Welcome

Marwell approached 2009 with a characteristically aggressive budget as, you will recall, 2008 was not an easy year with appalling weather at Easter and a dismal summer. 2009 would surely be better although there were major concerns as the world wide economic slowdown worsened, culminating in a global financial crisis. The effects on Marwell could at the time of last year’s budget be only estimated, however, we planned for a 5% increase in turnover to £8.3 million.  I am pleased to report that this increase was achieved but not without hard work and a constant eye on our performance. Whilst this result is encouraging, there is no room for complacency moving forwards and we are mindful that the weather and our reliance upon ‘admissions related income’ still represents a major risk to our funding.  It is apparent that 2010 has not started well from an income related perspective, again due to poor weather and related guest attendance and this will put additional pressure on the rest of the year, half terms and holidays, to bring in income to budget.

An undoubted highlight for 2009 was the official opening of the long awaited African Valley and our new restaurant, Café Graze.  As a replacement of the old dilapidated Treetops restaurant, Café Graze followed a design brief to create a contemporary, stylish, but unobtrusive restaurant with high environmental specifications including solar water heaters, rainwater capture, light pipes that reduce the need for artificial lighting and low construction material density (resulting in low embodied carbon). Overlooking the 18 hectare African Valley, it was officially opened by His Excellency the Kenyan High Commissioner.  The Valley area now specifically showcases species found in the semi-arid grass and bushlands of northern Kenya and provides an opportunity to raise awareness of community-based conservation in an area where Marwell Wildlife is active.

As reported last year our ambitions to develop a new science and learning centre ‘Adaptation’ as part of a new entrance facility have gathered pace.  This is an ambitious project with plans to develop not only a new entrance for guests upon the high ground between our two car parks, but also to develop new teaching facilities and a public exhibition space in furtherance of our Public Engagement in Science (PEIS) agenda.  Having successfully passed through early key stages with major funders in 2009, 2010 will be critical in raising further and committed support. It should be noted that all major capital projects are in accordance with Marwell’s wider master plan. In developing this key document a consultative approach has been undertaken with both consenting authorities and local stakeholders such as neighbours.  This was to ensure that Marwell enjoys not only open and cordial relationships with the local community, but to make certain that in furtherance of our charitable work, the concerns of those around us are understood and balanced against our own ambitions.

October 2009 was significant as Marwell achieved accreditation in Investors in People, successful registration for ISO14001 (environmental performance and management) and received an unqualified and exemplary Zoo Licence inspection.  The Board of Trustees wish to express their sincere thanks to all the staff who worked so hard to help accomplish these very significant achievements.  The success of our sprint campaign in 2009 will enable us to start work on a new cheetah enclosure, which will be completed towards the end of 2010.  This will also enable a larger area to be given to the management of these wonderful and charismatic animals.  As reported last year, Marwell is developing its own internal fundraising department and in 2009 significant developments were made in building our fundraising capacity, which hitherto was negligible.  Focus in 2010 will be on the continued growth of trust and grant income, a new community and events programme including three major challenge events and the growth of minor donations through new direct mail initiatives, animal encounters and animal adoptions. Investment will also be made into legacy marketing to raise awareness and to encourage an increased number of legacy gifts in the longer-term.  

As I say each year, the progress made in the last year and our confidence in the future would not be possible without the contribution made by all those who work at Marwell. Their dedication and professionalism is tremendous and I am grateful to all of them.

Thanks are due also to our many other stakeholders, statutory bodies, businesses, the local community, and the many people who visit us each year. They are all vital to the further development of Marwell as a visitor attraction, a place of science and learning, and as a centre of excellence in conservation.

 

Simon Beloe (Chairman) and James Cretney (CEO)

 

• The 2008/2009 annual review is available for download here (505kb, pdf)
• The 2007/2008 annual review is available for download here (500kb, pdf)