Leading destination expert joins Blue Sail
In a surprise move announced today, one of the UK’s leading destination experts is to join the top team at growing ‘boutique’ consulting firm
Blue Sail.
Michele Grant is making the move to Blue Sail after 9 years as director of Liverpool-based L&R Consulting. She will join directors Amanda Shepherd, Lorna Easton and Graham Nicholson on the board of Blue Sail at the end of May.
Blue Sail, which already has a roster of 11 senior consultants, has earned a strong reputation for its innovative work and fresh practical thinking since it was set up in 2007.
The firm focuses on helping places and spaces – from attractions, urban villages and cities to rural areas, resorts and regions – to develop and market themselves as visitor destinations.
Michele Grant specialises in destination strategy and development and has a track record of helping to transform cultural cities and towns. She has advised national and international organisations including the Futures Foundation, European Association of Historic Towns and Regions, Wales Tourism Alliance and IdeA (Improvement and Development Agency) on futures scenarios and investment in sustainable cultural tourism.
Her regional strategy work includes projects for West Midlands and Liverpool City Region, and advice for RDAs on tourism opportunities from the 2012 Olympics. She is currently leading a project in Belfast advising the city on developing its festivals and events.
Blue Sail director Amanda Shepherd said: “We’ve known Michele and admired her work for a long time now. This is a match made in heaven for us as she brings a complementary set of expertise and skills but is absolutely ‘on brand’ for Blue Sail with her focus on clarity and quality.â€
Blue Sail’s clients include regional development agencies, trusts, development corporations, public-private partnerships, local authorities, destination management organisations, regional tourist boards and national tourist board VisitEngland.
For further information go to www.bluesail.com or telephone Amanda Shepherd on 0777 999 1291.
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