Brockholes, Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside
We worked with the Trust’s project team to prepare a business plan, which has been used to successfully gain £8 million in funding, for Brockholes a new ‘flagship‘ wildlife visitor experience, near Preston. This involved carrying out a market review in terms of the visitor attraction and tourism sectors, a demographic analysis, concept development preparing a penetration analysis, producing a detailed financial model and carrying out a risk analysis.

We also advised on pre and post opening marketing initiatives and management options. Previously we had carried a feasibility study for the Trust. Here’s a link to an article on Brockholes in the Guardian newspaper.

Attenborough Centre, Nottingham
As part of this study we assessed the feasibility of introducing a free admissions visitor centre at a nature reserve in Nottingham for the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.

Our work included carrying out an analysis of the demographic profile of Nottingham and an assessment of the tourism and visitor attraction sectors to identify the potential target markets.

Craft Centre Study – Creating the Visitor Experience, Midlands
We carried out research into the craft centre sector (including site visits) in the UK. Our work identified critical elements for the operation of a financially sustainable craft centre.

Forest Enterprise, Bedgebury, Kent
We carried out a feasibility study, market assessment and business planning strategy for the outdoor activity centre at Bedgebury Pinetum. Our work was used to help support a successful Lottery application.

Wigan Flashes, Wigan
Working with Wigan Borough Council and Partners, Planning Solutions Consulting were commissioned to carry out a feasibility study for a visitor centre at Wigan Flashes. The Flashes are one of the most important urban wetland sites in England in terms of biodiversity. Objectives included increasing access to the Flashes and introducing a gateway facility to the Greenheart Regional Park and identifying revenue generating opportunities. Our work focused on carrying out a market assessment, consultation exercise, an options assessment and Indicative visitor and financial modeling, including identifying capital costs.