About the project

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, located in Maldon, Essex, is the largest surviving Great War aerodrome in Europe, celebrating the early air forces' significance during the Great War of 1914-1918. The aerodrome is a unique historical site.

The consultancy's role

Alix Slater Consultancy & Training was originally contracted to develop the Activity Plan for the project 'Reaching for the Sky', which it successfully completed. The consultancy undertook desk research and extensive consultation with the public and potential partners to build a heritage engagement programme centred around STEM subjects. This included consultation with STEM Ambassadors, local teachers, the public and organisations working with young people at risk to understand the local market and interest in learning and public programmes.

Preparing the Business Plan

Unfortunately, the business plan was not delivered to the required standard by another consultant. Due to the consultancy's depth of understanding of the project, research, and quality of its work, the Trustees separately commissioned the consultancy to prepare the business plan. The consultancy worked closely with the Director and Trustees, bringing in specialist advice on the potential design of a new shop and product range. It became clear that the project was not viable for the small Trust at the time, as a result of this piece of work, and the client decided not to proceed with the capital project as they first needed to increase their capacity.