SELECTED ASSIGNMENTS n n n

Alastair Stevenson and Frank Coan have led or taken a major role

 in the selection of assignments listed below.

 

Attractions/Recreation/Leisure n n n

n       Appointed by English Heritage, the MPA team completed a detailed options appraisal for Thetford Priory in Norfolk.   The selected option was developed into a full business plan to support funding applications for a project of some £2.5m.

n        A development in MPA's series of business planning guides for the tourist industry was the completion of a version for the visitor attractions sector for the Southern Tourist Board. 

n        MPA carried out a review of the current operation of attractions consortia members in North Wales, their customer segments and marketing activity.   Initial recommendations were made on areas to further develop effective marketing for individual consortia and the region as a whole.  

n        MPA was appointed by Bexley Council to assess the revenue generating opportunities from conference and function business at Hall Place and Danson Mansion, two major historic buildings in Kent.

n        MPA was closely involved in the preparation, testing and evaluation of a grading scheme for attractions in Scotland and subsequent achievement of acceptance by the majority of eligible properties.  

n       Working for English Heritage, MPA were asked to estimate annual visitor numbers at the newly opened historic Wigmore Castle near Ludlow, determine the likely seasonal patterns, and provide a forecast for the resultant demand for car parking spaces in the village.

n        A review of opportunities for function and conference operations at Strawberry Hill.   This included a competitive review of facilities in West London and detailed revenue and cost projections.

n        Preparation of a Business Plan for St. Augustine's Abbey, Canterbury in support of an application for £900,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.  The application was successful.

n        Preparation of business plans for Dover Castle and Osborne House in support of Heritage Lottery Fund applications for capital projects in excess of £30m.

n        An investigation of the commercial opportunities for Eltham Palace, an historic site being conserved by English Heritage.   This included an assessment of the function and event market as well as planning for the provision of visitor catering facilities.