Experienced people helping outdoor venues, events and projects succeed.
Ask Matt is the fastest way to start a conversation with SHACADEMY. Answer a few simple questions and we’ll help identify the right next step for your project. Real people review every enquiry.
Supporting landowners, venues, events, productions and organisations through practical experience, trusted networks and real-world delivery.
Success Comes From Safety.
Our philosophy
People first. Technology second.
SHACADEMY believes that great projects are built by capable people, strong teams and meaningful human connections.
Whether it’s a venue, event, production, expedition or training programme, the most important factors are still judgement, communication, leadership, teamwork and experience.
Technology has an important role to play, but only when it helps people do their jobs more effectively. We use it to support people — not replace them.
Technology supports people.
People create great outcomes.
How we help
A small number of things we do well.
Most enquiries fit one of these. If yours doesn't, talk to us anyway.
01
Venue Development & Landowner Support
Helping venue operators and landowners improve, develop and grow outdoor sites — from first ideas to working operations.
See experience & examples →
02
Event Operations & Safety
Planning, leadership, safety management and operational delivery for events that need to go right first time.
See experience & examples →
03
Creative, Content & Production Support
Location finding, location management, water safety, content creation, photography, film production support and creative project delivery for outdoor organisations, brands and productions.
See experience & examples →
04
Workforce Development & Training
Developing capable teams through mentoring, practical experience and real-world leadership.
See experience & examples →
05
Secret Swimmer Reviews
Independent real-world reviews of venues, systems, customer journeys and operational delivery.
See experience & examples →
06
Speaking, Workshops & Leadership Development
Practical talks, workshops and learning experiences for schools, organisations, leadership teams and outdoor professionals.
See experience & examples →
Trust
Trusted Experience
SHACADEMY is built on decades of practical experience across venues, events, education, productions, expeditions and outdoor learning.
Examples of organisations, venues, schools, brands and projects that have formed part of SHACADEMY’s experience and development. Inclusion does not imply endorsement, accreditation or formal partnership.
- The SHAC
- National Trust properties
- Buckland Park Lake
- Birtley Estate
- GLAGLA UK
- Mustang Survival
- Eton College
- Hurtwood House
- Reigate Grammar School
Projects & Ventures
Alongside supporting other organisations, SHACADEMY continues to develop its own projects, systems and ideas, using real-world operations as a testing ground for innovation — including The SHAC, GLAGLA UK and We Are Wild, plus SmartBand, Race Mode and Ask Matt.
See all projects & ventures →Track record
Proven through real experience.
Buckland Park Lake
Read case study →
From former sand quarry to one of the UK's best-known inland outdoor activity venues. A practical example of long-term collaboration, community building and operational delivery.
About Skip
A career built through experience.
SHACADEMY was created by Scott “Skip” Innes — a lifelong outdoor practitioner who has spent his career building venues, leading teams and bringing good people together around good projects.
- Started as a lifeguard and swimming instructor at age 16.
- More than 20 years leading outdoor sessions, teams and venues across water, woodland and mountain environments.
- Former Scout Leader and Chief Scout Award holder.
- 2023 Yukon 1000 winners — first British pair to complete the race on stand-up paddleboards, and current course record holders.
- Founder of The SHAC and GLAGLA UK.
- Creator of SHACADEMY.
How to start
Start with Ask Matt.
Most clients arrive with a problem, not a brief.
A short conversation helps us understand what you’re trying to achieve so the right member of the SHACADEMY team can respond with context and understanding.
Technology supports people. People create great outcomes.