Accessible travel firm bosses and a manager at Gatwick have been named in the UK’s top 100 most influential disabled people.
This year’s Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 list includes Jon Fletcher (pictured), chief executive of Wheelie Good Travel Company; Limitless Travel founder and chief executive Angus Drummond; Gatwick accessibility manager Anna-Ruth Cockerham and John Fishwick, of Virgin Atlantic, in the transport, retail, service and hospitality category of the awards.
National charity, Shaw Trust, runs the Disability Power 100 to raise the profile of disabled talent and challenge the disability employment gap.
The awards are publicly nominated and judged by a panel of 25 disabled champions.
Wheelchair user Fletcher was recognised for his impact, innovation and influence in changing the perceptions and stereotypes of disability.
His work has included campaigning for improvement to accessibility within the the travel industry, raising awareness about accessible travel and campaigning for equality, diversity and greater inclusion for disabled people.
The Wheelie Good Travel Company is a franchisee of Cruise and Travel Holidays, which operates under the umbrella of The Co-op Consortium which is part of The Midcounties Co-operative.
Fletcher said: “It is a great honour and I am proud that my contribution to improving accessibility within the travel industry and improving equality, diversity and inclusion for fellow disabled people has been recognised.
“I believe this work has never been more important at a time when disabled people are facing great inequality. I will continue to speak up and speak out on accessibility and equality for disabled people.”
Cockerham said: “It’s an honour to be recognised among a group of such influential and inspiring people from across different sectors, all doing fantastic work to enhance accessibility and the lives of disabled people.
“I’m proud to be in a position to help the journeys of so many people at London Gatwick and ensure our passengers and staff have a positive experience.”
Airport chief operations officer Mark Johnston added: “We are incredibly proud of Anna-Ruth being recognised among such an influential group of change-makers.
“Her determination and tenacity in driving positive change for accessibility at London Gatwick has resulted in several projects coming to fruition in recent months, enhancing the passenger experience and ensuring the airport continues to be an industry leader in terms of accessibility.”