Blog. Spotlight on: Simon Numphud
July 17, 2024 | Author: Giuliana Vittiglio
We are fortunate to have the support of countless individuals and organisations across the UK. Today, we shine a spotlight on Simon Numphud, Managing Director of AA Media and Chair of our South West Fundraising Board, whose unwavering commitment to HA has helped to transform hundreds of hospitality lives in crisis.
Tell us about your role as Chair of the South West Board, what do you hope to achieve and what are your highlights so far?
The South West has always enjoyed a very active Hospitality Action Board with lots of support and I see my role and responsibility to ensure that this continues. As a region, we hope to generate around £150,000 contribution to Hospitality Action through the calendar of events we host, increase the awareness and support of the charity, and engage with as many hospitality businesses as possible.
We have had a busy first half of the year with so many great events. We were delighted to see the return of the Cotswold Cycle Challenge in May with over 100 cyclists push through wet and windy conditions to complete 20 | 40 | 60 | 100 mile challenges from our main host Calcot & Spa near Tetbury. This was followed by a super weekend of Polo and Golf. At the Beaufort Polo Club over 240 guests were treated to both lunch and afternoon tea from a fantastic line up of local chefs led by Hywel Jones executive chef at Lucknam Park. Meanwhile, over 75 golfers competed at the third AA Charity Golf Day at Bowood PGA Golf course with its 98 bunkers!
How do you engage with others about HA?
I find networking is the very best way to talk about Hospitality Action and something I love to do as ultimately it's hospitality. I have been fortunate to have been invited to various events this year to talk about HA, these have included the annual Visit West conference in Bristol, South West Institute of Hospitality regional meeting, Bristol and Bath hotelier associations meetings, and several podcasts. Invariably these interactions lead to further opportunities for HA, be it getting new businesses involved in an activity, new signs up to the incredible Employee Assistance Programme and other events to support the charity such as the South West Tourism Awards through Robin Barker.
What impact do you hope your support will have on those we assist?
Ultimately everything we do is to help our fellow colleagues in their time of need when life takes an unexpected turn, be it financial assistance through grants to help with every day bills, school uniform and other essentials, to really specific needs such as contribution to prosthetic limbs. HA also provides incredible support to help with people’s mental health through a wealth of practical information and signposting the many ways individuals can seek help via their advice hub. It comes as no surprise that the demand for their support is increasing year on year, so the more we can contribute to HA, in turn the more people HA can support.
What would you like to share with others considering supporting HA?
Our industry is already incredibly generous and supports so many charities. Hospitality Action is our industry’s charity so I would ask that all hospitality businesses regardless of size do support HA knowing that whatever they do, it will directly support our people. There are so many ways you can get involved, it’s not onerous and it is a great way of connecting with likeminded businesses and individuals. The EAP is a great and super cost-effective way to introduce an additional layer of wellness care to your teams and above and beyond this, supporting HA is lots of fun!
What is the South West Board working on at the moment?
Well, we are just having a small breather until we ramp up to our Autumn range of events! We are super excited to have three chef dinners. This starts on Thursday 10th October with our Bath Chef’s Dinner at Bailbrook House featuring Chris Cleghorn of The Olive Tree, Jauca Catalin of The Bath Priory, and Carl Cleghorn of Tyme Restaurant. Tickets are £95pp and include arrival drinks, three delicious courses with wine, and fantastic company.
In November we will host a Cornwall Chef’s dinner at the Alverton in Truro featuring a collective of 12 chefs from each corner of Cornwall and Neil & Zoe Kedward from the Grove at Narberth will be hosting a Guest Chef Dinner - more details to follow!
We of course will also be participating in Walk for Wellbeing with our Bristol/Bath Walk being one of 8 city walks this year with over 1,200 walkers expected to take part overall. Taking place on Sunday 13 October you can register to join us here.
Many thanks to Simon for his longstanding support, dedication and enthusiasm. To learn how you or your company can follow suit, click here. #wevegotyou
