Buckfast Abbey expands its corporate hospitality offer with two senior appointments

Buckfast Abbey, in South Devon, has strengthened its unique corporate hospitality offer with the appointment of two experts to spearhead an expansion of the Abbey’s services for businesses and organisations.

The Abbey’s two new senior managers, Sharon Cheshire and Sam Stern, will be instrumental in bringing a number of new initiatives to the Abbey’s conference and accommodation offer. The team will launch an exciting, new suite of corporate packages combining the benefits and facilities of the Abbey’s newly-renovated Conference Centre - including the stunning Schiller Hall - with on-site accommodation at the Northgate House Hotel and Grangehurst House.

Sharon Cheshire has joined the Abbey as the new Conference Centre and Grange Restaurant Manager. A seasoned hospitality professional, Sharon has worked in the hotel industry for fifteen years, both as an Events Manager and Wedding Planner, for hotels including Hilton Hotels and Resorts. Sharon has also worked for prestigious private households, including Holkham Hall estate in Norfolk, home to the Earl of Leicester, over a ten-year period.

Local Buckfast resident, Sam Stern, has been promoted to Buckfast Abbey’s Hotel and Accommodation Manager following nearly three years’ service working across the Abbey’s accommodation and conferencing departments. With a passion for hospitality and a new qualification in revenue management, Sam brings over 20 years’ experience in the hospitality industry working for both small independents and big brands.

Both appointments form part of the Abbey’s overarching plan to expand its corporate hospitality offering following the significant refurbishment of the Conference Centre’s new event hall last summer. The new-look Schiller Hall is capable of catering for 120 delegates and has two adjoined meeting rooms on a new mezzanine level. The Conference Centre also boasts six other event rooms which can host groups of up to 85.

The conference and events offer at the Abbey includes the option of residential accommodation at the 33-bedroom on-site Northgate House Hotel, or in Grangehurst House, a 50-bed accommodation block for groups.

Commenting on the two new appointments, Matt Roach, Chief Operating Officer, says: “Following the significant upgrade to our conference facilities over the last year, we’re now focused on developing our range of events and accommodation packages. The appointments of Sharon Cheshire and Sam Stern will enable us to not only extend our offer but manage the growing appetite for conferences and residential events at the Abbey.

“Buckfast Abbey is a place of beauty and tranquillity, with extensive grounds and gardens. This offers businesses and organisations a unique location for events of all kinds. Against the backdrop of the easing of COVID restrictions, we’re excited to be enhancing our corporate hospitality packages, and welcoming even more organisations to the Abbey.”

Buckfast Abbey’s rural setting, convenient location and ample free parking makes it a popular and inspiring venue for a wide range of events, both small and large. The Conference Centre is renowned for the quality of its menus which are created celebrating seasonal, local ingredients. Rooms come with refreshments, biscuits and a range of equipment including: flip charts, pens and paper, large screen and projection facilities, Wi-Fi, Audio facilities, connectivity via HDMI Cable, a built-in PC, White and Pin boards.