Be Inclusive Hospitality to host Black History Month panel discussions

In celebration of Black History Month, Be Inclusive Hospitality is hosting a two-part series, Black in Hospitality.

Taking place on 26 October and 28 October at 8pm, the discussions will feature leaders from the hospitality, food and drink sector, live streamed on YouTube.

Panellists will include Lerato Umah-Shaylor of Lerato Foods Cookery School, author Riaz Phillips, beer sommelier Marverine Cole and Didier Agueh, entertainment director at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel in London.

The event is sponsored by up and coming black-owned brands including Eko Brewery, Life of a Tree, Shwen Shwen, Cham Cham, Woodford & Warner and Dane's Caribbean Jerk it Up Sauce.

Procurement specialist Lorraine Copes set up not-for-profit organisation Be Inclusive Hospitality last year to address the lack of black, Asian and other minority professionals in leadership positions in the industry.

The organisation's mission is to advance learning throughout the sector, beginning with a focus on its members and providing them with mentoring, coaching and sponsored learning initiatives. This will be accompanied by partnering with organisations and businesses, and providing access to tools and resources.