• Developer of strategic vision - combining a strong entrepreneurial approach matched with demonstrable financial management 

• Manager of organisational development – deep knowledge and understanding of cultural organisational models, governance, leadership and management structures 

• Successful fundraiser - strong track record of generating income from private, public and trusts & foundations sectors with experience of creating powerful brand sponsorships for corporate partners 

• Experience in building strategic partnerships - proven track record in creating collaborative partnerships with regional and national stakeholders 

• Persuasive communicator - effective interpersonal skills with ability to communicate at all levels 

• Cultural entrepreneur - extensive experience in creative, cultural programming with a proven record of designing innovative and sustainable cultural projects

Career History 

Consultant November 2008 to present

An arts and cultural consultancy working with a number of experienced and expert associates to deliver strong economic, cultural and social impacts for clients. William delivers, innovative, strategic advice in events and festivals' feasibility, planning and evaluation; feasibility studies, demand analysis and options appraisals for cultural projects; income generation strategies and fundraising; and organisational development and governance. 

Harrogate International Festivals - Chief Executive 1989 to 2008 

Effectively contributed to all aspects of leading Harrogate International Festivals (HIF), embracing strategic policy, governance, programming development, major fundraising and financial management. Also responsible for primary contract negotiations, corporate PR and Board level financial management. 

Transformed HIF from a stand-alone summer classical music event into a year-round cultural powerhouse and a turnover of over £1 million and attracting audiences in excess of 100,000 people annually. In addition to the internationally acclaimed Summer Music Festival, set-up new major festivals and events including as follows:- 

Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival – created world’s leading crime fiction festival  

North Yorkshire Youth Music Action Zone –County-wide youth agency 

Carnegie Sporting Words Festival - partnership with Leeds Met and BBC Sport 

Green Space Festival - international street arts Festival across North Yorkshire market towns 

H20 Festival of outdoor performance arts, a partnership with Yorkshire Water