together to create memorable experiences.
Sam is no stranger to the Hospitality Rides, having participated in four of the five events to date. A passionate advocate for both the hospitality industry and the importance of wellbeing, he values the opportunity to connect with peers, support charitable causes, and celebrate the incredible people who make the industry such a special place to build a career.
Donate to Sam’s Hospitality Rides 2027 fundraising page: Sam Hagger is fundraising for Licensed Trade Charity
Shereen Ritchie, Group Chief Executive Officer at Kuvi Hospitality and Co-Founder at Boardwalk
Shereen brings over 25 years of experience across hospitality, investment and executive leadership. A dynamic and inspirational leader, she is known for building high-performing teams and scaling ambitious brands with both commercial rigour and human insight.
Throughout her career, Shereen has demonstrated a consistent ability to drive growth in complex and highly competitive markets, delivering exceptional revenue performance even in the most challenging trading conditions. As Managing Director of LEON, she led the brand through both its most successful and most demanding period. She subsequently became Chief Executive Officer of Buns from Home, the independent bakery brand born during the pandemic that rapidly captured both the city’s high streets and social media attention.
Shereen is currently Group CEO of Kuvi Hospitality, the master franchise partner of choice for US brands seeking expansion into the UK, Europe and the GCC. She is also Co-Founder of Boardwalk, a highly regarded industry mentorship programme dedicated to supporting and accelerating women into board-level roles.
Steve Worrall, Group Projects Director at Punch Pubs & Co
Steve Worrall is Group Projects Director at Punch, with over 30 years in the hospitality industry. He lives in Cornwall with his wife Kirstie and has always believed pubs play a vital role in bringing people together and strengthening communities. His own children started their careers in hospitality, gaining life skills that have stayed with them.
Taking part in these rides gives Steve the nudge to keep fit while supporting two brilliant charities close to his heart – Only A Pavement Away and the Licensed Trade Charity. He’s proud to play a small part in the difference they make in people’s lives.
For Steve, it’s also about the people – riding alongside such an inspiring group, sharing stories, and enjoying the camaraderie that makes both the industry and these events so special.
Donate to Steve’s Hospitality Rides 2027 fundraising page: Steve Worrall is fundraising for Licensed Trade Charity
Tess Pennington, Managing Director at Fleet Street
Tess Pennington is Managing Director of Fleet Street, a B-Corp Certified communications agency specialising in hospitality, leisure, retail, food, and drink. The Fleet Street team works across the full communications spectrum, from consumer, trade and corporate communications to brand campaigns, creative services, and content creation, all underpinned by integral insight, delivered by our new partner, KAM.
At Fleet Street, Tess oversees the overall strategic direction of the business and works closely with our people and client base including, Heineken UK, IHG, Suntory, Punch Pubs, The Yummy Pub Company, Faber, Swansea Bay, and the Licensed Trade Charity.
Alongside her leadership at Fleet Street, Tess serves as President of the Confrad Collective, an international network of independent communications, digital, creative, and advertising agencies. Through this role, she helps Fleet Street and our wider client base to cross borders and cross disciplines, giving access to local market knowledge, cultural insights, and in-market testing on a global scale.
As a relatively new cyclist, this will be the second time that Tess has taken on Hospitality Rides, having last ridden in 2025. She’ll be giving absolutely every ounce of her trademark grit and determination to get herself, and the entire team, over the finish line – all to raise vital finds for Licensed Trade Charity and Only A Pavement Away!
Donate to Tess’s Hospitality Rides 2027 fundraising page: Tess Pennington is fundraising for Licensed Trade Charity
Tristan O’Hana, Editorial Director at H2O Publishing
Tristan O’Hana is Editorial Director at H2O Publishing. He helps steer the editorial direction of 12 market-leading trade publications, as well as their respective digital platforms and industry events. He has helped launch numerous trade magazines and products, including monthly restaurant title Dine Out and UK-wide competitions such as the National Burger Awards and the National Pub & Bar Awards.
As well as leading the Editorial division at H2O, Tristan is also currently Editor of Pub & Bar, the widely respected on-trade magazine. He has been analysing and documenting the eating and drinking out markets for nearly 20 years.
Alongside writing about the most crucial trends, market movements and pioneering businesses in UK, he regularly judges industry awards and chairs various debates with hospitality and foodservice operators.
Donate to Tristan’s Hospitality Rides 2027 fundraising page: Tristan O’Hana is fundraising for Licensed Trade Charity
Tsara Taylor, Fractional Chief Financial Officer and Non-Executive Advisor
Tsara Taylor is a hospitality finance leader with over 20 years’ experience, having held senior leadership roles across businesses including Rosa’s Thai, Camino, Big Chill and Carluccio’s, and now works as a Fractional CFO and Non-Executive Advisor in the sector.
Throughout her career, she has been passionate about helping hospitality businesses and people thrive. In 2026, Tsara completed the 400km Hospitality Rides challenge across Vietnam in support of Only A Pavement Away and the Licensed Trade Charity and is proud to be taking on the 2027 cycling challenge in Chile. She believes hospitality has the power to transform lives and is passionate about supporting Only A Pavement Away’s mission to help people facing homelessness, prison leavers and veterans build sustainable careers in the industry.
Donate to Tsara’s Hospitality Rides 2027 fundraising page: Tsara Taylor is fundraising for Licensed Trade Charity
Hamish Stoddart, Non Executive Director
Hamish spent 20 years building Peach Pubs, a premium gastropub company, then successfully sold it in 2023. Since then he has been working as an NED for companies such as Punch Pubs, Dorking Brewery Pub Co, Aubrey Allen and as a Trustee for LTC.
He is passionate about creating great hospitality in pub businesses, and learning how to better support Hospitality People. The initiative ‘Wear Orange for Hospitality People’ was started by Hamish and has quickly caught on…he will no doubt he’ll be challenging you to wear Orange soon!
Donate to Hamish’s Hospitality Rides 2027 fundraising page: HAMISH STODDART is fundraising for Licensed Trade Charity