Successful Business Trips
Crisps, Cola and Chocolate –
A Recipe for Business Visits that Really Work
Successful business visits are great for encouraging learning
and building team spirit. Latte surveyed Business Studies and
Economics teachers to get their recommendations for the best
places to visit.
13 Latte
Great for: Production, IT, Marketing, HRM, Mergers and Acquisitions, Finance.
What you see: Production of crisps and corn snacks.
Visit structure: Guided tour of the production and packaging facility. Access to a comprehensive file of resources
created to cover the GCSE specifications. Prior to and after the visit,Tayto provide students with work sheets covering
key subject areas. Each person will receive a complimentary packet of crisps at the end of the tour.
Timing: Approximately 2 hours.
Maximum group size: 45 visitors.
Cost: Students under 16 £3 each, over 16 £4 each. Adults £5 each.
No reduction for group bookings or group leaders.
To book a visit: Go to www.tayto.com and follow the factory “door”.
From here you can book a factory tour at a convenient time and date.
What about food? No catering facilities. Packed lunches cannot
be consumed on the premises, but the grounds are lovely, and if the
weather is fine, schools can have a picnic.
Top tips: Follow Factory Tour “door” at www.tayto.com. Visit Learning
Zone for detailed health, safety and housekeeping information.
Further information: Call Robert Brown on 028 38840 249 ext 248,
email: [email protected]
Feedback from teachers:
Therese Donnelly, Saint Catherine’s College
“All our students are familiar with the product range and the resources here are excellent across the whole curriculum.
Being allowed on the factory floor means a truly first hand experience.”
Latte 14
Tayto Crisps, Tandragee, County Armagh
Coca Cola, East Kilbride
Great for: Innovative production methods, JIT.
What you see: An integrated manufacturing and logistics operation, producing soft drinks from raw materials, through
manufacturing, to customer delivery in Scotland. A state of the art automated storage and retrieval system, with a
storage capacity of 14,000 pallets and a capacity for 120 outgoing vehicles per day.
Visit structure: A qualified teacher, employed by Coca-Cola, runs a guided tour of a bottling line showing how soft
drinks are produced, packaged and stored, and then delivers a tailored curriculum-based presentation in the education
centre. Students will learn about raw materials, recycling waste, distribution,
marketing and communications.
Timing: About 2 hours.
Maximum group size: Parties of up to 32 students.
Cost: Free.
To book a visit: www.cokeeducation.co.uk
What about food? No facilities available on site.
Top tips: Teachers should e-mail to check availability.
Students view production line from a glass walkway.
Further information: [email protected] or [email protected]
Coca Cola, Wakefield
Great for: Production methods, Marketing, Location.
What you see: Coca Cola Enterprises' largest soft drinks plant in the world. It is a state of the art bottling plant
with 10 production lines and 44,000m2 of warehousing and distribution facilities. Interactive classroom for follow-up
curriculum-based presentations and study.
Visit structure: A dedicated qualified teacher guides the factory tour
and delivers bespoke interactive presentations in the education centre.
Timing: About 2 hours.
Maximum group size: Parties of up to 25 students.
Cost: Free.
To book a visit: www.cokeeducation.co.uk
What about food? No facilities available on site.
Top tips: Bookings should be made at least two months in advance. The guide communicates with students through
wireless headphones. Students are provided with personal protective clothing.
Further information: [email protected]
Feedback from teachers:
Andrea Kemp, Horsforth School
“An excellent site for marketing and production. It is rare to find a visit to somewhere with actual production going on.
Their education centre and teacher are highly recommended.”
Also recommended:
Theme Parks
Alton Towers www.altontowers.com – “We teach marketing through theme parks for our coursework for GCSE Yr.11 students and we have found that
it is a great motivator. Parents may be a bit sceptical about its educational value but the talk and the fact that it is such a huge business always sells it.”
David Harris, Shenley Court School
Brean Leisure Park www.brean.com/learning – “Alex Ferguson (not Sir Alex) 01278 751595 is keen to help in any way. Take the students there for a talk,
then allow them to use the leisure park afterwards and your reputation as an exciting department will grow! They will give a discount on their wristband
offer of unlimited use of most rides for approx £6 (usually £18).” Gary Williams, King Alfred School
15 Latte
Cadbury World, Birmingham
Great for: Production, Marketing, Leisure and Tourism.
What you see: Interactive exhibition explaining the manufacturing processes, marketing strategies, history of the
products and company plus two state-of-the art attractions called Essence and Purple Planet. Demonstrations of chocolate
making. Packaging process (when operational).
Visit structure: Cadbury World tour and interactive exhibition plus optional educational talks on areas of Business
Studies, Humanities and Leisure & Tourism.
Smaller groups (under 30 people) may attend syllabus specific study days, one of the Education team will deliver a
bespoke curriculum based presentation in the context of Cadbury.
For groups of more than 30, a tailored talk may be arranged. Teaching staff can brief topics directly with the Education
team. NB: In the Exhibition, students will be offered three wrapped chocolate products, and a pot of warm liquid chocolate
in Essence. Dissuade students from eating all the samples before the visit ends!
Timing: Tour takes 2 hours. Tour plus talk lasts approximately 3 hours. Allow at least one more hour for shop and
refreshments.
Maximum group size: Standard tour without a talk - no maximum number. Tour plus talk - maximum 110 students.
Cost: Tour - £6.30 per pupil. Tour plus talk - £7.50 per pupil: Supervision rate at 1 teacher to 10 students, up to a
maximum of ten teachers. Free admission and meal voucher for each coach driver. Reservations office will advise further.
To book a visit: Call the booking office on 0845 450 3599
What about food? There are locations such as the Play Area and the marquee where schools can eat packed lunches.
It may be possible to eat them in the restaurant, subject to the agreement of the Restaurant manager. Cadbury World
offers a special packed lunch deal that may be booked in advance. Hot and cold food in the restaurant ranges in price
from £3 to £6.50.
Top tips: Make bookings at least six weeks in advance. Take advantage of free teacher preview visits. Remember this is
not a tour of the Cadbury manufacturing plant. Group organisers must supervise students at all times. Before your visit,
download the excellent curriculum related workbooks from www.cadburyworld.co.uk plan visit schools
curriculum overview.
Further information: www.cadburyworld.co.uk
Interview with Colin Pitt, Education Manager, Cadbury Schweppes plc
“We aim to present schools with a fun, exciting and curriculum relevant visit. We
constantly update the content of our educational talks to keep them in line with
current specifications. When delivering the lectures, I try to pass on my personal
enthusiasm for one of Britain’s best known companies. We receive really positive
feedback from all our school visits. Setting business theory in the context of products
that students know well helps their understanding and recall in exams. Since the
nineteenth century, Cadbury has been a company committed to education.
Personally, I am proud to continue that tradition.”
Feedback from teachers:
Sharon Wellins, Eccles College
“It is a great day out with an educational slant. Excellent marketing talk directed
towards AQA syllabus or vocational course. I took 74 students.
Lots of chocolate, lots of fun.”
David Harris, Shenley Court School
“The speaker at Cadbury World is excellent - he is able to deliver any
aspect of the GCSE syllabus that you desire, in the context of Cadbury World.
He will tailor his talks for GCSE / BTEC / Applied Business / A/S and A-Level.
The talks are always lively and interesting and he holds the interest of the
students throughout.”
Gary Williams, King Alfred School
“Colin Pitt, Educational Manager, gives an excellent talk on a subject which we all love chocolate! I never have any problems in getting staff to come & join me on this one!”
Also recommended:
Retail Wal-Mart/Asda Local contact details from Customer Services on 0500 100 055 – “Our visit was to the Asda Distribution Centre in Bedford. The trip
involved 15 yr 11 students on an Edexcel GCSE Double award for Applied Business and was tailored to Unit 2 Section C, on Training and Recruitment. The
student’s were given a formal presentation on how Asda recruit and train staff, a tour of the distribution centre and an insight into the regional distribution
of goods to Asda stores. The students were stimulated and even the "quiet ones" asked questions.” R. Juma, St Thomas More School
IKEA Contact your nearest IKEA store manager for details. www.IKEA.co.uk –“Excellent talk given on any area we wanted – very motivated, interesting
staff. Tour around store after talk during which students could ask questions. Free. We took a small group of 8, but they said they would be happy for 40
year 12s to go.” Julia McHarg, Wilmslow High School
Latte 16
Jaguar Cars, Castle Bromwich
Great for: Production, JIT, Quality Control, Marketing, HRM.
What you see: XK8 Sports Car Assembly, design video, IT suite with hands-on robotic production models, bespoke
presentations.
Visit structure: All programmes are individually tailored to school curriculum requirements following consultation
with teachers during an arranged Pre-Visit or, if not possible, by phone.
Sample Programme (Morning or Afternoon Session)
Welcome, 'Health and Safety' Jaguar Overview
Factory Tour (XK8 Sports Car Assembly) - Focus on Lean Production, JIT, Right First Time, Kanban,
Kaizen & Automation
Lean Manufacturing PowerPoint Presentation - Comparison between Lean/Mass Production
Whitley Design Video
‘Motivation At Jaguar’ PowerPoint Presentation – “How Do We Ensure A Highly Motivated Workforce?”
Activity – Mini Production Line or Robot Programming
Evaluation & Close
Timing: Approximately 3 hours plus lunch (if required)
Maximum group size: 24 students.
Cost: Schools within West Midlands region £150 per visit. Schools out of area £200 (plus VAT).
To book a visit: Call Bob Jones on 024 76205190, email [email protected]
What about food? Packed lunches can be eaten in the reception area. Water is freely available. Hot drinks available
for teachers.
Top tips: Book at least 3 months in advance. Visit www.partnershipcentres.co.uk for additional material before
and after tour.
Further information: www.partnershipcentres.co.uk
Feedback from teachers:
Martin Seery, Longsands College
“Excellent tour for AS business students. Many features of production and HRM are covered.”
Ynyr Owen, Sutton Coldfield College
“We had just covered lean production, JIT, quality etc in class and it was a great example of these processes in action in the
real world. The guide was very informative and showed how JIT, teamworking, motivational techniques etc were used by
Jaguar to produce quality cars.”
Kerry Morris, Worcester 6th Form College
“This gives students first hand experience of how a
factory operates and reinforces the classwork for Unit
2 Operations Management.”
Leicester Grammar School
“It was wonderful to see highly theoretical economics
concepts in practice. Q&A session gave some useful
insights. Very good practical exercises and presentations
on lean manufacturing and robotics.”
Also recommended:
Airports
Birmingham International Airport: www.bhx.co.uk – The aviation industry lends itself to study across a broad range of the curriculum, and few
educational venues can match the stimulation and excitement of the airport environment. BIA offers behind the scenes tours, online resources for GCSE
Leisure & Tourism and Business Studies, a virtual tour of the airport and regular updates to assist teachers and students.
17 Latte
BMW’s Mini Plant, Oxford
Great For: Production, Delivery – JIT, Marketing & Sales.
What you see: Production of the Mini in three stages – Body Shop, Paint Shop and Assembly plant.
Visit structure: Visits are run by BMW education and include a factory tour and educational resources to take away.
Timing: approx 1.5 hours.
Maximum Group Size: By arrangement.
Cost: Free.
To book a visit: email: [email protected]
What about food? Contact BMW for arrangements.
Top Tips: Wear sensible clothing and footwear. No students under 14 years of age.
Further information: www.bmweducation.co.uk
Great for: Understanding lean production, Health & Safety, JIT, Marketing, Quality Control, Product Design (CAD)
and Development.
What you see: A tour of the assembly plant and hands-on training using the Production Line Simulator.
Visit structure: Visits are run by the Ford Partnership Centre with clear links to how production is taught in school.
Students have a guided tour of the complete assembly plant, where they will see construction of the body shell through to
the final assembly of the Ford Transit. There are opportunities for questions and answers throughout. Students also have
the opportunity to get involved in a fun exercise, in a large, clean, bright room using two Production Simulators. Groups are
split into two teams (7+7) and asked to build 4 model vans against the clock. Winners are determined based on time and
quality. Students are then challenged to improve the design and production process, and then to do the exercise again.
The emphasis is on teamwork, communication, planning, quality control and understanding the processes.
Timing: whole day visit including lunch break.
Maximum group size: 14 students + 1 staff member per tour. Groups up to a maximum of 40 are split into smaller tours.
Cost: £250 per 15 person tour and Production Line Simulator. Larger groups £10 per additional student.
To book a visit: Contact Yvonne Lillington Community Partnership Training Coordinator on 023 80581 211
What about food? Packed lunches can be consumed in the training centre.
Top tips: Wear sensible clothing and footwear. No short sleeves, shorts,
skirts or open toe shoes. Appropriate PPE is provided. Students will be
denied access to the facility if this is not adhered to.
Further information: www.solentskillquest.co.uk
Feedback from teachers:
Katie Vaughan, The Holt School
“We saw evidence of production methods, JIT, TQM, CAD, CAM, CIM, robots,
health & safety and training. It was great fun and a really good learning
experience which I have been able to draw on many times in lessons
since our visit.”
Latte 18
Ford Transit Assembly Plant, Southampton
The Trafford Centre, Manchester
Great for: Retail Management, Customer Service.
What you see: The behind the scenes operation of one of the UK’s largest retail outlets. Talks on customer service
and retail management. Curriculum related resource packs.
Visit structure: Guided tour of the operational activities of the centre followed by a curriculum specific talk. Optional
retail therapy.
Timing: Talk and tour approximately 2 hours.
Maximum group size: By arrangement.
Cost: Free.
To book a visit: www.traffordcentre.co.uk
What about food? There are many retail food outlets and packed
lunches can be consumed in designated areas.
Top tips: Contact the centre well in advance to book your tour.
Further information: www.traffordcentre.co.uk
Coca Cola, Edmonton
Great for: Methods of Production, JIT, Marketing.
What you see: The bottling facility including a presentation on a specific subject area.
Visit structure: Exploring the factory floor and its six production lines making a range of products inglass and plastic
bottles. Students will learn about production from raw materials to distribution. Their visit will focus on health and
safety, production, management organisation, quality testing, marketing, product design, factors influencing location and
communication in industry. In the executive boardroom, students can put their new learning into practice with a range
of problem-solving activities closely linked to the school curriculum and enterprise.
Timing: About 2.5 hours.
Maximum group size: Parties of up to 28 people including teachers.
Cost: Free.
To book a visit: www.cokeeducation.co.uk
What about food? No facilities available on site.
Top tips: Bookings should be made at least three months in advance.
Further information: Bill Muirhead, [email protected]
Feedback from teachers:
Jill Stacey, Furze Platt Senior School
“I take a group of GCSE Applied Business Studies pupils each year and a group of AS Business students. We always choose
the manufacturing option. I would definitely recommend this visit.”
19 Latte
Drayton Manor Theme Park
Great for: Marketing, Travel & Tourism.
What you see: Behind the scenes at the leisure park plus dedicated training area.
Visit structure: The Training manager will give a presentation to students on particular aspects of the syllabus i.e.
Marketing, customer service, communication, external influences. Students can then go and enjoy the rides.
Timing: All day.
Maximum group size: 60.
Cost: Rates vary according to the season, but allow approximately £16 per student. 1 free teacher per 10 students.
To book a visit: Contact Tim Sadler 01827 252409
What about food? Plenty of areas to eat a picnic or buy food.
Top tips: If you pre-book you get a discount of 50p per student.
Sensible footwear recommended.
Further information: www.draytonmanor.co.uk
Feedback from teachers:
Peter Cooper, Worcester College of Technology
“Used as a case study for GCSE Applied Business, and now BTEC First Diploma.
Specify what you want taught and Tim will cover that aspect. It's a theme park
so very popular as a day trip for learners!”
The Hands-Free Approach to Successful Business Trips
Industrial Trust - John Gibbs-Newton, Chief Executive
Last year, Industrial Trust organised almost 30,000 business visits – many of which
cost the school nothing but the bus fare.
The Industrial Trust is a charitable organisation funded by charitable foundations,
private corporate sponsorship, and public sector finance. Its aim is to build a bridge
between Schools and Industry; to give students the opportunity to see their learning
spring into life through hands-on ‘in-company’ experiences.
The Trust holds a database of over 750 businesses, their product areas, their
operational and economic practices, their location and facilities, and their capacity
to provide meaningful school visit programmes.
Teachers are encouraged to contact the Trust via their local regional manager to
explain their learning objectives for the ‘in-company’ experience. As the Trust has
access to many businesses that schools may not be able to approach directly, it can
then identify a suitable business to visit. The Trust will organise everything from
informing the school of visit criteria (dress code, group size, safety information) to
booking transport. The Trust officers, who are all CRB checked, will accompany the
visit in order to ensure everything runs smoothly.
The Industrial Trust aims to make as many visits as possible free of charge to the
school, although an administration fee of £3 per student may be payable and
transport is normally charged at cost.
Students visiting EDF at Heathrow working out
the commercial and practical issues of power
failure and re-connection of services with
a maintenance manager.
Latte 20
The Industrial Trust helps young people to understand what wealth creation
is about and enthuses and inspires them to be enterprising in their own lives.
For more information visit www.industrialtrust.org.uk