Consultancy: Research – Modelling – Narrative

Image of Paul Klee Centre, Bern, Switzerland, with woman pointing to the entrance.

Successful consultancy projects are journeys shared by consultant and client. Almost all of them have three aspects:

  1. Research: understand the situation, clarify objectives and gather information.
  2. Modelling: build conceptual and/or software models that help reveal and refine possible solutions into realistic options.
  3. Narrative: use the mass of facts and figures to create a comprehensible, persuasive "story" for stakeholders and decision-makers, told in words, graphics and pictures.

Ideally these are also the phases of the project in chronological order, though it is usually necessary to take an iterative approach and revisit each as necessary. Each aspect is vital. Early work with the client to understand needs and objectives often results in changes to the scope of the study without which it would be a waste of money. Effective modelling focuses attention on key issues and gives everyone confidence in the proposed courses of action. And without a good "story" even the best project will struggle to get the support it deserves.

Culture, Heritage and Destinations

I specialise in consultancy and support for organisations in the cultural, heritage and destination sector, including museums and galleries, heritage attractions, and tourist destinations, especially for the following tasks:

  • Business planning, operational and financial modelling
  • Market appraisal and visitor forecasting
  • Economic appraisal (although for major grant applications I may advise you to use an economic specialist)
  • Reports and grant applications (writing or editing).

Teamwork

I have a great deal of experience working in multidisciplinary consultancy teams and am happy to join your team or to use my network of contacts to assemble one to meet your needs.