London, UK — September 2025 — Open Road Access (ORA), the purpose-driven innovation company transforming accessible transport across the UK, has been shortlisted for two major honours at the upcoming Transport & Energy Awards 2025.
ORA’s Senior Leadership Team has been recognised in the Team Award category, celebrating their exceptional collaboration and achievements in launching and scaling the organisation. Additionally, Catherine Marris, ORA’s Director of Partnerships, Policy & Impact, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Impact Award, recognising her outstanding individual contribution to improving accessibility and inclusion across the transport and energy sectors.
Together, the nominations mark a powerful endorsement of ORA’s mission to close the UK’s transport accessibility gap and ensure that everyone — regardless of ability — can move freely, independently, and with dignity.
A New Force in Accessible Transport
Launched just over a year ago, ORA was founded with a bold vision: to reimagine accessible transport for the modern era. The company’s purpose is simple but urgent: to radically improve access, choice, and autonomy in travel for disabled and older people.
At the heart of ORA’s work is a belief that accessibility must be more than a compliance exercise; it should be a catalyst for innovation. In the UK, disabled people take 38% fewer journeys than non-disabled people, a gap that reflects deep structural barriers. ORA exists to change that.
Starting with a flexible, nationwide Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) hire service, the company provides vehicles for as little as a single day or as long as several months, delivered and collected directly to customers’ doors. Every element of the service — from booking to vehicle handover — is designed through co-creation with disabled users, ensuring accessibility, flexibility, and dignity are built in from the ground up.
Since its launch, ORA has supported over 2,000 customers, maintaining a Trustpilot rating of 4.9/5 and a Net Promoter Score above 85. But the numbers tell only part of the story: the real impact is seen in the thousands of journeys ORA has enabled — journeys to weddings, funerals, holidays, and reunions that would otherwise have been impossible.
‘We’re absolutely thrilled to be recognised by the Transport & Energy Awards,’ said David Dew Veal, ORA’s CEO. ‘These nominations validate our belief that accessibility can drive innovation — not just compliance. It’s a tribute to our incredible team and to our customers, who guide and inspire us every step of the way.’
Teamwork that Transformed an Industry Start-Up
The nomination of the ORA Senior Leadership Team reflects a year of extraordinary collaboration, creativity, and resilience. Comprising CEO David Dew Veal, Director of Operations & Customer Experience Hafsa Ameen, Director of Partnerships, Policy & Impact Catherine Marris, and Technology Lead Ben Parkyn, the four-person team has built one of the UK’s most dynamic new transport ventures from scratch.
In just 18 months, the leadership team has delivered:
- The successful incubation and national launch of ORA’s accessible car hire service
- Strategic partnerships with leading disability charities and events such as Naidex
- The explORA awareness campaign, spotlighting the transport accessibility gap
- Rapid digital innovation, including AI-enabled booking systems to simplify customer journeys
- Representation and advocacy at key sector events like MOVE and CX Live, keeping accessibility at the forefront of policy and innovation debates
The team’s cohesion is built on shared values: profit for purpose, excellence in the essentials, and trust is earned daily. Every member brings distinct expertise but a unified focus on their core mission.
‘We’re a small team with a big purpose,’ said Hafsa Ameen, Director of Operations & Customer Experience. ‘Every day, we see how accessible transport changes lives. The feedback from customers — often about moments that matter most — keeps us focused and proud.’
Real Stories, Real Impact
For ORA’s team, our success is measured in human terms. ORA’s Trustpilot reviews highlight how accessible transport is about so much more than just the journey:
‘My first time renting a WAV for someone newly disabled… Staff at ORA were absolutely superb, resulting in a magical weekend trip that gave us hope about the future of inclusivity.’
— Customer review, July 2024
‘We needed a wheelchair vehicle to get my mother to my father’s funeral… It was a difficult time, but ORA couldn’t do enough to help. Nothing was too much trouble.’
— Customer review, May 2025
‘They made a potentially stressful time very simple… Other companies didn’t even seem to understand what wheelchair access is. Thank you so much.’
— Customer review, April 2025
Each story reflects the tangible difference ORA’s approach is making: not only improving mobility, but restoring independence and connection.
A Second Nomination: Recognising Individual Impact
In addition to the team award, Catherine Marris has been shortlisted for the Impact Award, which honours individuals whose leadership and advocacy have brought lasting positive change to the transport and energy sectors.
Catherine’s influence in accessible transport spans several landmark achievements. Before joining ORA, she founded and led the Innovation, Policy & Research function at the Motability Foundation, directing more than £30 million in funding toward projects improving accessibility. Her visionary leadership was instrumental in creating the world’s first accessible EV charging standard — PAS 1899 — developed in partnership with the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and the British Standards Institution (BSI).
She also originated the concept for the National Centre for Accessible Transport (ncat) — a £20 million initiative providing the world’s first dedicated hub for research and innovation on transport accessibility.
‘Catherine’s work has fundamentally changed how the transport and energy sectors think about inclusion,’ said David Dew Veal. ‘From policy to product, she’s proven that accessibility isn’t a niche concern — it’s central to innovation, sustainability, and social impact.’
At ORA, Catherine is scaling those ideas commercially, leading partnerships and impact initiatives that aim to unlock 15 million accessible journeys annually by 2030. Her focus on co-creation, community engagement, and evidence-based advocacy continues to inspire change across the sector.
‘I’m deeply honoured to be nominated,’ said Catherine Marris. ‘The recognition is really for all the people and organisations who have championed accessibility in transport — from industry champions to policymakers to everyday users. ORA represents what’s possible when we work together to build systems that include everyone.’
Recognition from the Sector
The Transport & Energy Awards celebrate excellence and innovation at the intersection of mobility, energy, and sustainability. This year’s shortlist features leading organisations and individuals driving the shift toward cleaner, more inclusive transport systems.
ORA’s dual nomination places it among the UK’s most forward-thinking mobility innovators, highlighting the growing recognition that accessibility is a cornerstone of future-ready transport design.
‘We’re seeing a powerful moment in the industry,’ added Catheirne Marris. “Accessibility is finally being recognised as part of the sustainability conversation — and that’s exactly where it belongs.’
Beyond Awards: A Vision for the Future
For ORA, the nominations are both a celebration and a motivator. The company’s ambitions extend far beyond the current recognition. Its next chapter includes expanding its services, building new partnerships across the UK, and continuing to influence the design of inclusive mobility systems globally.
Key upcoming priorities include:
- Scaling capacity to reach thousands more users nationwide
- Developing new use cases for accessible transport in airports, ports, and tourism
- Launching new digital tools to enhance accessibility, booking ease, and customer support
- Continuing advocacy and collaboration with disability organisations, industry bodies, and policymakers
ORA’s leadership sees these awards not just as an endpoint, but as part of an ongoing journey toward systemic change.
‘Awards are wonderful recognition,’ said Ben Parkyn, ORA’s Technology Lead. ‘But the real reward is seeing disabled and older people gain the confidence to travel again — to experience freedom and spontaneity. That’s what we’re here for.’
About Open Road Access (ORA)
Open Road Access (ORA) is a purpose-driven innovation company committed to transforming accessible transport and closing the UK’s transport accessibility gap. Its mission is to ensure that everyone can move freely, independently, and with dignity.
Founded in 2023, ORA combines technology, co-design, and community engagement to deliver scalable, flexible mobility solutions. Our flagship Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) hire service offers nationwide coverage, flexible rental terms, and delivery direct to customers’ doors. The company’s approach is rooted in partnership with disabled people and advocacy groups, ensuring every service is built around real-world needs.
ORA aims to enable 15 million accessible journeys annually by 2030, redefining how accessible transport is conceived, designed, and delivered.
Website: www.openroadaccess.co.uk
Media contact: press@openroadaccess.co.uk
About the Transport & Energy Awards
The Transport & Energy Awards recognise excellence across the UK’s transport and energy sectors — from innovation and infrastructure to accessibility and inclusion. Celebrating individuals, teams, and organisations making a measurable impact, the awards highlight those leading the charge toward a cleaner, fairer, and more connected future.
Winners will be announced at the Transport & Energy Awards Ceremony on 20th November 2025.
A Shared Achievement
As ORA prepares to join industry peers at the ceremony, the mood is one of celebration, but also reflection. For a young company with a purpose-led ethos, to be recognised in two of the most competitive categories is an extraordinary milestone.
‘These nominations affirm that accessibility belongs at the heart of innovation,’ said David Dew Veal. ‘They’re not just recognition for ORA — they’re a signal to the whole sector that inclusive transport is the future.’
‘David started ORA to reimagine what accessible transport could be,’ added Hafsa Ameen. ‘Being shortlisted in both the team and individual categories shows that our vision is resonating — and that’s deeply meaningful.’
From its leadership team to every customer it serves, ORA remains focused on its founding purpose: to build a transport ecosystem where everyone can travel freely, confidently, and with dignity.
