Colleague & customer stories
Celebrating diversity
Every year, in celebration of Pride Month and Global Pride, colleagues from across the business get involved in activities that spread love, joy and acceptance in celebration of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Our goal is to create an environment where everyone feels that they can be their true selves.
Lou Larkins (she/her) – Operations Manager
“I feel you can bring your full kind of true self to work. People do feel comfortable, people do feel included.
It gives people the opportunity to be their true self and have a sense of belonging in the workplace so that everyone is treated the same.”
Peter Fletcher (he/him) - Customer Support Advisor
“Any company large enough is going to have a diverse work force these days. Brakes are inclusive, it does embrace diversity, but also it sets that comfort zone for people.
I think you only get the best out of people when they are being themselves and they’re happy and they’re comfortable.”
Tom Moulton (he/him) - HGV Driver
"When I first joined Sysco many years ago, I didn't know what type of environment I was going to come into as a gay man."
I feared being accepted - but you will be accepted for who you are. You have your own individuality, and that's what Sysco loves."
Dan Clayton - LEVEN General Manager
We sat down with Dan Clayton, General Manager of LEVEN Manchester, to discuss what Pride means to him personally, how it influences the business, and why supporting LGBTQ+ spaces such as Manchester's Gay Village remains more important than ever. Read on for his answers below.
What does Pride mean to you personally, and how does that show up in your business and for your customers?
"Pride, for me personally as a gay man, is about visibility, acceptance, freedom and community. It’s a celebration of how far we’ve come, but also an important reminder of why inclusive and safe spaces still matter so much. Being able to live openly and authentically is something many people before us fought hard for, and I never take that for granted.
That’s one of the reasons I’m so proud to be the General Manager of LEVEN Manchester. Inclusivity isn’t something we add on during Pride month it’s part of who we are every single day. LEVEN was created around the idea that people should feel completely comfortable being themselves, without judgement or expectation, and being located in the heart of Manchester’s Gay Village makes that even more meaningful.
We want every guest who walks through our doors to feel welcome, seen and relaxed, whether they’re visiting for a coffee, a weekend away, a celebration or a longer stay. Our spaces are intentionally open, social and flexible because we know people experience cities, communities and hospitality in different ways.
For our guests, Pride shows up in the atmosphere we create. It’s in the diversity of our team, the way we welcome people, the partnerships we support, and the fact that individuality is genuinely celebrated here. We actively support local LGBTQ+ culture, creatives and events because we want LEVEN to feel connected to the community around us, not separate from it.
At its core, Pride is about people being able to live authentically and that aligns perfectly with LEVEN’s philosophy of live your best life."
Why is it important for spaces like Manchester’s Gay Village and other hubs for LGBTQ+ venues to be supported and celebrated?
"Spaces like Manchester’s Gay Village are incredibly important because they represent far more than nightlife or hospitality venues they represent history, identity, safety and community. For generations, LGBTQ+ spaces have given people somewhere to feel accepted, understood and free to be themselves, often at times when that wasn’t possible elsewhere.
Even today, those spaces still matter hugely. They provide visibility, connection and a sense of belonging for both local communities and visitors from around the world. Manchester’s Gay Village is one of the city’s most iconic and culturally significant areas, and it plays a huge role in making Manchester the open, diverse and welcoming city that people know and love.
From a hospitality perspective, being based in the heart of the Village is something really special for LEVEN. It naturally attracts a diverse mix of guests who value openness, creativity and individuality, which aligns perfectly with our brand and values. There’s an energy, acceptance and authenticity in the area that you simply can’t replicate.
Supporting and celebrating LGBTQ+ hubs is also important because these communities and venues continue to face challenges, whether that’s social pressure, rising costs or the loss of independent queer spaces. Visibility and support help protect the culture and sense of community that places like Canal Street have built over decades.
Pride celebrations are important, but real inclusion is about what happens all year round. It’s about continuing to create environments where everyone feels welcome, respected and able to live authentically and that’s something we’re incredibly passionate about at LEVEN Manchester."