The Midlands
The central location of the Midlands with its comprehensive range of industries makes this area an ideal base for a Business Studies Tour. The Educational Business Partnership Centre operated by Jaguar (Castle Bromwich) and Land Rover (Solihull) can operate bespoke tours tailored to suit your current focus on the Business Studies curriculum, whilst a tour of Cadbury World and its production and marketing strategies presents an engaging (and tasty!) experience for your students. For the thrill seekers amongst you, an afternoon at Alton Towers or Water World is a fantastic way to wind down after a morning of educational visits, ensuring your tour to the Midlands is a truly memorable experience.
Study Excursions
Jaguar Car Manufacturing Plant
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is committed to education and business working in partnership to raise young people’s aspirations and enhance their learning experiences. JLR offers fantastic business studies visits, tailored to your group’s curriculum requirements and delivered from their unique Education Business Partnership Centres. Your tour includes an overview of JLR, a Health and Safety presentation and a guided tour of the production lines. A presentation on a topic of your choice is included (e.g. Human Resources and Motivation, lean manufacturing or quality) and in addition students take part in a practical activity to enhance their understanding of manufacturing processes. More than 50,000 students have enjoyed this experience during the last nine years, with many schools/colleges booking year after year.
Denby Pottery factory
Embark on a tour of the Denby Pottery Factory where you will see the pottery making process from start to finish, including firing and glazing. Ending your tour in the Craftroom gives you an opportunity to try the making and designing process for yourself.
Cadbury World
Explore the entire process involved in bringing one of the nation’s most loved chocolate brands to the retailer. Cadbury World in Birmingham gives an insight into how the business developed from a small business in 1879 into the global company that it is today. It is also possible to pre-book a talk by the education manager on a topic of your choice.
Westfield Centre
The Westfield Centre opened in Derby in October 2007, bringing an exciting variety of shops, restaurants and leisure facilities to the city centre. A visit to this £340 million development lasts approximately 1 hour and begins with a PowerPoint presentation from a member of the Westfield team. This covers the company’s development and marketing strategies and includes a Q&A session at the end.
Additional Educational Excursions
Derby County Stadium Tour
Take a look around Pride Park Stadium, the home of Derby County Football Club. Get a view of the pitch from the director’s box, before exploring the home changing rooms, the tunnel, the dug-outs and the press area. The stadium also has a number of hospitality suites used frequently to host conferences, exhibitions and business parties of up to 300.
JCB Factory
Explore the entire process involved in bringing one of the nation’s most loved chocolate brands to the retailer. Cadbury World in Birmingham gives an insight into how the business developed from a small business in 1879 into the global company that it is today. It is also possible to pre-book a talk by the education manager on a topic of your choice.
Land Rover, Solihull
The Land Rover site is similar to the Jaguar site in that it gives its visitors access to the Education Business Partnership Centre and the factory. However, in addition to this it has a press shop which houses one of the few fully automated sheet metal press plants in the world. It also has a ‘Driving experience’ on-site which means that students can experience the true capabilities of these 4x4 vehicles.
- Royal Crown Derby
- Coors Brewery
- Arkwright’s Mill, Cromford
- Jewellery Quarter Museum, Birmingham
Leisure Excursions
Alton Towers Theme Park
There really is something for everyone at Alton Towers! The dare-devils amongst you will love rides like the Nemesis, Air and the newest attraction for 2010, Thirteen. For those of your group who are looking for something a little less terrifying, why not cruise down the Congo River Rapids or climb aboard the Runaway Mine Train.
Matlock Bath & the Heights of Abraham cable car ride
After exploring the picturesque town of Matlock Bath, take the cable car up to the summit where there is plenty to see and do. Wander around the park, explore the caverns or visit the fossil factory, the latest addition to the site.
- Chatsworth House
- Water World, Stoke on Trent
- Ice skating at the National Ice Arena in Nottingham
- Ten-pin bowling
- Peak District National Park
Suggested Day Trip Itinerary
Day 1
- Early AM – Depart your school for Derby by coach
- 10.00-17.00hrs – Choose from a selection of business studies and leisure excursions
- Late PM – Depart by coach
- Evening – Arrival at your school
Suggested Overnight Tour Itinerary
Day 1
- Depart your school for Derby by coach
- AM – Factory tour of Royal Crown Derby
- PM – Guided talk at Westfield Centre, Derby
- Overnight at your hotel
Day 2
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Depart Derby for Birmingham
- AM – Guided tour of the Jaguar Plant
- PM – Visit to Cadbury World
- Late PM – Depart for your school
- Evening – Arrival at your school
Prices from £35
day trip£70*
overnight
Accommodation
Derby Conference Centre
This Grade II listed building is ideal for groups wanting to explore the Midlands – set in its own grounds but within close proximity to many major road networks and only five minutes from Derby train station. Students will be accommodated in twin rooms, with shared facilities and adults will have single rooms.
Price based on 44 paying passengers and 5 free places.
*Bed and Breakfast accommodation is provided at Derby Conference Centre for 1 night.
Priced at 16.04.10.
