Championing the UK short-term rental sector through advocacy, support and collaboration.

Championing the UK short-term rental sector through advocacy, support and collaboration.

  • The UK STAA

The UK Short Term Accommodation Association (UK STAA) was founded to represent and support the diverse ecosystem of short-term rental operators across the United Kingdom. From individual hosts renting out spare rooms to professional property management companies overseeing hundreds of listings, we champion fair regulation and sustainable growth for all.

Our organisation works at the intersection of tourism, housing policy, and local economic development. We engage directly with Members of Parliament, local councils, tourism boards, and regulatory bodies to ensure evidence-based decision-making that recognises the economic and social benefits of short-term rentals.

Through our advocacy efforts, we've helped shape policies in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, ensuring operators have clarity on compliance requirements while maintaining the flexibility that makes short-term accommodation such a valuable part of the UK's visitor economy.

We also provide our members with essential resources including legal updates, health and safety guidance, insurance information, fire regulation compliance support, and access to industry-leading educational content through our webinar series and resource library.

Achievements

Key Milestones in STAA's Journey

  • 2017

STAA founded to create a unified national voice for the businesses and people in STR tourism.

  • 2019

STAA founds the Short Stay Summit.

  • 2022

Andy Fenner appointed CEO as the STAA expands its reach.

  • 2023

UK STAA founds its Policy Group bringing professional policy heads in to a united voice for the sector.

UK STAA founds the Global Association Network.

  • 2024

Graham Donoghue, CEO of Forge Holiday Group becomes Chair of the UK STAA.

  • 2025

Short Stay Summit attendance exceeds 1,300.

  • 2026

Janet Uttley is appointed as the CEO of the UK STAA.

2017

STAA founded to create a unified national voice for the businesses and people in STR tourism.

2019

STAA founds the Short Stay Summit.

2022

Andy Fenner appointed CEO as the STAA expands its reach.

2023

STAA founds its Policy Group bringing professional policy heads in to a united voice for the sector.

STAA founds the Global Association Network.

2024

Graham Donoghue, CEO of Forge Holiday Group becomes Chair of the STAA.

2025

Short Stay Summit attendance exceeds 1,300.

  • We are your champions

The UK STAA serves as the political voice for short-term rental operators across the UK. Our government affairs team maintains active relationships with MPs, select committees, the Department for Culture Media and Sport, local authorities, and devolved administrations.

We have secured meetings with over 100 parliamentarians in the past three years, providing evidence, testimony, and practical insights that inform legislation affecting our sector. Our advocacy has directly influenced policy outcomes including registration schemes, planning use classifications, tax policies, and local licensing frameworks.

We champion proportionate regulation that protects communities while enabling responsible operators to contribute to local economies. From rural holiday lets supporting tourism in the countryside to urban spare room rentals helping families earn additional income, we represent the full spectrum of short-term accommodation providers.

Our policy work is backed by robust research, data analysis, and member consultation, ensuring we bring credible, evidence-based positions to every conversation with policymakers.

Global
Through the Global Association Network we are creating worldwide opportunities for members.
We represent and support the thousands of individuals across the UK who let out their homes and rooms in this vital part of the tourism sector and the businesses who support them.

Meet the STAA team

The UK STAA team is committed to advocating for the interests of our members and providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive. Based in our offices in London we offer a range of educational programs, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts to help our members across the UK stay informed and connected with the latest developments in the industry.

Each year, UK STAA members elect a board to lead on the overall strategic direction of the association. Drawn from a wide range of backgrounds and businesses and each bringing their unique perspective to the role, UK STAA board members provide strategic vision and expert guidance to help the association meet its goals.

Please contact info@ukstaa.org for more information.

Janet Uttley
Janet Uttley
STAA CEO
Graham
Graham Donoghue
STAA Chair.
CEO, Forge Holiday Group
Simon Lehmann
Simon Lehmann
STAA Director for Europe and the Global Association Network.
CEO and Co-Founder, AJL Atelier
Shomik
Shomik Panda
Director of the STAA.
CEO, Inline Policy
Louise
Louise Birritteri
STAA Treasurer.
CEO & Founder, Pikl
Charlie
Charlie Reith
STAA Director.
Co-Chair of the Policy Group,
UK & Ireland Government Affairs, Expedia Group
Leo
Leo Walton
Vice Chair of the STAA.
Senior Vice President of Partnerships, Truvi
Carl
Carl Thomson
STAA Director.
Co-Chair of the Policy Group,
Manager, UK, Airbnb
Dale
Dale Smith
STAA Board Member.
Founder & Director, Host & Stay
Dan
Dan Whiting
STAA Board Member.
Bath Holiday Cottages
Mark
Mark Simpson
STAA Board Member.
Founder, Boostly
Reece
Reece Vickerstaff
STAA Creative Director.
Creative Director, My Design Studio

STAA Ambassadors

Merilee
Merilee Karr
STAA Founder.
CEO, UnderTheDoormat Group
Mike
Mike Ortegon
Global Customer Solutions at Youmday & Former VRBO Director
Diane
Diane Lloyd
Managing Director, 3GL Events
Andrea
Andrea Barlow
Short Stay Summit Content Producer
Janet Uttley
Janet Uttley
STAA CEO
Graham
Graham Donoghue
STAA Chair.
CEO, Forge Holiday Group
Simon Lehmann
Simon Lehmann
STAA Director for Europe and the Global Association Network.
CEO and Co-Founder, AJL Atelier
Shomik
Shomik Panda
Director of the STAA.
CEO, Inline Policy
Louise
Louise Birritteri
STAA Treasurer.
CEO & Founder, Pikl
Charlie
Charlie Reith
STAA Director.
Co-Chair of the Policy Group,
UK & Ireland Government Affairs, Expedia Group
Leo
Leo Walton
Vice Chair of the STAA.
Senior Vice President of Partnerships, Truvi
Carl
Carl Thomson
STAA Director.
Co-Chair of the Policy Group,
Manager, UK, Airbnb
Dale
Dale Smith
STAA Board Member.
Founder & Director, Host & Stay
Dan
Dan Whiting
STAA Board Member.
Bath Holiday Cottages
Mark
Mark Simpson
STAA Board Member.
Founder, Boostly

STAA Ambassadors

Merilee
Merilee Karr
STAA Founder.
CEO, UnderTheDoormat Group
Mike
Mike Ortegon
Global Customer Solutions at Youmday & Former VRBO Director
Diane
Diane Lloyd
Managing Director, 3GL Events
Andrea
Andrea Barlow
Short Stay Summit Content Producer
Membership

Join the UK STAA Today and Unlock Exclusive Benefits

UK STAA is the national voice of the UK's short-term rental sector, representing the interests of hosts, property managers, operators and industry partners.

Membership includes:

  • Reduced rates for key UK STAA events, including the Short Stay Summit
  • Access to industry insights, policy updates and market intelligence
  • A comprehensive library of resources for short-term rental businesses
  • Valuable networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers
  • Dedicated support and representation for the sector

Be part of the organisation shaping the future of the UK's short-term rental industry.

STAA Holiday Home coastline
Join the UK STAA today

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