Sheona Southern, the former Managing Director of Marketing Manchester has joined GC Insight to launch a new Destination Insight division.
In the new role, Southern, will work with towns, cities and tourist attractions to “create and implement investible propositions and attraction programmes”.
“We are thrilled that Sheona has decided to invest her extensive experience in destination development and promotion with GC Insight,” said Simon Hooton, Managing Director of GC Insight.
“After leaving an indelible imprint on the Greater Manchester economy, she can now turn her talents to help promote and position tourism attractions and places across the UK.”
Southern was MD at Marketing Manchester for 7 years, joining in 2016. She led the promotion of Greater Manchester nationally and internationally, targeting business conferences, major sporting events, investors, visitors and students.
“With this move I return to my consultancy roots,” she explained
“When I saw the talented consultancy and research teams assembled by GC Insight over the last year, I felt there was a gap in the market for a Destination consultancy service that we could successfully fill.”
GC Insight is a profit-for-purpose national provider of economic consultancy, business support and research and evaluation.
It was formed earlier this year by The Growth Company (GC), combining expertise from economic development consultancy ekosgen; research, evaluation and business support consultancy Winning Moves; and the business and green economy units of GC.
Combined it has a pool of 40+ consultants in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow.
“Destination Insight works with clients to shape and leverage the value of destinations as part of their economic development strategies. In launching this service we have broadened our consultancy offer, which is a vital part of our growth plan for the next five years.” explained Mark Hughes, Chief Executive of The Growth Company. “
“Together, GC Insight has created a compelling offer for clients, positioning them as one of the leading independently operated consultancies in the country.”
