In this powerful season finale, we’re joined by Lorraine Copes, Founder and CEO of Be Inclusive Hospitality, for a conversation that every hospitality professional needs to hear.

“This is not the place for performance. This is people’s lives.” – Lorraine Copes

We explore the hard-hitting findings of the 2023 Inside Hospitality report — the only one of its kind focused specifically on race equity in the UK hospitality sector. Lorraine shares the lived experience behind the data, her motivation for launching Be Inclusive Hospitality, and what it’s really going to take to make lasting change.

From underrepresentation in senior roles to lack of accountability for discriminatory behaviour, Lorraine lays out the barriers — and more importantly, what can be done to break them down. We also discuss the limits of “performative inclusion”, the companies doing the real work, and why employers must stop waiting for permission to act.

Lorraine’s story isn’t just about pointing out problems — it’s about building something better, creating safe spaces, and showing what’s possible when purpose and action align.

If you’ve ever asked yourself how you can be part of the solution, this episode is your starting point.

Takeaways:

• The podcast dives deep into the question of whether hospitality is inherently racist, sparking critical conversations about discrimination in the industry.
• Lorraine Copes, the founder and CEO of Be Inclusive Hospitality, shares her inspiring journey and the motivations behind creating her organization.
• The Inside Hospitality report reveals shocking statistics, indicating that 62% of black and Asian participants experience racial bias in the workplace.
• Only half of those who witnessed discrimination felt they could report it, highlighting a systemic issue within reporting mechanisms in hospitality.
• The podcast emphasizes the importance of taking actionable steps to create inclusive work environments, focusing on education and awareness as vital tools for change.
• Listeners are encouraged to visit Be Inclusive Hospitality's website to access their latest report, which provides valuable insights into diversity and inclusion in hospitality.

Links referenced in this episode:

• bihospitality.co.uk
• timothyrandrews.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Be Inclusive Hospitality
• Gordon Ramsay Group
• Corbyn and King
• Shake Shack

More information on Lorraine Copes & Be Inclusive Hospitality can be found at:

Lorraine Copes

Be Inclusive Hospitality

To Download The 2023 Report

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Timothy put the Kettel on is Co-hosted by:

Timothy R. Andrews

Sarah Kettel

Tracey Rashid

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Editing & Visuals by: Timothy R Andrews

Theme Tune: "Mandarin & Chocolate" by Doriane Woo

Feat voiceover artist, Lara Rathod

Sound Effects by: Epidemic Sound