Thomas Franks boss joins AHA advisory board

Frank Bothwell, founder and chief executive of catering firm Thomas Franks, has joined the advisory board of the Accessible Hospitality Alliance (AHA).

The appointment follows Bothwell’s participation in the inaugural AHA Forum earlier this year and discussions with co-founders Robin Sheppard and Denis Sheehan.

Thomas Franks employs more than 3,000 staff and was named among the top ten in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work list in 2025.

Its charitable arm, the Thomas Franks Foundation, has provided more than 3.5 million meals to people experiencing food poverty.

Bothwell will contribute to the next AHA Forum, scheduled for November 2025 in London, held in partnership with Thomas Franks.

Sheppard, chair of AHA, said: “It was clear immediately that Frank fully embraced aha’s purpose: a hospitality world that welcomes everyone. I very much look forward to working together with Frank at the centre of our efforts to drive authentic measurable progress.”

Bothwell added: “The Accessible Hospitality Alliance is doing groundbreaking work to ensure our sector provides a home to people from all walks of life. This is the culture I’ve always sought to nurture at Thomas Franks and I’m eager to play my part in building a more inclusive hospitality sector nationally.”