The Urban Purveyor Group (UPG), which operates venues including the Bavarian Bier Cafes, Lowenbrau Keller and The Argyle, has launched the Mike Spithill Wine Leadership Scholarship.
UPG launched the scholarship in recognition of its late board member, Mike Spithill, who provided education and training to the group and its key wine partners, Samuel Smith & Son and Negociants Australia.
Urban Purveyor Group chief executive officer Thomas Pash said “Mike sat on the board of Urban Purveyor Group for over 10 years, he mentored members of our senior leadership team, and was an infinite source of knowledge on the restaurant and wine industries.
“Mike’s educational endeavours will live on through the Wine Leadership Scholarship which will be open to Urban Purveyor Group employees who are interested in furthering their knowledge and passion for wines from around the world.”
Rebecca O’Shea, assistant manager at The Cut Bar & Grill, is the inaugural recipient of the scholarship and is preparing to embark on an all-expenses paid 10 day tour of Europe where she will visit wine producers including Torres, E.Guigal, Pol Roger, Prunotto, Gaja and Antinori.
Pash said the scholarship would be available every second year, and encourages UPG staff members to get involved.
“I applaud Rebecca’s hard work and enthusiasm. The scholarship is a way to invest in the future leaders of Urban Purveyor Group and I encourage all team members to challenge themselves through our ongoing professional development opportunities.”