Join us for this year’s Heritage Day Conference!
Wednesday 5th March 2025: In-Person Heritage Day is a leading annual sector conference, run by the Heritage Alliance for over 10 years. Our flagship event offers heritage leaders, staff, and volunteers a unique forum to hear from decision-makers, gain skills, and foster connections. This year’s Heritage Day will be held on Wednesday 5th March, hosted in-person at The Tower of London.
The conference generates sector-wide interest, attracting attendees from charities, government departments, academia, funding bodies, and commercial organisations. Our theme for 2025 is ‘Heritage Creates’, a celebration of how heritage shapes and fosters creativity across policy, communities, and opportunities for the future.
This will be an in-person-only event, providing a unique opportunity to connect with leaders, creatives, and decision-makers from across the sector.
See our programme, speakers and details of our event sponsors, advertisers and exhibitors below.
Date
Wednesday 5th March 2025, 09:00–19:00.Location
The conference will be in-person at The Tower of London.Tickets
Tickets are sold out, waitlist available.

Our Programme
9:15 - Registration
Exhibition and networking space open. Tea and coffee served.
10:00 - Introducing Heritage Day 2025
Welcome comments by Carole Souter CBE, Chair of the Heritage Alliance.
10:15 - Welcome to the Tower of London
Introduction to this year’s iconic venue and Historic Royal Palaces strategy around the creative use of their six palaces with Andrew Jackson CBE, Tower Director.
10:25 - Ministerial Address
Speech to be delivered by Baroness Twycross. Baroness Twycross was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 23 July 2024.
Speech to be delivered by Baroness Twycross. Baroness Twycross was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 23 July 2024.
10:55 - Heritage Creates Skills
Sponsored by Farcroft Restorations Group and City & Guilds Foundation
Traditional craftsmanship and specialist techniques are essential for both preserving our heritage and fuel creative industries such as film and theatre, where authentic historical techniques bring stories to life. Join representatives from Farcroft Restorations Group and the City and Guilds Foundation as they reflect on the significance of heritage skills in modern society, the opportunities and obstacles to developing a future pipeline of craftspeople, and the risks associated with the loss of these irreplaceable skills.
Traditional craftsmanship and specialist techniques are essential for both preserving our heritage and fuel creative industries such as film and theatre, where authentic historical techniques bring stories to life. Join representatives from Farcroft Restorations Group and the City and Guilds Foundation as they reflect on the significance of heritage skills in modern society, the opportunities and obstacles to developing a future pipeline of craftspeople, and the risks associated with the loss of these irreplaceable skills.
- Chair: Delphine Jasmin-Belisle, Head of Development and Membership of the Heritage Alliance
- Patrick Craven, Partnership & Engagement Director, City & Guilds
- Daahir Mohamed, Director, Amar Eco-Plaster
- Danny Bennett, Managing Director, Farcroft Restorations Group
- Cedric Tigier, Furniture Restorer, Farcroft Restorations Group
11:40 - Heritage Creates Solutions
Bringing together parliamentary, sector and arms-length-body representatives, this panel will explore how heritage contributes to effective policymaking and drives forward solutions that benefit communities, the economy, and the environment. Chaired by our CEO Lizzie Glithero-West, this panel of experienced sector leaders, advocates and decisionmakers will discuss how heritage can contribute constructively to policymaking, ensure the sector is better supported and integrated long-term political decision-making, and proactively enhance its own resilience.
- Lizzie Glithero-West, CEO of the Heritage Alliance (Chairing the panel)
- Baroness Jane Bonham-Carter, Liberal Democrat Peer and Lords DCMS Spokesperson
- Lord Stephen Parkinson, Conservative Peer and Shadow Minister for Arts and Heritage
- Duncan Wilson CBE, Chief Executive of Historic England
- Dr Ingrid Samuel OBE, National Trust Placemaking Director and Deputy Chair of the Heritage Alliance
12:25 - Lunch and Networking
13:25 - Heritage Creates Enterprise
Sponsored by the National Lottery Heritage Fund
Join the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a conversation with Maria Reeves, Director of The Horton in Epsom and Ross Williams of Redruth Revival CIC as they share their expertise and insights in the transformation of historic spaces as part of Heritage Enterprise. Heritage Enterprise Grants are offered by the Heritage Fund for projects that seek to achieve economic growth by investing in heritage. The grants are aimed at enterprising community organisations and partnerships with commercial bodies to help them rescue neglected historic buildings and sites and return them to a viable productive use. The session will give an overview of the opportunities and complexities of heritage management, the commercial opportunities afforded by heritage reuse and the role of historic buildings in enriching communities.
Join the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a conversation with Maria Reeves, Director of The Horton in Epsom and Ross Williams of Redruth Revival CIC as they share their expertise and insights in the transformation of historic spaces as part of Heritage Enterprise. Heritage Enterprise Grants are offered by the Heritage Fund for projects that seek to achieve economic growth by investing in heritage. The grants are aimed at enterprising community organisations and partnerships with commercial bodies to help them rescue neglected historic buildings and sites and return them to a viable productive use. The session will give an overview of the opportunities and complexities of heritage management, the commercial opportunities afforded by heritage reuse and the role of historic buildings in enriching communities.
- George Stanley-Jones, Head of Partnerships and Innovation at the National Lottery Heritage Fund
- Maria Reeves, Director of The Horton in Epsom, Surrey
- Ross Williams, Director of Redruth Revival CIC
13:55 - Heritage Creates Homes
Sponsored by the Architectural Heritage Fund
The UK faces a housing crisis, with millions of new homes projected as needed during the next decade. At the same time, we in the heritage sector know there are tens of thousands of unused and underused historic buildings languishing across the country. Could heritage help solve the housing crisis? Join Ros Kerslake and representatives from the public, private and third sectors to consider the potential for heritage reuse to support housing needs, and to look both at the challenges of this aim and how they might be mitigated.
The UK faces a housing crisis, with millions of new homes projected as needed during the next decade. At the same time, we in the heritage sector know there are tens of thousands of unused and underused historic buildings languishing across the country. Could heritage help solve the housing crisis? Join Ros Kerslake and representatives from the public, private and third sectors to consider the potential for heritage reuse to support housing needs, and to look both at the challenges of this aim and how they might be mitigated.
- Ros Kerslake, Chair of the Architectural Heritage Fund and Leeds Castle Foundation
- Martin Prince-Parrott RIBA FRSA, Chartered Architect, Real Estate Developer, Author and Tech Founder
- Sarah Allan, Head of Architecture and Urban Design at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
- Martin Hulse, Director of Tyne + Wear Building Preservation Trust.
14:40 - Heritage Creates Stories
Sponsored by Cabbells
Uncover the power of storytelling in elevating heritage voices and strengthening community connections to their unique histories. Sarah Simpson, Managing Director at Cabbells, will explore the significance of Heritage Voices and Stories. Drawing on her marketing and commercial experience within the membership and heritage sector, she will share the challenges of cutting through digital noise and offer strategic approaches to engage audiences and foster deeper connections with the heritage sector.
Uncover the power of storytelling in elevating heritage voices and strengthening community connections to their unique histories. Sarah Simpson, Managing Director at Cabbells, will explore the significance of Heritage Voices and Stories. Drawing on her marketing and commercial experience within the membership and heritage sector, she will share the challenges of cutting through digital noise and offer strategic approaches to engage audiences and foster deeper connections with the heritage sector.
14:55 - Heritage Creates Communities
Sponsored by Ecclesiastical
From fostering pride of place to connecting diverse supporters, heritage has a unique power to build and strengthen communities. Sarah Holloway, Programme Manager for Heritage Open Days and Laura Carter, Customer Segment Director at Ecclesiastical Insurance will be exploring the benefits, opportunities and challenges for heritage organisations to engage meaningfully with local communities. Drawing on successful case studies and practical experience, they'll share insights on removing barriers, managing risks, and creating welcoming spaces that transform heritage assets into vibrant community hubs.
From fostering pride of place to connecting diverse supporters, heritage has a unique power to build and strengthen communities. Sarah Holloway, Programme Manager for Heritage Open Days and Laura Carter, Customer Segment Director at Ecclesiastical Insurance will be exploring the benefits, opportunities and challenges for heritage organisations to engage meaningfully with local communities. Drawing on successful case studies and practical experience, they'll share insights on removing barriers, managing risks, and creating welcoming spaces that transform heritage assets into vibrant community hubs.
- Laura Carter, Customer Segment Director at Ecclesiastical Insurance
- Sarah Holloway, Programme Manager for Heritage Open Days
15:20 - Networking Interval
16:05 - Heritage Alliance Address: Heritage Creates
The Chair of the Heritage Alliance, Carole Souter CBE, delivers the Chair’s Address on the theme of Heritage Creates. Sharing insights and highlights from our new report of the same name, Carole will explore the ways in which heritage provides the settings, the inspiration, the skills and the partnerships that underpin the success of our creative industries.
16:25 - Keynote Address
The 2025 Heritage Day Keynote will be delivered by Dr Nick Merriman OBE, Chief Executive of English Heritage.
Dr Merriman, English Heritage CEO since 2024, has focused on dismantling barriers to heritage participation throughout his archaeological career at Cambridge University and roles at Museum of London, UCL, Manchester Museum, and Horniman Museum.
Dr Merriman, English Heritage CEO since 2024, has focused on dismantling barriers to heritage participation throughout his archaeological career at Cambridge University and roles at Museum of London, UCL, Manchester Museum, and Horniman Museum.
16:55 - Ecclesiastical Heritage Heroes Awards 2024
The presentation of the 2024 Ecclesiastical Heritage Heroes Awards, recognising excellence in heritage volunteering. The awards are run by the Heritage Alliance, thanks to the generous support of Ecclesiastical Insurance. All nominees will feature in a short film highlighting their achievements, screened during the ceremony. The awards will be presented by our Chair Carole Souter, and Laura Carter, Customer Segment Director at Ecclesiastical Insurance.
17:15 - Closing Remarks
Closing reflections by Carole Souter, Chair of the Heritage Alliance
17:30 - End of the Day Conference
17:45 - Drinks Reception
19:00 - Carriages

Our Speakers
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Dr Nick Merriman OBE
Chief Executive, English HeritageDr Nick Merriman OBE joined English Heritage as Chief Executive in 2024. He studied archaeology at Cambridge University and his PhD, also at Cambridge on exploring the barriers to participation in heritage, was published as ‘Beyond the Glass Case’ in 1991.
Dismantling those barriers has been the thread running throughout his career, and Nick has held roles at the Museum of London, the Institute of Archaeology at University College London, Manchester Museum, and the Horniman Museum and Gardens, where he was Chief Executive and Director of Content. Under Nick’s leadership, the Horniman won Art Fund Museum of the Year 2022 for its work on acknowledging the museum’s colonial legacy and in engaging the public with the climate and biodiversity crisis.
Nick recently edited the volume ‘Museums and the Climate Crisis’ (Routledge 2024) and wrote ‘Returning the Benin Bronzes: A case study of the Horniman’s restitution’ (Palgrave Macmillan 2024).
Carole Souter CBE
Chair, The Heritage AllianceCarole is currently Chair and Trustee of The Heritage Alliance. Carole is a passionate advocate for culture and heritage, with an outstanding record of achievement in the sector. She led the Heritage Lottery Fund (now the National Lottery Heritage Fund) as Chief Executive from 2003-2016, overseeing the distribution of billions of pounds of investment in culture, heritage and the environment. She has recently stepped down as interim chair of Historic Royal Palaces, having served in that role during the period of mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla, and the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, which was signed in Hillsborough Castle.
Carole served from 2016-2022 as Master of St Cross College at the University of Oxford, a graduate College with students from all over the world. She also chaired the Board of Visitors of the University Museum of Natural History and, as a Trustee, the Planning Committee of the Oxford Preservation Trust. She was an advocate for equality and diversity across the University, focusing particularly on the importance of supporting those with no prior connection to the University.
Ros Kerslake CBE
Chair, The Architectural Heritage FundRos Kerslake has more than 30 years’ experience in heritage regeneration, property, and business. She is currently Chair of the Architectural Heritage Fund and Leeds Castle Foundation; a trustee of Re-form Heritage and the University College of Estate Management; and a group board member of Sanctuary (the Housing and Care Group) and Homes England. Ros was Chief Executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund from 2016 to 2021.
Sarah Holloway
Heritage Open Days Programme Manager, National TrustSarah leads the operational team for England’s largest festival of history and culture. She’s been involved for many years, seeing it through three organisational changes and a pandemic, always focused on fostering the community network that powers it. She has also developed and curates the national website as a storytelling platform to showcase the diversity of the sector through blog posts, event spotlights and case studies.
Andrew Jackson CBE
Tower Director, Historic Royal PalacesAndrew joined Historic Royal Palaces in May 2019 after more than 33 years of leadership and staff roles in the Army. He has worked in the Ministry of Defence twice, and following a year in Afghanistan as Deputy Commander of Task Force Helmand in 2011/12 he was awarded a Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service.
Lizzie Glithero-West
CEO, The Heritage AllianceLizzie Glithero-West has served as Chief Executive of the Heritage Alliance since 2016, bringing over two decades of experience spanning the heritage, culture, and public sectors. As a civil servant, she worked as Private Secretary to Culture Ministers and the Permanent Secretary at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS).
Alice Purkiss
Trustee, The Heritage AllianceAlice Purkiss is Head of Heritage Partnerships at the University Oxford and leads a varied programme of research, training, and events in collaboration with heritage partners to promote knowledge exchange and Public Engagement with Research. She leads the university’s flagship National Trust Partnership, co-leads the Oxford University Heritage Network, and co-convenes the Heritage Pathway Graduate Training Programme.
Deepika Kanthavara Madhava
Trustee, The Heritage Alliance Deepika is an architectural designer at London Design Office and serves as the program lead for the Somer’s Town Community Association, working at the grassroots level to address local community needs. Her dedication to heritage and history led her to pursue a Master's Degree in Architecture and Historic Urban Environments at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London.
Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay
Conservative Peer and Shadow DCMS Lords MinisterStephen Parkinson (Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay) served as Minister for Arts, Heritage & Libraries in the previous Conservative Government, and now serves as Shadow Minister covering DCMS matters in the House of Lords. He is a Trustee of the Cambridge Union and a Vice-President of the Public Statues and Sculpture Association.
Laura Carter
Customer Segment Director, Ecclesiastical InsuranceLaura Carter had worked in the insurance industry for almost 20 years before joining Ecclesiastical Insurance in 2017. Laura is responsible for developing and maintaining products and propositions to meet the needs of specialist target markets including heritage. She is passionate about supporting Ecclesiastical’s heritage customers through insight and thought leadership.
Dr Ingrid Samuel OBE
Deputy Chair, The Heritage AllianceDirector of Placemaking & Heritage, The National Trust
Ingrid Samuel joined the Board of Trustees of the Heritage Alliance in 2015 and has served as its Acting Chair since 2023. She currently works as the Director of Placemaking & Heritage at the National Trust, where she has strategic responsibility for policy development, advocacy, research, and practice across heritage, land use planning, landscape, architecture, and new design. She has a doctorate in Modern History from the University of Cambridge.
Martin Hulse
Director, Tyne + Wear Building Preservation TrustMartin Hulse is Director of Tyne + Wear Building Preservation Trust. For the past twelve years, he has driven the development of the Trust, transforming it from a dormant society into one of the country’s leading Heritage Development Trusts. He leads project teams through the daunting process of restoration and loves to drag knackered heritage buildings back to life.
Martin Prince-Parott RIBA FRSA
Founder, Stealth StartupMartin Prince-Parrott RIBA FRSA is a Chartered Architect, Real Estate Developer, Author and Tech Founder with over a decade of experience leading teams in the design and development of £1 billion worth of award-winning real estate. He now heads a startup, Romullus, that builds radically sustainable infrastructure at the intersection of cities, AI, and space technologies.
Sarah Allan
Head of Architecture and Urban Design, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentSarah Allan is Head of Architecture and Urban Design at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Her role is focused on design policy and its implementation. Sarah is an architect, urban designer and project manager with over 25 years’ experience helping public and private sector clients deliver residential-led projects from masterplans to individual homes.
Ross Williams
Director, Redruth Revival CICRoss Williams retired at the end of 2020 after nearly 30 years as chief executive of Creative Kernow, Cornwall’s creative industries support agency, and Krowji, a large creative studio hub on the edge of Redruth. He’s been involved with Redruth Revival CIC since it was set up in 2014 and has been lead board director on the Buttermarket project from its emergence as an idea in 2014 and the purchase of the property in 2017.
Duncan Wilson CBE
Chief Executive, Historic EnglandDuncan Wilson joined Historic England as the organisation’s first Chief Executive on 1st April 2015. Historic England is a public body which improves people’s lives by protecting and championing the historic environment. Previously, Duncan was Chief Executive of the Alexandra Park and Palace Trust, developing a major regeneration and conservation scheme to restore the Victorian theatre and television studios.
George Stanley-Jones
Head of Partnerships and Innovation, National Lottery Heritage FundAs Head of Partnerships and Innovation at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, George oversees the organisation’s portfolio of investments and interventions aimed at supporting innovative practice in the Heritage Sector as well as developing and overseeing large scale partnership programmes. This includes managing the Heritage Innovation Fund, Partnerships with Government and national organisations, as well as the Heritage Fund’s flagship social investment funds.
Maria Reeves
Director, The HortonMaria Reeves is Director of The Horton in Epsom, Surrey. In 2015 she co-founded the project to save the semi-derelict former Horton Asylum Chapel and transform it as not-for-profit venue for creative arts and heritage. Maria played a leading role in all aspects of the £3m renovation project, which was supported by the NLHF. The Horton opened in 2022, winning Surrey Heritage Building of the Year. Maria started her career as a journalist, before moving into marketing, bid writing and arts management.
Danny Bennett
Managing Director, Farcroft Restorations Danny Bennett was appointed Managing Director at Farcroft Group following eight years of service. With a passion for preserving the soul of historical treasures, Danny Bennett stands at the helm of Farcroft Restoration as the Managing Director. Boasting a wealth of expertise in heritage restoration, Danny brings an unwavering commitment to breathing new life into architectural gems, antiques, and fine art.
Patrick Craven
Public Affairs, Partnership & Engagement Director– City & Guilds UK Patrick has over 30 years experience in the field of accreditation, assessment design and educational technology. His career has always addressed the fusion of education, skills development and assessment technologies. For the last 20 years this work has focussed on the specific field of learning and assessment research and development linked to Government Policy and national accreditation programmes.
Daahir Mohamed
Director, Amar Eco-PlasterDaahir Mohamed is a skilled plasterer and heritage conservationist specializing in lime renders and plasters. An advocate for the power of craft to connect people across cultures and histories, Daahir continues to push the boundaries of conservation work, blending tradition with innovation. Originally from Mogadishu, Somalia, Daahir’s early exposure to traditional building materials and techniques—such as clay plastering—shaped his lifelong passion for sustainable, culturally-connected craftsmanship.
Cedric Tigier
Furniture Restorer, Farcroft RestorationsCédric Tigier is a skilled furniture restorer at Farcroft Group, specialising in the preservation and restoration of historic furniture and wooden artefacts. With a deep understanding of traditional craftsmanship and conservation techniques, he has worked on a wide range of heritage pieces, ensuring their authenticity and longevity.
Sarah Simpson
Managing Director, Cabbells Sarah’s first role in the world of employment was in the heady days of Fleet Street at Robert Maxwell’s Mirror Group Newspapers, switching to become National Sales Manager with an Out-of-Home media owner, during which time it became a PLC. Advertising and marketing research roles were followed by ownership of content and marketing agency Cabbells in 2017.
Delphine Jasmin-Belisle
Head of Membership & Development, The Heritage Alliance Delphine Jasmin-Belisle heads Development and Membership at the Heritage Alliance, focusing on sector sustainability as well as a trustee of the Maritime Heritage Trust. Previously, she worked for English Heritage for 8 years, managing Yorkshire Coast and Moors properties, including delivery of Whitby Abbey's £1.6M redevelopment in 2019. Her earlier experience includes work with Grampus Heritage and Training and Environment Cooperatives in Cumbria.

Tickets - Sold Out
The Ecclesiastical Heritage Heroes Awards
The winners of the Ecclesiastical Heritage Heroes Awards 2024 will be announced at Heritage Day.
For over a decade, these annual awards have celebrated the incredible contributions of volunteers across the UK heritage sector. More than a simple ‘thank you’, they recognise the unique contribution that volunteers make to the historic environment and to the heritage organisations they work with. The awards are run by the Heritage Alliance, thanks to the generous support of Ecclesiastical Insurance.


Our Event Sponsors
Heritage Day 2025 is open to all those with an interest in heritage through the generous support of Ecclesiastical Insurance (our Corporate Partner), and Historic Royal Palaces.
Ecclesiastical Insurance
Corporate Partner
We are a specialist insurer with a charitable purpose, as we believe it’s possible to do business differently and build a powerful movement for good across society. Proudly part of the Benefact Group, we give millions of pounds to thousands of charities every year. We’re a Directory of Social change top 3 company donor, and have given £200m to more than 10,000 donations since 2014. Our purpose drives our goal of being the most trusted insurer in our chosen markets. It shapes the way we do business, particularly our focus on doing the right thing for our customers and business partners. We believe in doing business better because we can create a real impact in the world and the more we grow, the more we can give to good causes.

Cabbells
Headline Sponsor
We specialise in digital and print design, content creation and advertising sales across the arts and heritage sectors, producing visually captivating and functional programmes, membership magazines, videos and podcasts.
We create compelling content for some of the UK's most recognisable arts and heritage groups: informing, educating and supporting organisations to reach their target audience. Whether it's industry news and views, incisive comment on current trends or case studies on public policy and campaigning issues, we have specialists who can provide high-quality editorial that reflects your brand.
We are currently working with organisations, including the SPAB, ICON, the BBC and the National Theatre, and would welcome further enquiries from the cultural heritage sector to discuss your content plans.
We create compelling content for some of the UK's most recognisable arts and heritage groups: informing, educating and supporting organisations to reach their target audience. Whether it's industry news and views, incisive comment on current trends or case studies on public policy and campaigning issues, we have specialists who can provide high-quality editorial that reflects your brand.
We are currently working with organisations, including the SPAB, ICON, the BBC and the National Theatre, and would welcome further enquiries from the cultural heritage sector to discuss your content plans.

Historic Royal Palaces
Venue Sponsor
We are the independent charity that loves and looks after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world. The palaces are the setting for the stories that shape us all, and we’re bringing them to people in ways that mean more to them. We want everyone to find themselves in the spaces and stories we share.
We have a charitable duty, written into our founding charter, to help everyone learn about the sites in our care. We want everyone to feel welcome and accepted when they visit the palaces.
We have a charitable duty, written into our founding charter, to help everyone learn about the sites in our care. We want everyone to feel welcome and accepted when they visit the palaces.

Architectural Heritage Fund
Programme Sponsor
AHF promotes the conservation and sustainable re-use of historic buildings for the benefit of communities across the UK, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas. They exist to help communities find enterprising ways to revitalise the old buildings they love. For over 40 years, they’ve been the leading social investor in creating new futures for historic buildings.

Farcroft Group
Programme Sponsor
The Farcroft Group is a leader in the restoration of graded buildings, fine art, and precious antiques. We are rooted in a time-honoured tradition of excellence, with a rich history that spans decades and skilled craftspeople who consistently deliver the highest standards of artistry. We are trusted by prestigious auctioneers, passionate collectors, heritage organisations, insurance companies, and high-net-worth customers – and our client satisfaction sets us apart.

City & Guilds
Programme Sponsor
For over 140 years we have worked with people, organisations and economies to help them identify and develop the skills they need to thrive. We understand the life changing link between skills development, social mobility, prosperity and success. We partner with our customers to deliver work-based learning programmes that build competency, to support better prospects for people, organisations and wider society. We create flexible learning pathways that support lifelong employability, because we believe that people deserve the opportunity to (re)train and (re)learn again and again – gaining new skills at every stage of life, regardless of where they start.

National Lottery Heritage Fund
Programme Sponsor
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK’s heritage. Using money raised by National Lottery players, we distribute grants from £10,000 to £10million to support projects across the UK that connect people and communities to their heritage. We also distribute heritage funding on behalf of the UK and devolved governments. Since we were established in 1994, we have awarded £9.2billion of National Lottery and other funding to more than 52,000 projects across the UK. In addition, we provide leadership and support across the heritage sector and advocate for heritage.

StageTEXT
Accessibility Sponsor
We are Stagetext, a deaf-led charity. We provide live subtitles for museums, cultural and heritage events for the 18 million people in the UK who are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing. This means 1 in 3 of us can benefit from subtitles and captions to experience the joy of guided tours around museums and exhibitions, take part in heritage events and open days or see our favourite authors speak at festivals. We make these experiences possible. Using more than 25 years of experience, we employ the latest technology and set the highest standards in access, to give everyone a complete and equal experience of culture.

Networking and Exhibitors
Heritage Day will feature networking and exhibition spaces. Expect to meet colleagues from the breadth of heritage: from built heritage to archaeology, industrial and mobile heritage to, skills, academia, collections and science.
Interested in being an Exhibitor at Heritage Day? Get in touch with us by emailing membership@theheritagealliance.org.uk, or purchase your Exhibitor ticket above.
Interested in being an Exhibitor at Heritage Day? Get in touch with us by emailing membership@theheritagealliance.org.uk, or purchase your Exhibitor ticket above.
DigitalDrama
Digital Drama is an award-winning production company focusing on community co-creation to share stories and explore histories. Collaborating with heritage organisations, we offer skills training in areas such as recording oral histories and their incorporation into audio trails, archive-inspired videos, immersive events and exhibitions. All our projects have impact, access and sustainability at their core and deliver successful heritage outcomes for participants and partners.
Visit Their Website

Vocal Eyes
VocalEyes is a national charity supporting access to heritage, arts and culture for blind and visually impaired people through audio description, advocacy and training. We promote accessible opportunities, raising awareness of the importance of equal access for all. We publish a quarterly What’s On guide available in clear print, braille, and on USB. Our subscribers receive a monthly email newsletter with sector news and details of audio described events across the UK. There are lots of resources on our website.
Visit Their Website
Le Lay Architects
Making Heritage Fit for the Future
Le Lay Architects champions heritage, ensuring it is resilient, sustainable, and accessible for future generations. We support the stewardship of heritage at all scales, from townscapes to street monuments, both tangible and intangible. Our RIBA Chartered Practice and Conservation Accredited Architect collaborate with communities to adapt and renew heritage sites, reducing risks and providing expert guidance. We work with local organizations and stakeholders, offering comprehensive services from initial ideas to project completion, ensuring high standards and up-to-date expertise for community benefit.
Le Lay Architects champions heritage, ensuring it is resilient, sustainable, and accessible for future generations. We support the stewardship of heritage at all scales, from townscapes to street monuments, both tangible and intangible. Our RIBA Chartered Practice and Conservation Accredited Architect collaborate with communities to adapt and renew heritage sites, reducing risks and providing expert guidance. We work with local organizations and stakeholders, offering comprehensive services from initial ideas to project completion, ensuring high standards and up-to-date expertise for community benefit.
Visit Their Website
Historic England
From the extraordinary, to the everyday, our historic places and spaces matter – to you, to us, to the nation. From community centres to cathedrals, homes to high streets, markets to mills – they are the places we all choose to hold onto, the legacy we want to pass on and the stories we continue to tell.
To support this aim, the research series 'Heritage Counts' publishes the best available evidence that can be used to support advocacy for heritage and inform new initiatives. Historic environment professionals can use this research to understand the value of heritage and changes in the historic environment to develop policies to protect it and demonstrate its importance.
To support this aim, the research series 'Heritage Counts' publishes the best available evidence that can be used to support advocacy for heritage and inform new initiatives. Historic environment professionals can use this research to understand the value of heritage and changes in the historic environment to develop policies to protect it and demonstrate its importance.
Visit Their Website
Humidity Solutions
Humidity Solutions is a leading independent UK distributor of some of the world’s best industrial and commercial humidification and dehumidification systems. We have decades of experience helping protect valuable and irreplaceable assets by preventing costly damage caused by uncontrolled humidity levels.
We offer a range of services to help make humidity control easy for our customers. We offer free site visits, designing and supplying humidity control solutions to suit your needs, installation, commissioning, service, maintenance and free technical support over the phone.
We offer a range of services to help make humidity control easy for our customers. We offer free site visits, designing and supplying humidity control solutions to suit your needs, installation, commissioning, service, maintenance and free technical support over the phone.
Visit Their Website
World Monuments Fund
Founded in 1965, World Monuments Fund (WMF) works with communities around the globe to safeguard some of the world’s most treasured places. Drawing on heritage to address today’s pressing challenges, WMF’s work supports climate adaptation and resilience, inclusive heritage, balanced tourism, and post-crisis recovery. World Monuments Fund Britain, established in 1995, is the largest of WMF’s affiliate offices. Active in the UK and internationally, it works alongside partner organisations to provide on-site conservation, educational resources, training and advocacy.
Visit Their Website
Historic Environment Forum
The Historic Environment Forum (HEF) is a collaborative initiative which brings together senior representatives from organisations working across the historic environment sector in England. HEF enables cross-sector partnership working across a range of strategic issues and activities and is currently focussed on leading positive change through Task Group work on Sector Resilience. Supported by Historic England, HEF is a key element of a strategically connected historic environment sector capable of delivering public value through heritage.
Visit Their Website
Philanthropy Company
Philanthropy Company is a fundraising consultancy with specialisms in the heritage sector, working with Boards, staff and volunteers across the UK and globally. We are dedicated to providing strategic advice, practical fundraising support and expert training for charitable organisations and funders. From churches and cathedrals to historic homes, monuments and heritage sites, our team builds successful campaigns and generates philanthropic support to help conserve, restore and bring heritage to life, delivering tangible impact to individuals and communities.
Visit Their Website
Utility Aid
Utility Aid is the UK's largest energy broker for the not-for-profit sector, and they’re delighted to be working with Heritage Alliance to offer you access to their expertise. Their dedicated team provides a high-level service to manage and maintain your portfolio, covering procurement, Bureau services, full account management, historical audits, carbon reporting, and net zero planning. Their invoice validation services has saved their charity customers over £7million.
Visit Their Website
Squeaky Pedal
Squeaky Pedal are an award-winning heritage film, animation and TV production company. Working with museums, cultural institutions and broadcasters. Through scripting, research, location filming and the final compelling output - our work inspires, communicates and connects, whether that is a human interest story, a charity campaign, or uncovering a forgotten history. Clients include English Heritage, National Army Museum, Historic England and National Trust.
Visit Their Website
Advertisers
Whether it’s working with local UK communities or consulting for UNESCO around the world, the International Centre for Heritage is a global leader in sustainable and innovative approaches to heritage management practices and future strategies. Unlike other universities, we pride ourselves on providing courses that are rooted in practical application and industry engagement. So if you are a professional looking to upskill and further your career in the heritage sector, the University of Birmingham can offer the flexible campus-based or distance-learning training you’re after.
Supporting Partners
We would also like to thank our Supporting Partners for helping us to promote Heritage Day to the widest possible audience, and bring different aspects of the diverse heritage community together. Click on their logos to find out more about these organisations and the work they perform.

Engagement Opportunities
Heritage Day is a great opportunity for you or your organisation to access a uniquely targeted and engaged audience that is energised to collaborate in the heritage space. If you are interested in extending your presence at the conference and making valuable connections, then we have various sponsorship and partnership opportunities open to you. You can:
- sponsor the event through a range of packages suited to different budgets and goals;
- showcase your organisation by hosting a stand in our networking and exhibition spaces (click here to see photos of exhibitors at last year’s event);
- advertise on the conference website or printed programme;
- act as a supporting partner and promote the event through your networks (a no-cost role, in exchange for reciprocal promotion).
Heritage Alliance Members are able to access exclusive discounts on conference stands and advertising . If you would like further information about any of our advertising and sponsorship opportunities, please get in touch with Emma (our Membership and Events Coordinator) at membership@theheritagealliance.org.uk.
The Venue - HRP Tower of London
HM Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London (the Tower) is one of England’s most evocative ancient monuments. There is a tangible sense of history in every tower and around every corner, making it an endlessly fascinating place for visitors from all round the world.
The buildings and layout that we see today stand as the culmination of a sequence which started around 1067, and have developed dynamically ever since in line with the changing needs of the site’s occupants, users and visitors.

Explore Our Work
Visit the main Heritage Alliance website to find out more about our work to promote and champion the independent heritage sector in all its diversity.
Learn More
About the Heritage Alliance
The Heritage Alliance is the membership body representing the independent heritage sector in England. Established in 2002, we now bring together over 200 independent organisations which collectively represent over 7 million volunteers, trustees, and staff. We aim champion the breadth and diversity of the heritage sector: from built heritage to archaeology, from industrial and mobile heritage to academia and science.
We provide a supportive and trusted platform for heritage bodies to connect with each other, stay informed, and gain skills and insights. We act as an advocate for the sector, engaging closely with Parliament and government departments, as well as with arms-length bodies, think tanks, funding bodies, and commercial organisations.
“The Heritage Alliance brings the heritage sector together. There is strength in unity.”Heritage Alliance Member, 2023
Join Us
Join the Heritage Alliance community to be heard, be informed, access expert advice, extend your reach, and connect and share with others.
To discuss membership options, please email our Membership Team or visit our website.
Subscribe to Our Sector Newsletter
Read our free twice monthly newsletter, Heritage Update, to stay informed on key sector news and developments.
Subscribe today via our website.
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Submit your news, vacancies, courses, and events through our online form.
The Heritage Funding Directory
Managed by the Heritage Alliance and the Architectural Heritage Fund, the Heritage Funding Directory is a free guide to financial support for anyone undertaking UK-related heritage projects. It gathers together around 400 listings detailing sources of grants from trusts and foundations, as well as organisations offering loan finance, awards, scholarships and other ‘in kind’ resources.