Commercial, not-for-profit arm of the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – part of a global network of 738 reserves linking people to place and nature under the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Contract role focusing on rural stakeholder engagement and delivery of The Natural Capital Marketplace, an online trading platform linking landowners with natural capital project delivery partners and funding across the South West of England. Supported farmers and landed estates navigate new opportunities and changes to subsidies during period of agricultural transition. Assisted key environmental NGO’s by supporting delivery of their own programmes in this area.Key SuccessLaunching the Natural Capital Marketplace™ platform and onboarding 100+ farms and landowners from the South West to register interest in new ecosystem service generating, nature-based project opportunities.

Leading partnership and relationship development with strategic regional and national organisations to restructure tourism delivery in the county, capitalising on external and central government funding opportunities, ensuring coordinated promotional campaign activity. Latterly assuming Head of Partnerships & Business Development role for Visit Northumberland, the newly formed Destination Management Organisation – focusing on the improvement of quality, consistency and innovation within the visitor economy. Design and implementation of new bespoke commercial partnership structure and funding model, with associated B2B engagement programme.Key SuccessRecruiting over 620 businesses from across the tourism, hospitality and leisure sector to join in commercial partnership with a new Destination Management Organisation during COVID-19 restrictions.

Strategic lead for all aspects of recreation and the public’s interaction with the Forest Estate in central southern England, specifically areas of East Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire and West Sussex, including the South Downs National Park. Managing £2.4 million income budget. Responsible for the direction and leadership of Alice Holt Forest Centre attracting 450,000 visitors per annum, and its 14 operational staff members. Key Success40% increase in revenue following strategic review of car parking provision.

Research, development and implementation of the Coastal Activity Park, a concept leisure and sports destination, including the proposed activities and infrastructure. This included the development and delivery of a year round sports based events programme, providing advice to internal and external clients regarding event management, safety coordination, resource planning and allocation. Key SuccessSuccessful delivery of a concept leisure destination from scratch - providing a leading local tourism facility, championing and nurturing commercial opportunities and developing sports opportunities for all.

Monitoring and reporting on the trading performance and contract standards for a variety of partnership agreements. Liaising with contractors on operational issues to ensure compliance with licence agreements as well as the preparation of contract documentation and specifications for tender purposes.Key SuccessDelivery of Purbeck View Beach Hut development, generating £840k in additional revenue for the local authority.