Brings over 35 years’ experience in leisure, hospitality and tourism sectors including Isle of Wight Festival, English Heritage and Isle of Wight Council
Planning Solutions Limited, the specialist tourism and leisure operators and consultants, has appointed Annie Horne as its new Managing Director. Annie will be responsible for overseeing and expanding the current operations within the company and assisting with the identification and development of new management opportunities in the attractions sector.
Annie brings over 35 years’ practical hands-on and strategic experience of working in the leisure, hospitality and tourism sectors to Planning Solutions. Previously, Annie was Director of Wight Leisure for the Isle of Wight Council, where she was responsible for the business development, financial trading performance and all operational services. She has also worked for a range of private & public organisations and clients including English Heritage and the Solo Promoters Limited, owners of the Isle of Wight Festival.
Annie has worked on major projects including project management for the re-creation of the Isle of Wight Festival, leading the creative installation for a number of boutique venues at the Festival and Glastonbury. As Event Director for Osborne House Summer Concerts, she promoted well known headline bands including Paul Weller, Girls Aloud, Simply Red, Tom Jones, Little Mix, Will Young and Anastacia. Annie also created and managed her own brand restaurant, café bar and live music venue for several years.
Commenting on Annie’s appointment, Mike Stickland, Chairman of Planning Solutions said: “We’re delighted to welcome Annie to the team. She brings a wealth of leisure and hospitality sector experience to Planning Solutions, having worked on some truly landmark events and projects. We are confident that Annie will help us maximise the development opportunities from all of our businesses and help us to continue to grow our core attractions and identify new management opportunites for the company.”
Annie Horne added: “It’s a really exciting time to be joining Planning Solutions. The company has a great portfolio of leisure businesses with a strong vision for future growth. I’m looking forward to working with the experienced Management Team and all site staff within the attractions and businesses to ensure that they continue to offer an outstanding visitor experience and build on their unique brands strengths.”
Planning Solutions celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2015 and now manages several visitor attractions both on long lease terms and management agreements, on behalf of third party organisations including CONKERS and The National Brewery Centre in the East Midlands, Supertubing in South Wales and Kent Life Heritage Farm Park near Maidstone. Planning Solutions also owns a number of other leisure businesses including the Heritage Brewery Company in Burton Upon Trent, The Royal Esplanade Hotel and the Bembridge craft bakery on The Isle of Wight.