The team

Kate Nicholls OBE was CEO of UKHospitality, the powerful voice representing the broad hospitality sector, since its inception in 2018, before moving to the role of Chair. Kate previously worked as CEO and Strategic Affairs Director of the Association of Licenced Multiple Retailers (ALMR).

She sits on the Government’s Tourism, Hospitality, and Food & Drink Sector Councils, where she represents the wider hospitality and tourism sector. Kate is also the Chair of the Institute of Licensing, a board member of Best Bar None, and a trustee of Hospitality Action and Springboard.

Kate initially worked as a researcher in the House of Commons and European Parliament on food, employment and environmental policy before joining Whitbread to work in Strategic Affairs. She is a graduate of Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge and Kings College London.

Allen joined UKHospitality in 2024 as Deputy CEO after five years as Executive Director and Acting Chief Executive of London & Partners, the global trade, investment and tourism promotion agency for the UK’s capital city as the city recovered from the pandemic.

After starting his career at the Foreign Office, Parliament and Ministry of Justice, Allen worked during the financial crisis and Brexit period at the London Stock Exchange and Barclays Bank. He has served on the boards of several think tanks and political organisations.

Outside of work, Allen divides his time between food, renovating his house, and exploring the UK with his wife Katy, and their daughter.

Jackie joined UKHospitality as Chief Operating Officer in September 2018, just after its creation following a merger. Prior to this, Jackie worked for 30 years in advertising, which gave her a background in membership management, event planning and creation, developing commercial strategies and marketing.

Jackie takes pride in supporting the sector in which she works and has recently completed the Pedalling for Pubs challenge in Sri Lanka, raising money for Licensed Trade Charities and Only A Pavement Away. In her spare time, she is a keen netball player, skier and canoeist.

Tony is the Strategic Affairs Director for UKHospitality, responsible for its public affairs, policy and communications. He is also the Chair of Trustees of the sector charity Only a Pavement Away.

He has been a Director at leading public affairs consultancies as well as having worked as an political and campaigns adviser for more than eight years in Parliament, in both Opposition and Government, and a year on Capitol Hill, Washington DC.

Tony has a MA (Hons) Distinction in Diplomatic Studies and a BA (Hons) in Politics, Philosophy and Economics.

Simon joined UKHospitality as its interim Finance Director in May 2019, before being made Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in April 2020.

He is a qualified chartered accountant, having worked in a diverse number of industries for the last 30 years. He was previously CEO of the charity People 1st, a performance and talent management consultancy, and, until February 2023, he was also CFO for Enable Leisure and Culture, a not-for-profit organisation delivering local services.

Simon is currently a trustee and member of the Social Policy Committee for LHA London, a charity providing young people with affordable, safe and secure accommodation in the capital.

David has represented the hospitality, food and drink sectors for more than 25 years to government at all levels.

Claire joined UKHospitality as Head of Content and Marketing in January 2023, where she is responsible for the overall marketing and content strategy. She works to deliver communications to members and to the broader public across multiple platforms.

Claire previously worked as Digital Marketing Manager at Tao Group Hospitality, a global leader in premium hospitality operating many of the world’s most recognised restaurant, nightlife and daylife brands.

When Claire isn’t knee deep in PowerPoint presentations, she can be found at any of London’s wine bars or buried in a book (sometimes, combining the two).

Sam joined UKHospitality as its Communications Manager in October 2022, where he primarily looks after its news output and media relations. This includes promoting the work of UKHospitality and the sector in the media, responding to relevant news events and facilitating interview requests. Sam also works closely with the content and marketing team on UKHospitality’s digital and social channels.

Sam trained as a journalist at the University of Sheffield and started his career working for the National Farmers' Union, most recently as its Media Manager for four years.

Outside of work, he can normally be found on the golf course.

Issy joined UKHospitality in October 2023 as a Digital Marketing Executive, covering all things digital.

Issy is in charge of all of the social media channels, webinars and updating the website. Working across both the policy and membership teams to ensure everything UKHospitality does is communicated.

After graduating from Swansea University with a degree in International Relations and American Studies, she joined the Public Affairs and Communications Graduate Scheme with the National Farmers Union, before becoming a Campaigns Advisor.

David has been with UKHospitality since its inception in April 2018. He has more than 20 years of experience working in government affairs for the hospitality and drinks sectors.

David has expertise in economic and tax policy, the broad scope of workforce issues and also leads on sustainability for the organisation. He coordinates our political engagement, including Westminster and the Mayoral Authorities, and supports colleagues at Holyrood and the Senedd.

David graduated from Leicester University with a degree in Economic and Social History and has also worked in local government.

Jim joined UKHospitality as Policy Director in April 2018. His role is to identify and influence public policy impacting the sector across a wide range of areas. This includes current work around digital platforms, copyright and competition, tourism, food safety, nutrition and health policy.

Jim has many years’ experience in representing business interests to the UK Government, Welsh and Scottish Governments, local authorities and the European Parliament.

Jim is a graduate of Trinity College, Cambridge.

Sandra is the Skills Director at UKHospitality and leads the drive for an employer-led approach to skills in the hospitality sector. Her focus is to ensure there is a strong talent pipeline from education into employment at every level, with options to continue learning in workplace.

Prior to joining UKHospitality in May 2022, Sandra worked as the Skills and Policy Director for People 1st International. Sandra has worked in hospitality for over 30 years in operational, learning and development roles.

Sandra holds a Business Degree, with modern languages and qualifications in Teaching, Performance Coaching and Neuro Linguistic Programming.

Jack joined UKHospitality as Policy Manager in May 2021, following the conclusion of his Politics with International Relations degree at the University of Bath and time in Brussels working for the Confederation of British Industry.

In his role, he focuses on helping businesses stay abreast of key legislative issues pertinent to the hospitality sector, including food, licensing and sustainability policy, as well as representing the sector to Government, to ensure the voice of the industry is heard throughout the policy making process.

Luke joined UKHospitality in October 2023, having previously worked at The National Lottery Community Fund, for an MP in the House of Commons and at a public affairs agency for five years where he managed engagement strategies for a range of clients.

At UKHospitality, Luke supports on political engagement and influencing public policy on the different issues we represent, including on tax, tourism and workforce.

Luke graduated from Leeds University with a degree in International Relations. He also has a Masters in Political Parties and Elections.

Ruby joined UKHospitality in February 2024, having previously worked at The Railway Industry Association where she was responsible for outfacing communications, representing members’ interests to Government officials, and liaising with politicians to promote the lobbying aims of the organisation.

At UKHospitality, Ruby supports on political engagement and influencing public policy on the different issues we represent.

Prior to this Ruby worked as a teaching assistant at a primary school and graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2021 with a degree in English Literature.

In her spare time, Ruby is a London Borough of Enfield Councillor and also spends time painting.

Becky was appointed Head of Commercial in July 2023 having worked mostly in foodservice, twice at Nestle, during her career. Prior to joining, Becky was the Commercial Lead at Muddy Stilettos, working with a number of businesses within the hospitality world in the UK.

With a passion for building long term relationships and strategic partnerships, Becky will help unlock relevant sponsorship opportunities for our supplier members.

Outside of work, Becky has a passion for travel and adventure having climbed Kilimanjaro, trekked Machu Picchu and taken a 12-month honeymoon to travel before having two children. Now trips are short but frequent - child-free adventures include climbing the three peaks and trekking in Iceland.

Polly is a membership development professional with a background in the creative industries. With experience in partnership engagement and community building, she brings a collaborative approach to every role. Polly is passionate about supporting organisations to grow, connect and thrive through strategic relationship management and effective communication.

Hannah joined UKHospitality in October 2021 as Events and Special Projects Manager, responsible for all our member events. This includes sourcing venues, arranging logistics and content, marketing, ticket sales and overseeing operations on event days. Hannah also works closely with our event partners.

Prior to joining UKHospitality, Hannah worked at Stoke Park, a five-star hotel and golf course, for 15 years. Here she gained valuable experience and held several positions, most recently Sales and Events Manager.

Nigel is an accomplished Membership Manager with a strong track record in driving membership and commercial growth across leading membership organisations. With a strategic approach to engagement and retention, Nigel has successfully led CRM transitions, improved member experience, and championed diversity and inclusion initiatives.

He excels at building and nurturing professional communities, creating impactful networks, and enhancing outreach to deliver long-term value to members. His ability to connect people and foster meaningful relationships has consistently contributed to stronger member engagement and organisational success.

Outside of work, Nigel enjoys DJing at private events and exploring new destinations through travel—passions that reflect his creativity, adaptability, and love for connecting with diverse audiences.

An experienced PA, Sally’s career in membership services started at the Incorporated Society of British Advertisers (ISBA), until she took a break to have children.

Whilst being at home for her two sons, she worked remotely for a project establishing the new University in Herefordshire (NMiTE) supporting the co-founders, trustees & CEO.

After a couple of years either side of the pandemic working at the sharp end of hospitality in a pub and local bakery, Sally returned to the corporate world at UKHospitality in 2022.

Charlotte has worked at UKHospitality since May 2022 as the Team Assistant, having joined following a background of working in hospitality. She provides key support to the CEO and COO, as well as support the rest of the team.

Charlotte is also the first point of contact for the members getting in touch with UKHospitality.

Jas joined UKHospitality in July 2024. She has a LLB degree in Law and Practice and is currently studying an International Law course driven by my interest for humanitarian law.

As a Membership and Data Assistant, she works predominantly with our CRM system to streamline data processes, as well as providing key support and assisting the membership side of the organisation.

Outside of the office, she has a passion for photography which fuels her creative side.