Dean Heritage Centre
Business Options Appraisal to Support Major Capital Development
Dean Heritage Centre is the home of the Forest of Dean’s history and memories. Located in the heart of the Forest, the centre’s displays and collections tell the stories of a rich industrial past and literary heritage. The Grade II listed Mill building, with its waterwheel, houses the museum displays and is surrounded by five acres of woodland that are used for craft events and education activities with local schools.
A business options appraisal was commissioned by the centre as part of a suite of NLHF-funded studies (also including an audience development study, a collections review and topographical, biodiversity and hydrogeological surveys) designed to support the development of a long-term sustainable strategy for the organisation. The overall aim was to increase Dean Heritage Centre’s relevance to audiences, strengthen its market appeal as well as preserve and showcase the heritage. The appraisal process included consultations, a thorough review of all facets of the current operation, an assessment of the market and external environment and modelling of potential business development options.
Project Objectives:
Dean Heritage Centre needed a thorough investigation into its business operating model to identify options for growth. Finella and her team consulted widely with the trustees, staff and volunteers and undertook a thorough investigation into all aspects of the business and market before presenting their conclusions. Finella was very easy to contact throughout the study and put everyone at ease during a challenging time of change for the centre. I was very pleased she was on our team and we’re already implementing Phase 1 of Azure Oxford’s recommendations.
Alison Breton, Trustee