<p>Last month, some of our incredible staff (Hannah Carstensen, Business &amp; Tourism Lecturer, Dan Pratlett, Business Lecturer, Tracy Taylor, Faculty Hub Coordinator, and James Lockyer, Apprentice Support Worker) took a group of 34 Business and Travel &amp; Tourism learners to New York City!</p>

<p>The group visited the city for five days, managing to fit in as many activities as possible, including Liberty and Ellis Island, a Wall Street and Financial District Tour, Ground Zero and the 9/11 Museum, a boat tour, 5th Avenue, Central Park, High Line, and the Empire State Building.</p>

<p>The visit has been the faculty’s first international trip since the Coronavirus Pandemic, and Dan Pratlett commented that it was fantastic to see all the learners being able to experience this incredible opportunity.</p>

<p>The feedback from the learners who went on the trip has been nothing but positive, with one learner saying: “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, with everything included in the trip you’re getting far more than what you paid for. It’s great to socialise with new people and explore a new environment too!”</p>

<p>A year 3 UCW Business and Management learner said: “The trip was a perfect blend of tourism, heritage, and culture! The structure of the trip allowed flexibility around a set activity program allowing the chance to visit the must-sees with group benefits, whilst, letting us explore our own interests in NYC (mine was food and the Natural History Museum)! Basically, a very good trip!”</p>

<p>As well as fantastic comments from the learners, some parents also reached out to thank the teachers and the College for the trip: “I just wanted to thank you all so much. My daughter had an amazing time in New York. I hope they behaved! Memories that will last a lifetime!”</p>

<p>Another happy parent wrote: “We appreciate the amount of time and effort that goes into organising trips with young people. My daughter really enjoyed the trip, and we are very proud of her for taking part with such a mature attitude towards the whole experience.”</p>

<p>We are so proud to be able to offer incredible opportunities such as these to our learners. Click here if you would be interested in learning more about <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…; or <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… and Tourism</a> courses.</p>

<p>Learners from our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/ceh-business">Business Career Excellence Hub</a> have raised an incredible £5,170 for <a href="https://www.westonhospicecare.org.uk/">Weston Hospicecare</a>, through the Business Enterprise Challenge.</p>

<p>Now in it’s second year, the Business Enterprise Challenge sees Business students split into18 groups, and tasked with raising money for Weston Hospicecare. Each group are given a Business Mentor, as well as a £50 donation for a start-up budget. The challenge is to turn their £50 into the most profit, with all proceeds going to the charity.</p>

<p>Each group of learners have created their business plan, which includes sourcing products, developing their pricing strategy, coming up with a marketing plan and then selling their product or service.</p>

<p>The groups ran their businesses from October to January, and included companies that created ‘Christmas Treat Baubles’ for pets, sustainable eco-friendly biodegradable ‘Self Care Packages’ and an events management business.</p>

<p>Dean of Faculty for Professional Studies Access to HE &amp; Animal Science at Weston College, Helen George, said: “We are so proud of what our learners have achieved as part of this challenge. Over the course of the challenge, we have seen learners grow in confidence, increase their understanding of running a business and build vital skills that will support them throughout their future careers.</p>

<p>Most importantly learners have raised a lot of money for Weston Hospicecare, which has been the driving force behind the success we have seen to date.</p>

<p>Thank you to our Business Mentors who have provided such valuable advice, guidance and feedback to the learners. We really appreciate their support.”</p>

<p>Each group of learners presented their experiences to a judging panel, as well as sharing how much they raised, which resulted in four award winning groups:</p>

<ul>
<li>Fundraisers Achievement Award – Isabelle, Abi, Elena, Lauren, Inga, Lloyd, and Wiktor</li>
<li>Best Presentation Award – Nicole, Ella, Olivia, Milly, Eva, and Amanda</li>
<li>Product Innovation Award – Paige, Martyna, and Eloise</li>
<li>Employer Engagement/Networking Award – Thomas, Charlotte, Grace, Harry, Reg, and Daniel</li>
<li>Overall Winners Award – Jodine, Melwin, Harry, Samuel, Maddison, and Denver.</li>
</ul>

<p>Philppa Haynes, Founder of <a href="https://www.insight101.co.uk/">Insight 101 Brand Strategy Consultant</a>, and mentor to our overall winners, said: “I’ve always been impressed by the commitment of Weston College to its students. The Enterprise Challenge Awards, sponsored by Weston Hospicecare, is yet another feather in their cap. As a mentor for the winning team which raised over £1000, I’m so proud of the students. Guts, determination and a little bit of flair were very much key to their success.”</p>

<p>Ben Whitwell, <a href="https://benjigraphics.co.uk/">Creative Director Benji Graphics</a>, and also a mentor, said “This was a really great project to be involved with, not only did it raise a fantastic amount for Weston Hospicecare, but it gave us a chance to work with really passionate and enthusiastic students from Weston College. It was really rewarding seeing their project through from planning through to sales and great to see them rewarded for all their efforts. I’ll be back next year, and I’m coming back to win with my team!</p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin… you would like to find out more about studying a business course at Weston College, click here.</a></p>

<p>Learners from our Business Career Excellence Hub are spreading Christmas cheer, through the Business Enterprise Challenge.</p>

<p>Learners studying Business related courses at Weston College have been split into groups, and tasked with raising money for Weston Hospicecare. Each group have been given a Business Mentor, as well as a £50 donation for a start-up budget. The challenge is to turn their £50 into the most profit, with all proceeds going to the charity.</p>

<p>Each group of learners have created their business plan, which includes sourcing products, developing their pricing strategy, coming up with a marketing plan and then selling their product or service.</p>

<p>The groups have also been given a Business Mentor, with lots of key business people from across the town offering their support to this great initiative (full list below).</p>

<p>The challenge which was launched in October is well underway, and last week (W/C: 5th December) learners took to the Sovereign Centre in Weston-super-Mare, to sell their products. With a presence each day, learners showcased their merchandising skills as well as their products – selling Christmas gifts and raising lots of money in the process.</p>

<p>Dean of Faculty for Professional Studies Access to HE &amp; Animal Science at Weston College, Helen George, said: “I have been really impressed with work that the students have been producing as part of the Business Enterprise Challenge.</p>

<p>“Over the course of the challenge so far, we have seen learners grow in confidence, increase their understanding of running a business and build some vital skills that will support them throughout their future careers.</p>

<p>“Most importantly learners are raising a lot of money for Weston Hospicecare, which has been the driving force behind the success we have seen to date.</p>

<p>“I wanted to say a big thank you to our Business Mentors as well, they have provided such valuable advice, guidance and feedback to the learners, and we really appreciate the support that they have given us.”</p>

<p>Each group of learners will present their experiences to a judging panel, as well as sharing how much they raised at the end of January, to try to win one of four awards:</p>

<ul>
<li>Fundraisers Achievement Award (for the team which raises the most profit)</li>
<li>Most Sustainable Business Award (for the most sustainable business or product idea)</li>
<li>Visual Merchandising Award (best trade stand)</li>
<li>Entrepreneur of the Year Award (awarded to a team which demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurialism)</li>
</ul>

<p>With the winners being announced at Weston College’s Celebration of Success event, in February 2023.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin… you would like to find out more about studying a business courses at Weston College, click here.</a></p>

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