Borde Hill Garden – One day Events audit

ASSIGNMENT

We were referred by a Rural Agency to Borde Hill as they sought our advice and recommendations on how they could increase their range of ‘public events’ post COVID-19.

Borde Hill, renowned for its beautiful and botanically rich heritage gardens and 380 acres of Parkland regularly attracts 65,000 visitors each year. However, as the next generation were becoming more involved with the management of the Estate, they also asked us to assess how their eight-bedroom family home could be commercially marketed to the corporate/private sector once the current lease expires.

Located within the High Weald area of ‘Outstanding Natural Beauty’ just outside Haywards Heath, We were also asked for our observations on how the Estate could potentially exploit the Wedding market even further if they decided to manage this business in-house.

OUTCOMES

As a result our Consultants produced a short report which included a series of observations including some immediate recommendations, which need to be implemented to take advantage of the predicted recovery post the pandemic.

These included: –

• Musical Concerts – Appreciating Borde Hill has hosted several concerts in the past, we approached a number of music promoters to assess their interest alongside providing a ‘short list’ of key Producers to approach.

• Classic Car Shows – alongside Borde Hill previous experiences of hosting classic Car shows, we outlined an extensive list of nationwide Car Clubs to approach. This involved companies who take on the responsibility for organising and marketing such events. In addition and with increased Government pressure to reduce UK Co2 emissions, we also outlined an idea to host a motorized electric event, similar to the ‘Fully Charged’ held annually at Silverstone race track.

• Extreme Sports – with 380 acres of parkland including a number of lakes we outlined our thoughts to Borde Hill on companies they should approach who organise 5k and 10k Charity fun runs including half marathons. .

• Wedding market – with our extensive knowledge of leading caterers we outlined alternative ‘business models’ for future consideration. Alongside alternative concepts which included ‘Tepee and Wilderness’ weddings which would suit Borde Hill’s landscape perfectly.

• Food and Beer Festivals – with previous experience of holding ‘Gin Festivals’ at Borde Hill, we outlined a list of companies who organize alternative concepts including Literary, Vegan Food, Beer and Christmas Fairs – all of which are very popular and can attract huge numbers