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National Railway Museum: the business behind the attraction

It is one thing to run a successful tourist attraction, it is another altogether to ensure people realise it is more than just a great day out. At the National Railway Museum in York this is one of their main challenges. Not only is it an iconic Yorkshire tourist establishment, it also holds corporate events. Here, Alan Cass, Event Sales Manager, discusses with Bdaily the challenges of running a multi-faceted business.

1. Sum your business model up in a couple of lines.

Our aim is to deliver outstanding events in a unique venue. As the National Railway Museum is a popular visitor attraction, we continuously look for new ways to increase corporate events and conferences business in order to drive revenue across all areas of the business.

2. What’s the best decision you’ve made so far?

To introduce a new, streamlined sales process and releasing new packages, providing clients with a clearer conference offering. These changes have so far proved invaluable in terms of attracting new business to the venue.

3. What key challenges has your company recently faced?

Lack of awareness of the fact that the National Railway Museum is also a conference and events venue. Although we are renowned in the region, we need to ensure that we work strategically in order to achieve recognition as a business destination on a broader level.

4. What is your focus for the coming year, and what do you hope to achieve?

The coming year, our main focus is to increase corporate business at the venue – particularly conferences. The National Railway Museum is more than just a visitor attraction; we want to drive awareness of this within the private sector. The museum is a commercial business offering a wide range of facilities and services. By offering a unique and different experience to the corporate market, we hope to continue to grow as a business destination venue.

5. If you had to choose one top piece of advice for someone just starting out in business, or is currently operating within your industry sector, what would it be?

I have learnt that flexibility is the key to any business. Being flexible and open to new ideas will help anyone starting out in business to grow and develop in what continues to be a tough and challenging environment.

6. Can you share with us your view of the current landscape of business, in your region or generally, and where your organisation sits within it?

Growth is continuing within the meetings and events market. As we all know, things have been tough for the events industry over the last few years; however things are changing. A new confidence is coming through with businesses continuing to spend on conferencing and hospitality. With the Tour De France – one of the largest sporting events – taking place in Yorkshire this year, this brings a real boost to the hospitality industry throughout the region.