Hospitality unplugged: Prioritising Wellbeing in the Hospitality Industry

Matt Loughrey brings a wealth of knowledge from a 20-year career within hospitality operations. Now, as Partnerships & Community Manager for The Burnt Chef Project, Matt develops key relationships with hospitality businesses, helping to educate business leaders, and support those in need within the industry, as well as overseeing a global network of 320+ ambassadors. The Burnt Chef Project works to tackle the stigma which exists around mental health within the hospitality industry.

Karen Turton is CEO and Founder of Purple Story and has spent over 25 years in the hospitality and leisure industry challenging conventional thinking about leadership, performance and growth. An operator at heart, Karen has held senior commercial and leadership roles across pubs, hotels and major brands including Turtle Bay and Nando’s, giving her a deep understanding of the real pressures facing hospitality leaders today. She holds an MSc in Business Administration and Leadership Theories, is certified in C-me Colour Profiling and Sparketype, and is a practitioner researcher at the University of Chester, where she is developing the industry’s first Intergenerational Leadership framework as part of her Doctorate in Professional Studies. Through Purple Story’s professionally rebellious approach, Karen blends behavioural science, storytelling and operational excellence to help organisations unlock the full potential of their people and deliver measurable commercial results.

Working in the hospitality industry for 15 years, firstly in London and then Manchester, Richard is now Head of Commercial Partnerships for Marketing Manchester. Richard oversees the visitor economy partnership and the Manchester Invest Partnership, working with companies across the sectors.

Managing the partnership on behalf of Manchester for both MIPIM and UKREiiF he has attended MIPIM for 8 years running and UKREiiF since it’s first year. Richard makes sure Manchester takes a strong delegation to both events to represent the region, it’s key strengths and investible projects.

Kerry Truelove is a sales and marketing professional with a strong background in hospitality. With leadership experience across boutique and corporate hospitality, Kerry is passionate about driving commercial success while championing people-first cultures.

As a member of the Pro Manchester Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism Steering Group, Kerry works alongside industry leaders to support growth, innovation, and collaboration across the sector. She is also a panel contributor on prioritising wellbeing within hospitality, an area she cares deeply about due to the industry’s fast-paced, high-pressure nature.

Kerry is a strong advocate for confidence, positive workplace culture, and creating environments where individuals can thrive professionally and personally. Alongside her corporate career, she is building an online platform focused on lifestyle, career confidence, and modern corporate culture, inspiring young professionals entering the industry.