You probably know your venue better than anyone, but sometimes it is useful to a friend alongside to bounce ideas off and have the benefit of a fresh pair of eyes. Unlike some consultants, what we don't do is churn out a hefty report of stuff you've told us that sits on a shelf gathering dust. We are much happier helping you discover your aspirations, unearth your existing talents and help fix the issues that are holding you back. Venues are generally about practical actions far more than theory, and we aim to enable you to take the best actions for your business.

 

The Barney background: "I played in bands and set up gigs while I was at college, before going on to work full-time at Guildford Civic Hall, Surrey University Student Union and West End Centre in Aldershot. I've promoted gigs from 100 - 1200 capacity, stage managed festival stages, tour managed in the UK and Europe, worked as a venue tech, bartender, programmer, community outreach worker, independent promoter, agent and arts centre director. I've been to countless venues in the course of my work, and experienced them from all angles. I also worked with Music Venue Trust over the pandemic, helping to save almost 100 grassroots venues. This breadth of experience has given me significant insights into the reality of how venues work, and what can help them work better. While at West End Centre we won 'Best Arts Centre Teamwork' in the Live UK Music Awards in 2018, and were finalists in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. We were also a finalist in the Attitude is Everything Awards in 2019 and also attained their Bronze and Silver Awards."