PR, Content and Communications Strategy for organisations that want to make an impact
PR, Content and Communications Strategy for organisations that want to make an impact
Arts & Heritage
Need help delivering the communications side of your funded heritage project?
Helping NLHF-funded projects get seen, heard, and remembered
Bringing Heritage to Life – With Strategy, Storytelling & Impact
I specialise in helping heritage projects reach the right audiences, satisfy funder expectations, and leave a lasting legacy.
With over 30 years of experience in communications — including delivering multi-channel strategies for National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) projects, local government, and cultural institutions — I offer practical, strategic support that’s built around your objectives, outcomes, and timelines through my heritage communications consultancy.
I’ve authored over 30 published history titles, which gives me a deep understanding of how to bring stories to life for public audiences, funders and future generations.
“Over 30 history books written. Dozens of heritage projects transformed.”
Lets talk about your next project
✅ Strategic Messaging & PR
🎯 Audience-first messaging
Crafted to align with NLHF goals, funder language, and the communities you serve.
🗞️ Media & press campaigns
Press strategies and media liaison that generate real-world buzz and regional/national coverage.
📣 Digital & Community Engagement
📱 Social media with purpose
Planning that grows visibility and invites community interaction.
📍 Event & launch support
From civic openings to exhibitions — public-facing delivery done right.
🧱 Building Legacy
📚 Storytelling that lasts
Content that turns project outputs into public value — long after the funding ends.
📊 Evaluation-ready comms
Evidence-based reporting that proves your impact to funders.
🛠️ Message Crafting
🔍 Testing & refinement
Ensure every word hits home — with messaging that cuts through.
✍️ Heritage content creation
Websites, panels, blogs, leaflets — created with clarity, care and historical integrity.
From engagement to legacy — rethink your comms with this expert guide
Sheffield Blitz 75th, 80th and 85th
Co-directed three major National Lottery Heritage Fund projects over a 10-year period, securing over £300,000 in total funding.
Each campaign combined survivor engagement, stakeholder collaboration, civic events, exhibition content, and national media coverage. I led the full communications lifecycle, from initial strategy and audience insight to content creation, digital marketing and evaluation.
The work helped position the Sheffield Blitz as a nationally recognised case study in memory-led engagement, while delivering measurable outcomes for funders, educators, and local communities alike.
Revealing the city’s forgotten food heritage
Commissioned by the Dungworth Bradfield Heritage Group and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, this two-year project uncovered Sheffield’s hidden role in shaping Britain’s food industry — from Bassett’s and Batchelor’s to Thorntons, Henderson’s Relish, and Béres.
I was brought in to lead the editorial direction and compile the book that brings those discoveries together. I shaped the narrative, and turned scores of interviews and archival sources into a cohesive, public-facing story.
The finished publication celebrates a century of local innovation while showing how food heritage can be used to build civic pride, learning opportunities, and inter-generational engagement.
Cromford Mills Gateway Project
Communications lead for a multi-million pound World Heritage Site redevelopment, involving sensitive stakeholder engagement, national/regional press management, and a public-facing narrative built around industrial heritage and regeneration.
I developed and implemented the communications strategy to support long-term place-based transformation, aligning messaging with heritage values, local authority priorities, and regeneration goals.
The campaign resulted in extensive media exposure, stakeholder alignment across public and private sectors, and strengthened community support for a complex phased redevelopment.
Other NLHF/Arts Council-supported initiatives
Delivered communications strategy, media outreach, evaluation support, and audience development planning for a wide range of lottery-funded projects across culture, heritage, and civic engagement.
These have included archives, faith heritage, literary festivals, conservation campaigns, and restoration projects across Yorkshire, Derbyshire and the Midlands.
What my customers/colleagues say about me
“Working with Neil was an absolute game-changer for our project. He brought not only decades of communications expertise but a genuine understanding of heritage and community. He helped us distil complex narratives into powerful stories that connected with both funders and local audiences. His guidance on media, public engagement, and evaluation was second to none — and we wouldn’t have had the same impact without him. A calm, capable, and strategic presence who instinctively knows how to make heritage matter.”
Jennifer Morton, Joined Up Heritage/chair of Hillsborough & Owlerton Local History Group.
” I’ve worked with Neil for over 15 years across a wide range of projects — from shaping public-facing campaigns and authoring impactful heritage materials to offering strategic insight at every stage of delivery. His professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to craft compelling narratives are second to none. Neil’s input into East Peak CIC initiatives has always been of the highest calibre. I have no hesitation in recommending Neil Anderson Media — his involvement will be a real asset to your project’s success.”
Richard Godley, director of East Peak Countryside Associates.
“I started working with Neil Anderson over 30 years ago and have put his talents to work on a wide range of public events, festivals and awareness raising campaigns.
Neil is a delight to work with, he does what he says and is genuinely passionate about what he does.
Neil has consistently delivered great results over the decades and is incredibly well networked and respected in the region. He knows how to cut through the noise and get the right people talking. His deep industry knowledge, strategic approach and media relationships are second to none. If you’re serious about getting noticed, Neil’s your man.”
Scott Barton
Managing Director at www.yellowbusevents.co.uk
“Neil Anderson is a skilled communicator, journalist and public relations professional with three decades of evidenced success in delivering results for his clients. He understands the needs of his audience and his work in local government and cultural heritage is outstanding in its reach and impact. If you have a story that needs telling then consider talking to Neil about the best way to bring it to life for your intended audience.”
David Clarke, Associate Professor, Sheffield Creative Industries Institute (SCII)
” Neil’s the go-to guy. An unparalleled practitioner in his field with nationally recognised heritage expertise, countless years journalist experience, contacts, and up to the minute digital excellence.”
Richard Anderson, Head of Contracts at Archaeological Research Services Ltd.
“I have worked with Neil in the heritage sector for 10 years and his strategic thinking and exceptional communication skills makes him easy to work with. He’s always full of ideas and works alongside me to ensure each project’s brief is fulfilled.
Catherine Croney, Heritage Interpretation Consultant.
.