At Heritage Thinking Differently, we’re pouring another coffee, ordering dessert, and turning our attention to a subject that’s often overlooked in strategic conversations: the humble museum or heritage café. While the quality and character of cafés vary as widely as the sites themselves, most serve more than just refreshments, they underpin everything from visitor experience to income generation. This blog explores the roles, realities, and overlooked potential of these spac

In today’s Heritage Thinking Differently blog, I reflect on a vital yet faltering relationship: that between museums and academic institutions. This partnership, once foundational to the development of the sector, appears to have drifted into the margins. Have our institutions changed irrevocably, or has the broader landscape shifted around them? Over twenty-five years ago, as I embarked on my career in the museum sector, I looked up to academics who were revered for their in

Many municipal museums and art galleries are nestled within pleasure gardens, originally conceived as an integrated public leisure offering. Similarly, university museums are often set within parkland, and larger independent museums frequently manage extensive green or open spaces. Just as museums themselves vary widely in their scope, so too do these external spaces and their potential for public engagement. Heritage Thinking Differently explores the untapped opportunities b

Do you take time to listen to or watch TED Talks? If not, you might be missing out on an opportunity for personal development. I’m a big fan of podcasts and YouTube videos, but TED Talks offer something unique. Their simple yet powerful format delivers incredible insights, personal stories, and, at times, genuinely life-changing ideas. The TED Conference is a US/Canadian initiative which began in 1984 as a technology conference and has now grown to encompass all topics and pr

Holidaying in the north of England, Wales, and Scotland has shaped my perspective on this topic. Despite the UK’s well-earned reputation for wet weather, we often lack large indoor attractions, particularly in areas known for outdoor tourism. This raises an important question: How do museums help bridge this gap? Welcome to Heritage Thinking Differently , where we explore how institutions can adapt to our unpredictable climate. The Challenge of Wet Weather in Outdoor Tourist

How familiar are you with ‘Lidar’ 3D scanning in the cultural sector? Is it on your radar yet? My own experience with this technology is somewhat outdated, as it has evolved rapidly in recent years. However, given that many may not yet be aware of its full potential, I hope my perspective can serve as a useful introduction. For those with up-to-date knowledge, your insights would be invaluable in shaping future discussions. With that in mind, welcome to Heritage Thinking Diff

How well do you understand your target audience and catchment area? For some cultural sites, this is straightforward, particularly if they are funded by a specific community. However, for others, defining and reaching an audience without a clear strategy can lead to significant challenges. Welcome to Heritage Thinking Differently, where we explore audience development and marketing. Understanding Your Catchment Area For district and county museums and heritage sites, geograph

Many organisations operate without a formal, written strategic plan. Sound familiar? It’s understandable, we’re all busy. While most leaders have a vision in mind, that abstract roadmap might not be enough to drive meaningful progress. But what if I told you that a strategy does far more than just chart a course to success? Read on. This is Heritage Thinking Differently, exploring how a strong strategy can transform your organisation. “If you don’t know where you’re going, an

Will we see a bonfire of museums? How many must close before we collectively say, "No more"? And if some survive while others disappear, what does that say about the heritage we truly value? Will we let steam engines vanish but fiercely protect treasures taken from other nations? Who decides what stays and what goes? Image: Houses of Parliament The Silent Crisis in Museums This is my second blog on the growing crisis facing museums, just a few months after my last. I hadn’t

Have you ever visited a museum and been drawn in not just by the exhibits, but by the inviting café, the well curated gift shop, or the unique atmosphere of the space? If so, you've experienced the magic of a museum that has successfully turned its commercial areas into destinations in their own right. Salts Mill, Saltaire Too often, museums see their commercial spaces—like cafés, shops, and event areas, as secondary to the main attraction. But when done right, these areas ca

Does your life have a musical soundtrack? Is every moment of drama or beauty accompanied by your personal playlist? This isn’t a new phenomenon. Even before the Sony Walkman (yes, I’m showing my age), some of us had a constant stream of music playing in our heads. For some neurodivergent individuals, this is a daily reality. What has changed is our ability to curate and control our auditory experiences. So, are museums missing an opportunity? This is Heritage Thinking Differe

Everyone, no matter their experience level, can benefit from a mentor or coach. The form this relationship takes and the goals it serves will vary from person to person. Availability, budget, and personal circumstances all play a role in determining the kind of support you can access. But one thing is certain, navigating your professional journey alone isn’t the best path to success. So, let’s dive into Heritage Thinking Differently to explore why mentoring could be the key t

This could be my shortest blog ever because the simple answer is unfortunately: no. If you think otherwise, you may be fooling yourself. But this topic deserves more than a short answer. A more interesting question is, “How should I respond to the potential that AI presents?” Framing AI as a ‘threat’ only leads to wasted effort trying to deny or defeat it—a battle with only one possible outcome. For years, you’ve been warned that technology could make museums irrelevant. If y

So, your site is a well-oiled machine? Your commercial areas are performing at their peak, your fundraising strategy is rock solid, your branding is attracting new audiences, and your events are packed to capacity. You’ve got an effective membership program, a thriving online revenue stream, and a team that’s laser-focused on your vision. If all of this is true, congratulations, you don’t need a Commercial Review! Sorry for wasting your time. But let’s be real. Most sites, no

I know this blog may alienate some of my colleagues in the sector. The debate around admission charges often feels polarised, either you’re for or against. But perhaps the real question isn’t about taking sides. Instead, we should ask: What role, if any, can admission fees play in creating sustainable business models for museums amd heritage sites at risk? So, into the lion’s den I go. This is Heritage Thinking Differently on admission charges. A Sector Divided Full disclosur

Keep this to yourself. Scattered across the country are museums that few people mention. When we discuss how museums are embracing new technologies, these places are often left out. When we talk about museums tackling social issues, knife crime, human rights, climate change, or breaking down barriers for race, gender, class, neurodiversity, and disability, these museums are rarely part of the conversation. Pick up a copy of Museums Journal and you’ll see stories about cutting

Take a moment to explore my website, it might just change the way you think about museums and heritage sites. It won’t cost you anything except a few minutes, but it could spark new ideas, fresh perspectives, and innovative solutions. Who Am I? Every professional brings a unique skill set shaped by their experiences, and I am no exception. I specialise in strategic planning, leadership, commercial expansion, project management, organic fundraising, and team development. Befor

Music has the power to move us—literally? Whether it's tapping a foot, swaying to the beat, or full-on dancing in the kitchen when no one's watching, music is deeply woven into our lives. And yet, when we step into a public space, especially a museum, something shifts. The British Reserve takes over, and suddenly, we’re standing still, observing rather than participating. But what if museums could change that? What if they became spaces where movement, self-expression, and ev

At the start of each year, I eagerly anticipate my annual leadership retreat. I refer to it as "my retreat" not out of ownership, but because it has become an integral part of my professional and personal growth. Since completing the Museum Resilient Leadership (MRL) programme in 2017, I have attended the ‘Be the Change’ leadership retreat in North Yorkshire almost every year. The pandemic was the only interruption. Yet, it strikes me that this commitment to continuous develo

Over the years, I’ve developed a deep interest in the interpersonal dynamics of teams. Reflecting on my leadership journey, I often think how much more effective I could have been if I had explored this sooner. When it comes to team interaction my observation is that what is really occurring is not what often appears to be happening. One of the most illuminating models I’ve encountered is the Drama Triangle, a framework that reveals how certain patterns of interaction can cre

For today’s Heritage Thinking Differently blog, I want to reflect on digital livestreaming technology. Where are you with online learning today? Are you still feeling ambitious? I hope so. I hope progress is happening, and I’d love to hear about it. My personal experience suggests that some of the early ambition for digital transformation has been derailed by the pandemic and is taking time to reassert itself. I’d love to be proven wrong, but pre-COVID, there was an undeniabl

“If you don’t know where you’re going any road will take you there”. Lewis Carol. Heritage Thinking Differently is proud to introduce the 2/5/10 Strategic Planning Programme, originally developed by esteemed cultural consultant Nick Winterbotham. Following a distinguished career in senior leadership and consultancy, Nick has entrusted his strategic planning methodology to Helen Sharp and me, ensuring its continued impact in the sector. From 2025, Helen and I will be leading t

Museums are wonderfully diverse. Some are deeply embedded in their communities, offering valued services to a broad audience. Others, situated in high-traffic tourist areas, cater to visitors seeking entertainment or inspiration. Then there are those off the beaten track, hidden in residential streets, where survival depends on having a truly unique offering, transforming them into “bucket list” destinations. These are the museums that capture public imagination, the ones you

Today’s Heritage Thinking Differently blog ventures into new territory: neurodiversity in the workplace. Much of the discussion around neurodiversity in the cultural sector has focused on audience needs. Museums have made great strides in creating autism-friendly visiting hours, designing content for dyslexic readers, and, more recently, considering ADHD-friendly experiences. But what about neurodiverse employees? Could museums be an ideal workplace for individuals with uniqu