Solutions & Services
Projects
Concept development and due diligence for new business activity, including audience analysis.
Feasibility, planning and operational delivery of major projects. Operational readiness planning. Client representation with all project contractors and stakeholders.
Strategy
Governance and organisational structures, including human resources planning.
Investment and budget planning.
Income generation and funding strategies, including catering, event and retail solutions.
Income generation and funding strategies, including catering, event and retail solutions.
Business Reviews
Comprehensive analysis of business areas or income streams, with recommendations and pathway to improve/enhance productivity, profit, environment. Efficiency studies. Cost reduction programmes. Benchmarking to determine best practice.
Delivery and Management
Operational delivery and implementation within both new and existing businesses. Operational business plans including SOPs. Change management.
About
With substantial experience in senior strategic and operational leadership roles in iconic and complex attractions, businesses, charities and venues; Debs has a proven track record of operational delivery of high-profile experience and operations projects – across conception, planning and implementation.
Just some of the major projects in which Debs has been involved as Project/Operational lead:
- Edinburgh Castle - Visitor Reception Project
- Dover Castle - Secret Wartime Tunnels
- Houses of Parliament - Visitor-Facing Income Generation Project
- Edinburgh Zoo - Dinosaurs Return! and Giant Lanterns of China
- V&A Dundee - Major Capital Project, venue delivery
- Holyrood Distillery - Major Capital Project, venue delivery
Having performed various business reviews and restructures within operational teams - Debs has a proven track record in change management, improving behavioural and financial performance, and enhancing experiences. She has effectively designed, implemented and embedded processes, policies and procedures within both new and established teams/cultures; and has considerable experience of managing new openings. Debs has extensive stakeholder management experience; including internal and external colleagues, design, construction and fit-out contractors, community and community groups, local authorities, trade organisations and government representatives.
Debs is a 2015 graduate of Edinburghs’ Destination Leadership Programme, and ongoing member of that active alumni. Designed for Tourism Leaders, the programme provides a unique strategic overview of the Scottish tourism industry, with a focus on effective leadership and collaboration.
Endorsements & Recommendations
"I have known and worked with Debs for over 10 years, and can vouch for her commitment, expertise, and her success in project delivery.
Debs made a significant, positive and immediate impact when she joined both the teams at Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh Zoo - leading them through periods of change whilst also delivering notable income-generation and visitor experience projects at these sites.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Debs, she is both very professional and personable. With the ability to communicate effectively with all types of stakeholders, she also builds relationships quickly".
Barbara Smith, Attractions CEO and Whisky Brand Homes Director
"Debs has huge experience in both hospitality and visitor attraction environments .
A strong leader who solicits real loyalty, but is also clear and decisive in approach.
She shaped the complete visitor attraction capability of a new distillery in Edinburgh taking a concept to practical realisation and adding quality and value in the process . She subsequently recruited and operated the full visitor attraction and set its brand direction . Debs is definitely a people person but does not allow sentimentality to blur her judgement . She is extremely well connected and built a first class team in a very short time".
Bill Farrar, Spirits Brand and Marketing Director
"Debs led a major change of culture within Visitor Services at the UK Parliament, in a very challenging environment. In the face of some resistance, she brought a much sharper commercial focus, and led a significant expansion in a range of services. She quickly established constructive working relationships with key stakeholders; demonstrating strategic foresight and vision, and excellent planning and project skills. She brought staff and stakeholders along with her through a period of significant change. I have a high regard for Debs’ abilities and her professionalism, proficiency, and confidence. She is a pleasure to work with".
Aileen Walker, Former Public Engagement Director, Houses of Parliament/House of Commons
"I have worked with Debs as both client and collaborator, most notably in a client/contract relationship at V&A Dundee.
When Debs came onboard at the venue, there was an immediate clarity of vision for all stakeholders in the food and beverage project, which enabled the business to successfully move forward to opening.
Debs is well liked, well connected and very experienced in developing, operating and advising 5 star venues and experiences.
I found Debs to be a very fair client - commercially astute, operationally excellent, and very pleasant to work with."
Jamiejohn Anderson,
Catering Director - Design, Creative and Operations
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