Member Article

Heritage duo launch new consultancy in the East Midlands

Two highly experienced heritage specialists have launched Irving Patrick Consulting in Lincoln – a consultancy for transformational heritage, conservation and church projects in the UK.

Co-founded by company directors Dr Anne Irving and the Revd. Canon John Patrick – who worked together for many years at Lincoln Cathedral - Irving Patrick Consulting will provide fundraising, project management, strategic planning, audience and stakeholder development, operational reviews and business planning.

On the company’s launch, John Patrick, said: “Anne and I are incredibly pleased to have formed Irving Patrick Consulting. We have a shared passion for this incredibly diverse and interesting sector, and have brought together our collective skills to offer important heritage projects support and guidance from the outset.

“With many community projects, organisations and churches hit particularly hard by the challenging events of the last twelve months, Anne and I felt it was the right time to form our new company. Our expertise and experience in heritage, conservation, fundraising and planning are incredibly valuable in helping vital projects get off the ground and achieve their aims.

“Launching a business is never easy - let alone during a global pandemic - so we are proud to have made such a positive start. We are looking forward to seeing this company grow, helping others and responding to the needs of individuals, organisations and communities.”

Dr Anne Irving continues: “It is a pleasure to now be working with John on our new venture. We believe our specialisms complement one another greatly and our joint experiences have taught us that heritage really does enrich people’s lives, and it’s vital that we work to better understand and care for it.

“It’s wonderful to be able to use my knowledge at Irving Patrick Consulting to provide a one-stop-shop for heritage sites, religious institutions and cultural organisations who require experienced leadership, support and guidance to enable their projects to flourish.”

With more than 15 years of specialist experience in the heritage sector, Dr Anne Irving began her education at Birmingham University; completing an undergraduate degree in Ancient and Medieval History, followed by a PhD in Archaeology at the University of Nottingham.

After joining Lincoln Cathedral as fund development manager in 2011, Anne soon took on the role of programme manager for the Cathedral’s Connected project - a National Lottery Heritage Fund-backed project to improve the Cathedral’s setting and visitor experience and conserve the iconic building. This included major works, significant specialist restoration and conservation work and auditing and protecting the Cathedral’s many artefacts and treasures.

John Patrick was ordained in Chester Cathedral in 1989 before moving to Lincolnshire to serve as a priest at various locations including Boston, Navenby and Sleaford. In 2012, he was appointed as Subdean of Lincoln Cathedral.

During his time at the Cathedral, John continued as a member (and became chairman) of Lincoln Diocesan Advisory Committee for the care of Church Buildings and has worked with local charities, councils and community organisations. Whilst in Sleaford John chaired the Master-Planning Committee for the market town, working alongside colleagues at North Kesteven District Council.

Following the launch of Irving Patrick Consulting, the company has already been appointed on a number of heritage projects in Lincolnshire, Birmingham, Yorkshire and Derbyshire; providing strategic planning, fundraising support and evaluation work. Anne and John are also working with various groups looking to secure funding from the Arts Council England Culture Recovery Fund, navigating the application procedures and guiding them through the process.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Georgina .