Seats at the Table was founded by Richmal Maybank, a passionate advocate for neuroinclusion with over a decade of experience in inclusive design, accessibility, and disability equity. She brings together lived experience and professional expertise to help businesses make practical, lasting changes that benefit everyone.
Richmal has worked across a wide range of industries, including hospitality, retail, and entertainment. She has written CPD-accredited training programmes for the National Autistic Society and delivered training and consultancy to FTSE 100 companies and major corporates across the UK.
Alongside her industry work, she has contributed to national policy development through government steering groups and accessibility panels. She is also a member of the Regional Stakeholder Network, part of the Disability Unit within the Cabinet Office's Equality Hub.
For the past eight years, Richmal has served on the Access Board at The O2 Arena, helping the venue become the first UK arena to achieve Platinum Accessibility Status with Attitude is Everything, a landmark recognition of excellence in access and inclusion. She is also an advisor for the Accessible Hospitality Alliance, promoting accessible practices that benefit businesses, staff, and customers alike.
Richmal believes that universal design is not just about removing barriers, it’s about enabling participation for everyone. By adopting inclusive practices from the outset, businesses can open their doors to a wider audience, grow their customer base, strengthen loyalty, and future-proof their success.
Her work is informed by real-world insight, and driven by a belief that small, thoughtful changes have the power to create environments where everyone feels they belong.
Q&A with our Founder
I founded Seats at the Table because I could see how many barriers were going unnoticed and how small, thoughtful changes could make a huge difference. I wanted to help businesses see inclusion not as a checklist, but as an opportunity to create better experiences for everyone.
It’s about designing spaces, systems, and experiences that work for the widest range of people, including those with different thinking styles, sensory needs, or who may experience anxiety. Universal design makes environments more accessible, welcoming and intuitive for everyone, not just for a specific group.
I’ve worked across hospitality, retail, entertainment, and corporate sectors, supporting businesses from small venues to FTSE 100 companies. I also work closely with public sector bodies and government panels to shape national policy on accessibility and inclusion. I am sensitive to the different approaches needed across sectors and can work flexibly to suit those needs.
I’ve served on the Access Board at The O2 for seven years, including a stint as chair, helping the venue improve its accessibility. I’m proud that The O2 became the first UK arena to achieve Platinum Accessibility Status with Attitude is Everything, a huge milestone for the industry.
Inclusive spaces welcome more customers. By removing barriers, you create opportunities for families, older adults, neurodivergent people, and anyone who might otherwise hesitate to visit. This not only builds loyalty but opens up whole new markets.
Start simple. You don’t have to overhaul everything at once. Even small improvements, like guidance on what to expect, clearer signage, offering a quiet space, or simplifying your booking system can transform someone’s experience and show you’re serious about inclusion.