The Welsh Wildlife Centre Cilgerran Marshes
Strategic Development
Successful project and business development depends upon extensive background information, sharply honed analytical skills and a sound instinct for the way the present is likely to drive the future. Knowledge, analysis, creativity and foresight make for a potent mixture, but this only comes with length and breadth of experience. Standard blueprints and formulae are no substitute for insight born of an intimate involvement with development projects over many years and over a broad spectrum.
Barrie Foster & Associates approach every development project without preconceptions. We draw on past experience where relevant. We undertake new research when necessary. Our method is to build every concept or recommendation on a solid foundation formed from the best information available and a realistic appraisal of existing trends, emergent markets and potential risk. Our approach is especially pertinent to capital projects, where all too often the focus is on immediate grant-in-aid and venture funding, rather than on long term operational revenues and feasibility — on more than one occasion we have discovered grounds to advise against proceeding. The selection gives a flavour of the depth of our experience since 1985 and includes several EU funded projects.
Successful project and business development depends upon extensive background information, sharply honed analytical skills and a sound instinct for the way the present is likely to drive the future. Knowledge, analysis, creativity and foresight make for a potent mixture, but this only comes with length and breadth of experience. Standard blueprints and formulae are no substitute for insight born of an intimate involvement with development projects over many years and over a broad spectrum.
Barrie Foster & Associates approach every development project without preconceptions. We draw on past experience where relevant. We undertake new research when necessary. Our method is to build every concept or recommendation on a solid foundation formed from the best information available and a realistic appraisal of existing trends, emergent markets and potential risk. Our approach is especially pertinent to capital projects, where all too often the focus is on immediate grant-in-aid and venture funding, rather than on long term operational revenues and feasibility — on more than one occasion we have discovered grounds to advise against proceeding. The selection gives a flavour of the depth of our experience since 1985 and includes several EU funded projects.
Strategic thinking must now take full account of the Internet as a tool for product as well as marketing development, to engage search engines, realise the power of social media and ensure compatibility with a range of devices that may be be used at different times, in different places, for different purposes.
Ynys Hywel Countryside Centre, 1986
Development and marketing strategy for Islwyn Borough Council. Winner of the first Wales Tourist Board Environmental Tourism Award (1991).
The Watercress Line, 1989
Development, interpretation and marketing strategy for the Mid Hants Railway.
Wales Tourist Board Re-structuring, 1990
Business planning for Associated Quality Services and Mid Wales Tourism as part of the WTB privatisation programme.
The National Stadium, 1992
Development concepts and market assessment, The National Stadium, for the Welsh Rugby Union.
The Welsh Wildlife Centre, 1992
Development, business and marketing strategy for this flagship mainland operation. Dyfed Wildlife Trust.
National Park Information Centres, 1992
Study of Good Practice across all UK National Parks for the Countryside Commission. BFA were responsible for audits and consultations in the Dartmoor, Exmoor and Pembrokeshire Coast National Parks.
Leisure & Watersports Development, 1997
Feasibility and market assessment for new development at Trewent Holiday Park, Freshwater East, South Pembrokeshire.
The Holnicote Estate, 1998
Development and interpretative options for the largest National Trust landholding. For the West Country Tourist Board and The National Trust.
Urdd Centre Llangrannog, 1999
10 year Masterplan, site development and leisure provision, for the Welsh language youth organisation. For Urdd Gobaith Cymru.
Group Travel Product Development — Pilgrim Travel, 2000-03
Historical and market research, product development and the development of a range of marketing materials for a cross-border (Wales/Ireland) group travel product.
Wales and the Sea, 2012-13
Feasibility / Planning for a pan-Wales community network, linking maritime heritage and tourism stakeholders. A Welsh Government Innovative Digital Community project for Maritime Heritage Trust Wales.
Ynys Hywel Countryside Centre, 1986
Development and marketing strategy for Islwyn Borough Council. Winner of the first Wales Tourist Board Environmental Tourism Award (1991).
The Watercress Line, 1989
Development, interpretation and marketing strategy for the Mid Hants Railway.
Wales Tourist Board Re-structuring, 1990
Business planning for Associated Quality Services and Mid Wales Tourism as part of the WTB privatisation programme.
The National Stadium, 1992
Development concepts and market assessment, The National Stadium, for the Welsh Rugby Union.
The Welsh Wildlife Centre, 1992
Development, business and marketing strategy for this flagship mainland operation. Dyfed Wildlife Trust.
National Park Information Centres, 1992
Study of Good Practice across all UK National Parks for the Countryside Commission. BFA were responsible for audits and consultations in the Dartmoor, Exmoor and Pembrokeshire Coast National Parks.
Leisure & Watersports Development, 1997
Feasibility and market assessment for new development at Trewent Holiday Park, Freshwater East, South Pembrokeshire.
The Holnicote Estate, 1998
Development and interpretative options for the largest National Trust landholding. For the West Country Tourist Board and The National Trust.
Urdd Centre Llangrannog, 1999
10 year Masterplan, site development and leisure provision, for the Welsh language youth organisation. For Urdd Gobaith Cymru.
Group Travel Product Development — Pilgrim Travel, 2000-03
Historical and market research, product development and the development of a range of marketing materials for a cross-border (Wales/Ireland) group travel product.
Wales and the Sea, 2012-13
Feasibility / Planning for a pan-Wales community network, linking maritime heritage and tourism stakeholders. A Welsh Government Innovative Digital Community project for Maritime Heritage Trust Wales.