Bespoke Access Awards 2017-18 open for entries

The Bespoke Access Awards, an international competition to design fully accessible hotel rooms, is open for entries.

Launched today by Bespoke Hotels and the Royal Institute of British Architects at the Channel 4 headquarters in London, the awards aim to improve access to properties worldwide for disabled people, including those with learning difficulties, as well as challenge the perception of hotel facilities set aside for disabled people.

Bespoke Hotels chairman and judge Robin Sheppard said: "We are delighted to be continuing to lead the charge in making our industry more accessible, both in terms of the design and physical nature of its buildings, as well as the education and attitude of our staff."

Launched last year, the competition has been broadened to cover architecture, product design, service applications (digital), service applications (training) and inclusive employment. The overall winner of the Celia Thomas Prize will receive £20,000. The competition is open until 8 January 2018, and winners will be announced at a prize giving ceremony on 18 April 2018.

Last year's overall winner, Motionspot & Ryder Architecture, won for its ‘AllGo' accessible hotel room design concept. Many of the design concepts have been adopted by properties across the UK and hotels as far as Tokyo have registered their interest in the concept.

Paralympic gold medallist Tanni Grey-Thompson and Baroness Celia Thomas are among this year's judges, as well as architect Alan Stanton, Channel 4 disability specialist Graeme K Whippy, Leonard Cheshire Foundation trustee Alastair Hignell, chief executive of the Design Council Sarah Weir, and global specification director for Dyson Paul Gregory.

Penny Mordaunt, minister of state for disabled people, health and work, said: "Events like this send a clear message about the importance of improving access to products and services, as well as driving equality of opportunity for disabled people everywhere."

Find more about how to enter here.

Winner of inaugural Bespoke Access Awards announced >>

Top award at Hotel Cateys 2016 goes to Robin Sheppard of Bespoke Hotels >>

Robin Sheppard recognised as "hotel sector champion" by the government >>

Cateys 2017: Accessibility Award, Todsworthy Farm Holidays >>

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