A New Chapter: My Transition to Consultancy

After nearly 30 years working in naval history and heritage, I’ve recently taken an exciting step into consultancy. It feels like the right moment to share a bit about where I’ve come from and what this new chapter means for me.

Where it began

My journey began with a passion for bringing history to life through storytelling that took me from university into roles at places like the Imperial War Museum and The National Museum of the Royal Navy.

Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to work on some remarkable projects like building the biggest exhibition ever created about the Battle of Jutland for the centenary in 2016, or one of my proudest achievements when I led the rescue and restoration of LCT 7074, the last surviving D-Day Landing Craft Tank. This amazing project was a blend of history, engineering and teamwork that left a lasting impression on me. More recently, I oversaw the £4.5 million redevelopment of the Scapa Flow Museum in Orkney, turning a closed site into a nationally respected heritage destination that was shortlisted for Museum of the Year 2023 alongside massive industry players like Glasgow’s Burrell Collection and London’s Natural History Museum.

I’ve also loved getting involved with documentaries and broadcasting, which have added a different dimension to my work, allowing me to bring naval history to wider audiences in new and engaging ways. I was a guest presenter for the BBC’s award-winning Coast series for some years, and in 2016 I helped present the BBC’s epic Jutland documentary, Jutland 1916: the Navy’s Bloodiest Day, alongside Dan Snow and Dr Shini Somara.

So, why consultancy now? 

Moving away from full-time leadership roles means I can support a wider range of projects and connect with new partners while continuing to work alongside old friends in the heritage world, in particular the fantastic team at The Tricolor Collective. It’s a chance to be more flexible, bringing my experience where it’s needed most – whether that’s offering historical advice, helping develop exhibitions, or guiding heritage projects.

Consultancy lets me focus on what I love: helping to tell important stories and preserving history and heritage in ways that resonate with today’s audiences. I’m so excited by this next chapter in my life, and really looking forward to collaborating with heritage organisations, museums, broadcasters, and others who share these goals.

If you’re interested in working together or just want to learn more, get in touch for a virtual coffee, or connect with me on LinkedIn.