Sophie Brendel Consulting

Sophie Brendel Consulting is a strategic consultancy firm dedicated to the culture, media, and heritage sectors. Founded by Sophie Brendel, a strategist with over 25 years of experience in the museum industry, the consultancy specialises in leading organisations through transformational change to enhance brands, engage new audiences, and drive digital and commercial development.

Services

The consultancy provides a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the unique needs of each client and project.

Strategy and Transformation

Assisting organisations in creating ambitious 3–5 year plans and actionable strategic objectives aimed at long-term, sustainable growth. Services include workshop facilitation, insight gathering, and bespoke end-to-end strategy development.

Brand, Audience, Digital, and Commercial

A strong brand presence and clear commercial strategies are key to building impact, increasing visitation, and driving income. Sophie Brendel Consulting helps organisations develop integrated approaches to brand identity, marketing and communications, digital engagement, and revenue generation.

Creative Projects and Partnerships

Providing expertise to develop new initiatives, lead high-profile launches, and reimagine spaces and programmes. Services range from leading project sprints to offering bespoke advice on new initiatives and placemaking activities.

Leadership and Team

Sophie Brendel Consulting assists institutions in developing leadership, divisional, and team structures to ensure successful strategy implementation. The consultancy reviews and advises on existing organisational structures, drafts senior leadership roles, and conducts extensive talent searches, leveraging a wide network of experienced industry professionals.

Work

Sophie Brendel Consulting has been instrumental in several high-impact projects:

• V&A: Played a key role in developing the strategy for the V&A’s 10-year transformation, guiding the museum’s evolution into a group of six sites, including V&A Dundee, Young V&A, and V&A East.
• Quentin Blake Centre: Opening in 2026, the consultancy advised on the new museum’s brand, audience engagement, communications, marketing, and digital strategy.
• Thornfalcon Winery and Press: Developed and launched a new wine, cider, and hospitality experience in Somerset, overseeing all aspects from business planning to launch.