Robin Sheppard, Founder and Chairman of Bespoke Hotels, has made a significant donation to the Oxford School of Hospitality Management at Oxford Brookes University to support student learning. His generous donation will give students access to a range of co-curricular activities that will strengthen their management competencies.

Angela Maher, Interim Head of the School at Oxford Brookes University commented: "Our reputation for delivering an excellent student experience is founded, in large part, on co-curricular activities that develop students' confidence and get them ready for challenging and fulfilling management careers.

"Robin and Bespoke's hugely generous donation will strengthen our capacity to deliver this kind of innovative learning."

In 2016 Sheppard launched the Bespoke Access Awards, an international design competition that recognises innovative architectural design that improves access and enhances the experience for hotel guests, particularly for those with disabilities.

Reflecting his passionate support of access issues, part of his donation will fund the Bespoke Access Scholarship, to cover the research costs for one master's student who undertakes their dissertation on this important topic. In addition, the Bespoke Access Lunch will give students and industry leaders the chance to hear from a keynote speaker about the challenges faced by hotel guests who have disabilities.

Robin Sheppard's donation will also support a volunteering programme in Romania, through which students contribute to a range of community-based projects.

With Robin's help the Oxford School of Hospitality Management's involvement in the FT Weekend Oxford Literary Festival will be extended, providing students with the opportunity to conceptualise and manage high profile events, as well as looking after VIP guests.

Many of these learning activities will be delivered by the Oxford Cultural Collective, a new educational and cultural institute established by Donald Sloan, former Head of the Oxford School of Hospitality Management.

Before establishing Bespoke Hotels, Robin Sheppard was General Manager of several acclaimed properties including The Lygon Arms, The Royal Berkshire and The Bath Spa. He is a graduate of the Oxford School of Hospitality Management and in April 2017 he received the Bacchus Alumni Award for Major Contribution to Industry.

Information about studying hospitality courses at Oxford Brookes University can be found on the Oxford School of Hospitality Management webpages.

Background

Robin Sheppard— Photo by Oxford BrookesRobin Sheppard— Photo by Oxford Brookes
Robin Sheppard— Photo by Oxford Brookes

  • The Oxford School of Hospitality Management is a leading provider of higher education in the field of international hospitality and tourism management. The School has achieved an international reputation for teaching excellence and innovation, as well as strong links with business and industry. The School is ranked in the top three hospitality schools in the world (Worldwide Hospitality School Awards 2016) and top in the UK for student satisfaction (KIS data, 2016).

For more information visit http://hospitality.brookes.ac.uk/

  • For enquiries contact Jacqueline O'Brien, Oxford School of Hospitality Management ([email protected]; tel. 01865 483813)
  • Set in a historic student city, Oxford Brookes is one of the UK's leading universities and enjoys an international reputation for teaching excellence and innovation as well as strong links with business and industry. More information is available on the Oxford Brookes website at www.brookes.ac.uk

The Oxford Cultural Collective

  • Established in August 2017, the Oxford Cultural Collective is an international cultural institute that promotes better understanding of food and drink in pursuit of personal fulfilment, professional development and social change. It provides opportunities for collaborative, creative and convivial learning.

For more information visit https://oxfordculturalcollective.com

For enquires contact Laurie Tebbutt ([email protected])

About The Oxford School of Hospitality Management 

The Oxford School of Hospitality Management is a leading provider of higher education in the field of international hospitality and tourism management. The School has achieved an international reputation for teaching excellence and innovation, as well as strong links with business and industry. The School is ranked in the top three hospitality schools in the world (Worldwide Hospitality School Awards 2016) and top in the UK for student satisfaction (KIS data, 2016).

For more information visit http://hospitality.brookes.ac.uk/

Donald Sloan
Chair, The Oxford Cultural Collective
Oxford Brookes