Speakers

With a background in buying, brand development and product development for independent home, fashion and gift brands, Fi now manages the Cultural Enterprises Trade Show as well as developing member resources including the Retail Trend Report and Retail Sustainability Framework.

An experienced cultural leader, Xanthe became Director of Chiswick House & Gardens Trust in 2020 to develop the future plan for the Trust. Previously she was Interim Director of Visitor Experience, Marketing & Commercial Services at the Old Royal Naval College and Director of Commercial & Operations at Sir John Soane’s Museum.

Sam enjoys getting stuck into detail, understanding how things work and finding practical ways to improve. She has been heavily involved in the Museum’s digital transformation programme, bringing people together, challenging processes and helping turn ideas into practical improvements.

James has worked in the museum and heritage sector for 24 years, spending ten as a Director. Currently Director of Kiplin Hall & Gardens, his primary passion is visitor experience and organisational development, creating strong and resilient heritage organisations that will thrive into the future.

With 15 years experience in cultural retail, Allison previously ran the award winning bookshop at Fruitmarket, where she also supported emerging makers. Now Trading Operations Manager at National Galleries of Scotland, she also writes about trend forecasting, the history of cultural retail, and the changing relationship between commerce, culture, and creativity.

Paul brings 30 years’ leadership experience across the heritage sector. Previously Director of Painshill Park Trust, he has also overseen the flagship historic site of Al Jazeera Al Hamra, and held senior roles with English Heritage and the Mary Rose Trust. Paul was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business by Southampton Solent University for his services to tourism, heritage, and conservation. 

Working across the heritage sector, Matthew has supported more than 35 organisations with commercial development. As Head of Development Projects at Kynren, he has worked on a wide variety of projects, including commercial development, education and conservation. Matthew is a Trustee of the Association for Cultural Enterprises.

Leading commercial and operations at one of Britain’s leading maritime heritage destinations, Olivia balances growth and entrepreneurial initiatives with exceptional visitor experiences and heritage preservation. Her expertise spans commercial strategy including hospitality, retail and venue/film hire.

Melanie brings extensive leadership experience in arts, culture, and visitor engagement. Previously an Executive Director at National Museums Liverpool and CEO at Shakespeare North Playhouse, she was instrumental in launching this pioneering cultural venue as a catalyst for community regeneration through arts and heritage.

Fi is an events and hospitality specialist with extensive experience helping cultural venues unlock their commercial potential. Combining strategic insight with hands-on experience gained
at organisations including National Trust for Scotland and Edinburgh Festival, Fi helps venues develop sustainable income streams, strengthen partnerships and create exceptional experiences that deliver lasting value.

Michelle has spent 18 years developing commercial opportunities at the RSC, leading the licensing of RSC intellectual property across images, audio visual content and brand licensing. Since 2023, she has built and led the RSC’s brand licensing strategy, working with a licensing agency to establish the organisation’s presence in the international licensing market.

A well-known and respected figure in the licensing industry, Vickie founded Rockpool in 2014 after 12 years as Managing Director of CPLG UK, one of the world’s leading licensing agencies. She has managed some of the most successful licensing programmes in entertainment, sport and brands, and now uses her extensive experience to help IP owners develop and manage their brands.

Charlotte is Commercial Manager at The Box, Plymouth’s museum, gallery and archive. She joined the organisation in 2019, leading commercial income generation across catering, venue hire, events, retail, and licensing, managing the catering business since January 2024. Charlotte’s previous roles have been outside the cultural sector, working for The Institution of Civil Engineers as well as regional television.

Victoria has strengthened the National Justice Museum’s educational reach, partnerships and national role in public legal education. She champions collaboration and community engagement, bringing extensive expertise in strategy, fundraising, governance, commercial development and organisational change, alongside a strong commitment to sustainability, public benefit and social impact.

Matt is a heritage and cultural sector leader with over a decade of experience in strategic development, organisational transformation, and heritage-led regeneration. Leading commercial development, strategic partnerships, and regeneration initiatives, his work focuses on organisational sustainability and connecting cultural organisations with communities.

Working across North Yorkshire Council’s seven cultural and heritage sites, George focuses on maximising potential by strengthening site identity, developing alternative revenue streams, growing audiences, and creating spaces that are accessible and community focused. Through programming, strategic partnerships and commercial development, he helps cultural venues build resilience, increase their impact and ensure long-term sustainability.

Eleanor has transformed the Bristol Dockyards shop into a thriving retail destination featuring bespoke ranges alongside curated gift collections tailored to Bristol’s growing harbourside audience. A textiles graduate specialising in multimedia, Eleanor launched her career selling to Liberty London before gaining commercial experience with brands including Jack Wills. She now combines her design expertise with commercial strategy to drive retail growth.