The Birmingham Pen Trade Heritage Association is a volunteer-run charity. In 2001 it opened The Pen Museum in the Jewellery Quarter's historic Argent Centre to promote and preserve the history of Birmingham’s pen trade.

Nigel Evans from The Pen Museum, said: “We were delighted with the transition funding which has allowed the museum to recognise what was required to help secure its future.”

The loss of founding members, increasing rents and an aging volunteer base had made the museum’s business plan unviable. With our funding, consultants helped the association produce a new fundraising plan.

An updated business model will enable the organisation to safeguard the museum collection long-term, ensuring the heritage is better managed.

Introducing a modest entry fee created a new income stream, helping the organisation become more resilient, and a training programme for trustees will help develop their skills and embed the consultants' work within the association. 

The museum is now creating a new welcome exhibition and retail area as part of a redevelopment project, which has attracted funding from a range of new sources.