Meet Stephen Hickmore:

Hello, my name is Stephen Hickmore and I am the Director and Co-owner of The Swiss Hotel School. I graduated from a UK Hotel School in 1980 and joined THF hotels as a graduate management trainee. My career started in Food and Beverage and banqueting moving up to Deputy General Manager by the age of 24. I then moved into Hotel Human Resources for The Southern Sun Hotel Group before I opened my own HR and recruitment business in 1996. My fellow Director Phillip Meyer and myself started a company called HSC about 20 years back. An outsource staffing business eventually employing over 5000 people countrywide. In 2022 I joined SHS full time as Director and Conductor (Think conductor of an orchestra rather than a bus)

 1. What inspired you to join the hospitality/culinary education industry, and how did your journey lead you to SHS? 

I had a bit of a checkered education largely due to my status as a Royal Airforce brat (My father flew Vulcan Bombers and Canberra reconnaissance planes during the Cold War. We moved wherever the squadron posted us). This meant 11 different schools. My Grandparents and my Uncle owned and ran hotels so I felt this was what I wanted to do rather than the military. So at 16 I started work at a hotel and then studied hard to obtain my qualifications.  

2. What do you love most about working with students at SHS OR running a Hospitality school?

I am so grateful to have the opportunity of working with and hopefully inspiring a future generation of Chefs and Hoteliers. If you had told me 5 years ago that I would be running a hotel school in the twilight of my career I would not have believed you. I love every part of what we do at SHS. We are a nurturing environment and each student gets personal attention from lecturers and other faculty members. It is an exciting and vibrant place to be

3. In your opinion, what sets SHS apart from other hospitality or culinary institutions? 

I often get asked this question. I like to put our success down to the dedication and talent of our faculty. We are constantly asking the industry what we can do to improve to be at the cutting edge of hospitality industry education. We go the extra mile for our students and constantly invest in our facilities on campus. I do believe that we have an excellent campus. Any visitor will tell you about the level of our facilities and the friendly environment that gives a super platform for learning.

4. What's one thing students often don't expect about studying at SHS — but love once they experience it? 

SHS likes to develop each individuals personality and strengths. We don't produce clones of each other. We encourage you to be the best that you can be and give you space to express your individuality. We are a disciplined environment with plenty of room to breathe. We do have fun and students make lifelong friends here.

5. Can you share a proud moment you've had with a student recently (current or future students)? 

We had a student who graduated last year. D came from a child centred family and lived in difficult circumstances. I am so proud of how she put her head down, worked hard and embraced every opportunity SHS could offer. Home life was never easy for D but she fought all the way. D had never been on an aeroplane before or even been to an airport. But now, D  works in Florida in the USA and has realised a dream she never thought possible. The power of hard work, vision and the overcoming of struggles. What an inspiration. 

6. If you could give one piece of advice to a parent helping their child choose a career path, what would it be? 

I believe that the hospitality industry gives a student the opportunity to travel and have a lifelong varied and fulfilling career. When choosing a degree or a trade qualification always look to an institution that prepares for the world of work. Our students are job ready when they leave SHS. Our internships give real life experience either locally or overseas. The long internships are paid and students get to work in places like Switzerland, UK, Europe, Cruise ships, USA amongst others. Many people say "follow your passion" I agree, though a career needs to be something that AI will not replace and will lead to advancement and job satisfaction.

7. What is your hidden talent or fun fact that students/parents might not know about you? 

I am trained in Shaolin Kung fu and Boxing (I still hit some bags, but have not sparred for a while. Age is catching up) I am also a musician (Guitar) I have been known to write songs, none of which have made it. Maybe one day I will win a Grammy. However, If you heard any of my compositions you will understand why I have never won an award or gotten a record contract.

8. How do you see the hospitality industry evolving, and how does SHS prepare students for that future? 

The hospitality industry is constantly evolving at a fast pace. Guests are looking for unique experiences. As a result competition is fierce. Whether it be restaurants, hotels, resorts, game lodges, cruises you will always need to be ahead of the game. There are even plans to have holidays in space! As a higher education establishment, we keep up with trends by involving ourselves with the industry and asking them what the new innovations are. Hospitality is business, SHS needs to teach subjects that echo this. We will continue to review our curriculum to be up with the latest in industry.

9. What's the most rewarding part of your day at SHS? 

I love to walk around the campus in the morning and greet everyone, see what they are doing and chat a bit if there is time. I can always be seen hanging around the kitchens especially during Cake Week and Chocolate week. Oh, and teaching definitely keeps me up to date with what is going on in the world. Students never stop teaching me new things too.