I established BFA in 1985, electing to specialise in tourism and leisure development and marketing. Since then my work has covered most aspects of tourism, with more than a sideways glance at integrated economic development in tourist destinations (especially in rural areas). Clients have included tourist boards, local authorities and regional development agencies; private sector operators; and trade and community groups and other voluntary organisations. I have worked as an independent specialist where strategic marketing has been the primary focus; and as part of multi-disciplinary teams on larger projects, especially where tourism has been a component of regional or sub-regional development. These Associates have included professionals in land management, conservation, architecture, civil and marine engineering, and town and country planning. Over the past twenty-five years I have contributed to a number of subsidised or pro bono initiatives designed to provide consultancy or mentoring assistance to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises [SMEs].
About Me
I qualified at the Royal Air Force School of Photography, Wellesbourne Mountford, and served in photographic sections in Bomber Command One Group, Second Tactical Air Force (Germany UK Germany
The 1970s
After leaving the RAF (and after something of a sabbatical abroad) my photographic training provided an entrée into the world of marketing services, initially through the print and reprographic industry. I worked with small and highly specialised companies in environments where it was necessary to develop new skills in response to particular problems or increased responsibilities. From the technicalities of reprographics these responsibilities expanded to include copywriting, design, typography and other creative functions. By the time I came to manage a broad-based marketing services company in the mid-1970s I had added production editorial experience to my skills portfolio, something that was consolidated by an intensive course in periodical journalism delivered by the National Council for the Training of Journalists at the London College of Printing (now the London College of Communications).
The 1980s and 1990s
The first half of the 1980s found me inLondon
A New Millennium
The World Wide Web has, obviously, been the most significant development in recent years. For many SME managers and marketers the internet is still a mysterious specialist preserve where it is difficult to track technological developments and emerging opportunities. An additional difficulty is that the providers of ICT services, however competent technically, may have little knowledge of general marketing principles or the specific trading sectors in which their clients operate. In 2004 I entered into a partnership with John Stewart-Smith, an ex-RAF pilot with a considerable reputation in aviation journalism and as a wildlife journalist and photographer. Hill House Publications currently publishes Gremline, a General Aviation Flight Safety Digest, and History Unlimited, an e-commerce web site featuring books, films, blues and jazz. So that as an active online publisher with practical experience of web site development, we are able to offer editorial and other internet-related services.
We are not professional web site designers and we do not offer design services to third parties; but we are able to advise on the mechanics and other basic aspects of web site development as a result of our own experience. A crucial consideration is the organisation of information for easy and logical navigation. Literacy and some typographical aptitude is always an asset. Content and copy should be designed to retain the interest of target audiences and attract the attention of search engines through the distribution of key words and phrases. And there are other Search Engine Optimisation techniques for generating site traffic. Most importantly, an internet presence should be fully integrated with the whole strategic and tactical spectrum of marketing activity. These are essential considerations if design houses are to be presented with a clear and lucid brief.
Stop Press
Information has now been posted on pro bono assistance from BFA under the ProHelp scheme managed by Business in the Community. Go to the ProHelp tab.
Professional Associations
About Me
I qualified at the Royal Air Force School of Photography, Wellesbourne Mountford, and served in photographic sections in Bomber Command One Group, Second Tactical Air Force (
The 1970s
After leaving the RAF (and after something of a sabbatical abroad) my photographic training provided an entrée into the world of marketing services, initially through the print and reprographic industry. I worked with small and highly specialised companies in environments where it was necessary to develop new skills in response to particular problems or increased responsibilities. From the technicalities of reprographics these responsibilities expanded to include copywriting, design, typography and other creative functions. By the time I came to manage a broad-based marketing services company in the mid-1970s I had added production editorial experience to my skills portfolio, something that was consolidated by an intensive course in periodical journalism delivered by the National Council for the Training of Journalists at the London College of Printing (now the London College of Communications).
The 1980s and 1990s
The first half of the 1980s found me in
A New Millennium
The World Wide Web has, obviously, been the most significant development in recent years. For many SME managers and marketers the internet is still a mysterious specialist preserve where it is difficult to track technological developments and emerging opportunities. An additional difficulty is that the providers of ICT services, however competent technically, may have little knowledge of general marketing principles or the specific trading sectors in which their clients operate. In 2004 I entered into a partnership with John Stewart-Smith, an ex-RAF pilot with a considerable reputation in aviation journalism and as a wildlife journalist and photographer. Hill House Publications currently publishes Gremline, a General Aviation Flight Safety Digest, and History Unlimited, an e-commerce web site featuring books, films, blues and jazz. So that as an active online publisher with practical experience of web site development, we are able to offer editorial and other internet-related services.
We are not professional web site designers and we do not offer design services to third parties; but we are able to advise on the mechanics and other basic aspects of web site development as a result of our own experience. A crucial consideration is the organisation of information for easy and logical navigation. Literacy and some typographical aptitude is always an asset. Content and copy should be designed to retain the interest of target audiences and attract the attention of search engines through the distribution of key words and phrases. And there are other Search Engine Optimisation techniques for generating site traffic. Most importantly, an internet presence should be fully integrated with the whole strategic and tactical spectrum of marketing activity. These are essential considerations if design houses are to be presented with a clear and lucid brief.
Stop Press
Information has now been posted on pro bono assistance from BFA under the ProHelp scheme managed by Business in the Community. Go to the ProHelp tab.
Professional Associations
The Chartered Institute of Marketing
Elected Member 1990Founding Registered Marketer 1993-1998
Founding Chartered Marketer 1998 --
The Tourism Society
Elected Member 1989
Elected Fellow 1994
Institute for Sport, Parks & Leisure (formerly ILAM)
Elected Member 1991
Elected Fellow 1994
Institute for Sport, Parks & Leisure (formerly ILAM)
Elected Member 1991
