About Me

Ben Smith – Strategic Heritage Consultant | CEO | Interpretation Specialist


Ben is the founder and principal consultant at MGH Consultants, with over 23 years of experience in the heritage, tourism, and nonprofit sectors. He is an experienced Interpretive Content Developer and Project Manager, holding an MA in Heritage Education & Interpretation and a BA (Hons) in History of Art & Architecture.


For the last decade, Ben served as Chief Executive Officer of The Heart of the City Partnership, which operates Newcastle Castle—a regional heritage attraction transformed under his leadership. He is also the former voluntary Founding Chair of the Board of Directors at Newbiggin Maritime Centre and a former Trustee of the Newbiggin Heritage Partnership.


Since 2003, Ben has led interpretation and engagement initiatives across local government, museums, archives, and visitor attractions. His work spans editorial development, stakeholder consultation, brand strategy, and the design of financially sustainable visitor experiences.


Ben is press-trained, confident with boards and media, and committed to inclusive, accessible storytelling.


Core Expertise:


  • Interpretation planning and heritage storytelling
  • Strategic leadership and governance
  • Visitor experience design and brand development
  • Financial and operational management
  • Stakeholder engagement and policy creation
  • Contract management and sustainable income generation


Whether working with local councils, national museums, or community heritage groups, Ben brings clarity, creativity, and a deep commitment to public engagement.

North Tyneside Coastal Heritage Trail // North Tyneside Council

“Through my passion for culture, history and nature and my love of interpretation and digital media comes a unique blend of traditional interpretation and online experience that allows me to deliver multi-faceted projects from end-to-end.”  

With 19 years experience working in the heritage and cultural sectors and 22 years in the online and digital sectors I have a wealth of knowledge and practical hands-on experience developing interpretive interventions.


I have worked with clients from the public, voluntary, community, disability and commercial sectors delivering traditional and digital interpretive interventions of great depth and breadth of focus.


On a regular basis I have delivered and project managed the development of interpretive interventions, both traditional and digital, including research, design, project management, manufacture, commissioning, storyboarding, editorial copywriting, proofing, consultation events and presentations to boards and committees.


I also work as Chief Executive Officer for The Heart of the City Partnership / Newcastle Castle. Meeting targets for private clients has never been an issue as MGH Consultants only take on a select number of projects / clients every year to ensure targets can be met.


Prior to undertaking an MA in Heritage Education and Interpretation I was involved in online business development and digital media working in the fast-paced dot.com boom. This means I have a wealth of knowledge and passion for digital media that blends well with pushing the boundaries of interpretive provisions.


In my spare time I am also an accomplished and published landscape, portrait and wedding photographer. My work has been published in magazines & newspapers. My photographic skills are often used in the work that I develop for you.

Turner's View // Norham Arts Group and Berwick upon Tweed Preservation trust


Creating powerful interpretation for your community.


MGH Consultants has created hundreds of interpretation interventions and delivered countless heritage devlopment services for clients all around the UK including Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art Gallery, Fenwick Weavers' Co-operative, Watchtree Nature Reserve, Norham Arts Group and Berwick upon Tweed Preservation Trust, North Tyneside Council, Redman Design, Sunderland Council, Newcastle City Council, Newbiggin by the Sea Genealogy Project, University of Durham - Palace Green Library, MLA North East, North Tyne and Redesdale Community Partnership, Diocese of Bradford, Holystone Primary School, Stoke on Trent Museums Service, The Hatton Gallery, St. Mary's Heritage Centre - Gateshead, Newbiggin Maritime Centre, The Heritage Centre at Bellingham and the Robert Stephenson Trust, to name a few.

The Process

00. From Start to Finish

An end-to-end, start to finish service that lets you focus on the content and enjoy the process.

making your project fun

01. Connect

Let me know your requirements and I'll send you a quote.

Need more info for a funding bid - no problem... drop me an email and / or give me a call to discuss your project's needs.

email: ben.smith@mghconsultants.com
telephone: 07867 808 857

Understand your needs

02. Conceptualize

Let me work alongside you as part of your team and I will guide you through the whole process of content development. It's your story, I'll help you draw it out and focus on what is important.

Develop Your Story

03. Create

Let's create the visuals together. From concept drafts through to final print or digital outputs, I'll manage the process and create the designs to deliver interpretation with impact.

Bring it to life

04. Deliver

I work with you from start to finish, to let you enjoy the process. I'll deal with the many intricacies behind the scenes, from image licensing, location and statutory permissions, to managing manufacturers, delivery and installation.

Fully managed.