Accessible Herefordshire CIC was established in spring 2022 by Vicky Nicolson-James and Angela Martin as a Community Interest Company. Its mission is to connect visitors seeking leisure and tourism information in Herefordshire with local businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector.
Recognising that people travel with a variety of challenges, the organisation addresses the common issue of inaccessible or inaccurate online information. Accessible Herefordshire CIC offers support, advice, and training to businesses, promoting disability positivity and building confidence in presenting accessible offerings both online and in person. Services include mystery shopper visits, walk-and-talk audits, in-depth accessibility audits, reports, and tailored recommendations—all provided at reasonable rates to cover operational costs.
The CIC collaborates closely with local tourism groups such as Visit Herefordshire and Tourist Information Centres, and is a member of Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire. It actively promotes accessible trails and activities through its social media channels, aiming for broad visibility. Public feedback on access and inclusion—both positive and negative—is welcomed, with the best experiences highlighted and shared.
Accessible Herefordshire CIC has also attracted international interest, particularly from wheelchair users planning to visit the UK. The organisation is working with American traveller and influencer Kenneth Edmonds, who runs a global resource for mobility-challenged travellers: accessibletravel.info.
In addition to its core work, the CIC’s directors serve voluntarily on the board of Herefordshire BID. By collecting and sharing personal experiences of accessibility in the county, the organisation hopes to advise and support venues and activities that are less inclusive.
Accessible Herefordshire CIC invites accessible venues to get in touch to be featured. The goal is to build a comprehensive reference hub for residents and visitors with disabilities or additional needs.
About the Founders
The co-directors bring extensive expertise in accessibility and inclusion. Vicky Nicolson-James, who has lived in Herefordshire for 15 years with her husband and three children, has a daughter with complex mobility and health needs. Her professional background includes marketing and promotion. Angela Martin has long worked in inclusion and accessibility, with experience as a project manager, youth worker, and mentor.
Accessible Herefordshire CIC is committed to providing high-quality accessible information, facilities, and customer service to ensure a warm welcome for all visitors to Herefordshire.
Why Accessibility Matters for Businesses
Improving accessibility benefits a wide range of customers—not just those with disabilities, but also families, older adults, and many others. Tourism businesses that embrace accessibility can reach broader audiences and enhance customer satisfaction.
Key Statistics from Visit Britain:
- 21% of the British population has an impairment, most commonly a long-term illness (Family Resource Survey, 2018/19).
- The total expenditure by people with health conditions and impairments and their companions is estimated at £15.3 billion (Visit England, 2019).
- These travellers tend to take longer holidays and spend more per trip.
- Impairments and disabilities increase significantly after age 45.
- Over one-third (35%) of domestic overnight trips are taken by those aged 55+ (Visit England, 2019).
- 430,000 British adults with impairments did not take a domestic trip between April 2017 and March 2018 due to inadequate accessibility (Visit England, 2018).
Accessible Herefordshire CIC encourages businesses and individuals to get in touch to explore how they can contribute to a more inclusive tourism experience in the county.
All images provided by Accessible Herefordshire
