Retail Development Brief
Resilient Alma Project
Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life
Background to Project:
Based in Carlisle Castle, the Museum looks after a comprehensive military collection with strong ties to Cumbria and the Castle. We are continuing the onsite military presence which extends from the Romans to present day.
However, the pandemic has seen us stop, and reassess our situation. We know we need to refocus and become more sustainable. As part of our plans, we secured NLHF funding to help us become more robust and resilient, to future-proof the Museum.
Our journey will include:
- a review of our Governance and the upskilling of trustees
- external support to upskill staff and develop their confidence
- investment in our digital infrastructure to offer additional services to rebuild and engage with our existing audiences, reach new audiences, and build staff and volunteer digital capacity. This includes a digital strategy and action plan
- the recruitment of a Learning and Access assistant post to engage with families and schools and help develop digital resources to re-establish audience engagement
- the review of our financial strategy and training for staff to develop new streams of income, both inhouse and online
The Brief:
We are seeking an experienced retail specialist with experience in the heritage sector to work with the Museum team to improve the earning potential of our in-house gift shop.
The applicant will help the shop team create a realistic action plan including the introduction of new shop lines to trial, taking into consideration the Museum brand, its USP and target audiences.
We are looking for a consultant to assess our current retail offer and:
- Make recommendations for new products based on our collections including advice on designing and commissioning
- Make recommendations for improvements to the gift shop layout
- Advise on potential suppliers with an emphasis for working with local suppliers and organisations
The applicant needs to consider our online shop and its future development although it is not the focus of this brief.
Budget and timescale
The budget is £1000 with £850 payable on appointment and the final £150 payable on submission of a short report and action plan.
Timescale and contact are flexible and can be negotiated with the Museum Manager.
This report and action plan must be completed by Sunday 30th April 2023.
Project Management:
The project will be line managed by Jules Wooding, Museum Manager, with assistance from the Resilient Alma project team
How to apply:
Please submit tender by email to Jules Wooding, Museum Manager – jules.wooding@cmoml.org by 1200hrs on Friday 17th February 2023 with:
- Name, email address and telephone number for contact
- Examples of your previous experience relevant to this application
- Name and email address of a referee who will be contacted if you are successful
Successful applicants will be notified of a short informal interview, which will be held by telephone, on either Wednesday 22nd or Thursday 23rd February.
Retail Development Brief
Resilient Alma Project
Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life
Background to Project:
Based in Carlisle Castle, the Museum looks after a comprehensive military collection with strong ties to Cumbria and the Castle. We are continuing the onsite military presence which extends from the Romans to present day.
However, the pandemic has seen us stop, and reassess our situation. We know we need to refocus and become more sustainable. As part of our plans, we secured NLHF funding to help us become more robust and resilient, to future-proof the Museum.
Our journey will include:
- a review of our Governance and the upskilling of trustees
- external support to upskill staff and develop their confidence
- investment in our digital infrastructure to offer additional services to rebuild and engage with our existing audiences, reach new audiences, and build staff and volunteer digital capacity. This includes a digital strategy and action plan
- the recruitment of a Learning and Access assistant post to engage with families and schools and help develop digital resources to re-establish audience engagement
- the review of our financial strategy and training for staff to develop new streams of income, both inhouse and online
The Brief:
We are seeking an experienced retail specialist with experience in the heritage sector to work with the Museum team to improve the earning potential of our in-house and online gift shops.
The applicant will help the shop team create a realistic action plan including the introduction of new shop lines to trial.
We are looking for a consultant to assess our current retail offer and:
- Make recommendations for new products based on our collections
- Make recommendations for improvements to the gift shop layout
- Advise on designing and commissioning new products and recommend potential suppliers
- Look at options for working with local suppliers and organisations
- List cost-effective, low-risk solutions for e-commerce
- Make marketing recommendations for growing the online retail business
Budget and timescale
The budget is £1000 with £850 payable on appointment and the final £150 payable on submission of a short report and action plan.
Timescale and contact are flexible and can be negotiated with the Museum Manager.
This report and action plan must be completed by Sunday 30th April 2023.
Project Management:
The project will be line managed by Jules Wooding, Museum Manager, with assistance from the Resilient Alma project team
How to apply:
Please submit tender by email to Jules Wooding, Museum Manager – jules.wooding@cmoml.org by 1200hrs on Friday 17th February 2023 with:
- Name, email address and telephone number for contact
- Examples of your previous experience relevant to this application
- Name and email address of a referee who will be contacted if you are successful
Successful applicants will be notified of a short informal interview, which will be held by telephone on either Wednesday 22nd or Thursday 23rd February.
Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life, Alma Block, The Castle, Carlisle, Cumbria CA3 8UR
Tel: 01228 532774
