Business Plan Consultant

St Catherine’s Church, Hoarwithy, has been awarded a Development Phase grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund for its Hoarwithy Vision Project that will ‘secure the future of St Catherine’s Church as a thriving place of worship and a beautiful historic space for heritage learning, community life and visitor engagement’.

To support the project, an experienced, creative Business Plan Consultant is sought to prepare a realistic, deliverable business plan that identifies opportunities, addresses challenges, informs strategic decision-making, and creates a pathway towards greater financial sustainability and public impact for St Catherine’s Church. The Business Plan and supporting income and expenditure forecasts will form an important part of a planned Heritage Fund Delivery Phase application in November 2027.

St Catherine’s Church is one of the most remarkable parish churches in England. Grade I listed due to its exceptional architectural and historic interest, in 1870 its incumbent, the Rev’d William Poole, set about transforming the original simple brick chapel into an extraordinary Italianate and Byzantine-inspired church building, described by Simon Jenkins as ‘a complete work of revivalist art, rare for its date and an astonishing creation.’

The church is part of the Parish of Hentland with Hoarwithy. It is in regular use as a place of worship and community venue, and attracts visitors, walkers, artists and heritage enthusiasts drawn by its architectural beauty and tranquil setting within the Wye valley.

The available budget is £14,000, excluding VAT.

Please see the brief for further details and how to apply here (PDF) (opens in new tab).

Closing date for applications: 12 noon, Wednesday 4 November 2026

Interviews: Wednesday 11 November 2026