There is no set formula for successfully developing a cultural organisation. The challenges and opportunities vary enormously across the arts and heritage sectors and are changing ever more quickly. An alternate, supportive perspective can be invaluable.
Business Development Portflio
Options Appraisal for Brighton Pavilion & Museums
Business Planning for The Peace Museum
Trust Status for York Museums
Museums Enterprises Ltd.
Enterprise Innovator Group
Membership Scheme
The Grand Tour in York
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Options Appraisal for Brighton Pavilion & Museums
In 2018 Mike Woodward & Associates undertook a major, two-stage options appraisal of the future governance and structure of Brighton City Council's museum service. This resulted in the council deciding to transfer the service to a new charitable trust. Mike is now supporting the Royal Pavilion & Museums Foundation in the creation of this new enterprise. (Image "Brighton Pavilion" by huygens is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0) -
Business Planning for The Peace Museum
In 2017-18 Mike supported the museum in a fundamental review of their strategic objectives and helped them to draw up a five year business plan, including options for relocation of the exhibitions, stores and other operations. -
Trust Status for York Museums
York Museums Trust is now a leading example of a successful conversion of a local authority cultural service to trust status, with 160 employees and a turnover of c.£7m. When the principle of the new organisation had been agreed, Mike Woodward was employed, first to draw up the business plan and then to make it happen by:- negotiating the details of the legal arrangements of the new charity,
- creating the new Finance & IT systems,
- dealing with banking, auditing, tax and insurance,
- making necessary HR and pension arrangements,
- creating a brand identity and web presence for the new organisation,
- communicating to a wide range of stakeholders to maintain confidence in the process.
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Museums Enterprises Ltd.
This trading arm of York Museums Trust made a loss in its first year of operation in 2003 but by 2016 was reliably making profits of more than £300k per annum. Mike Woodward, as an executive director and company secretary throughout this time, drove the growth in turnover and profits by:- Creating the 'York Venues' brand and business, based primarily out of the refurbished Hospitium building.
- Increasing the range and quality of retail opportunities.
- Creating new catering opportunities and working with external catering partners to maximise investment and returns.
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Enterprise Innovator Group
This two year programme exploring ways of working with businesses was delivered by Mike Woodward in association with The Museum Consultancy. Workshops were attended by delegates from 17 different museums and individuals were then supported to develop their plans. Participants said:- "Extremely helpful. Trainers successfully engaged us all which led to a sharing and producing of ideas."
- "Actions will follow, an excellent catalyst."
- "came away with a good business partnership plan."
- "Lots of relevant discussion and case studies."
- "More like this! Innovative ways of surviving and thriving in the current climate!"
"Mike's input was crucial to the success of the Innovator groups. He shared considerable knowledge and experience of museums working with business partners. Delegates were inspired to explore the possibilities open to their own organisations, within a supportive environment."
Miranda Rowlands, Shared Enterprise -
Membership Scheme
In 2015 York Museums Trust launched a significant new product - it's membership scheme. Within 18 months more than 30,000 memberships had been sold and there were 25,000 active members. Mike was responsible for this strategic development through its market research, planning, branding and implementation phases. Pricing and positioning of the new product was key to its success. -
The Grand Tour in York
One summer morning in 2008 York visitors and residents woke up to find the city streets had become a gallery for 50 framed masterpieces. Mike Woodward worked with the National Gallery, Steve Farley and Hewlett-Packard to make this high-profile publicity project happen. It had national and international impact. Mike led the project in the city, drawing partners together, choosing sites and curating the show. The Grand Tour in York won the award for Yorkshire's 'Event of the Year'. -
