Member Article

Alnwick Garden receives students recommendations

Students fro Northumbria University have been given the chance to offer their recommendations to Alnwick Garden about how the attraction can increase its impact on the surrounding area.

As part of a university project, 30 students on the BA (Hons) Corporate Management programme compiled business reports analysing the Gardens achievements and the way they could build on them for the future.

Within their recommendations, students focused on ways to enhance the education role of Alnwick Garden, how to attract new visitors using a farmers market and building business by working on collaborative weekend packages with neighbouring hotels.

Jane Turner, Associate Dean Corporate and Executive Development Centre at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University, commented: “We’re so pleased to be working with such an iconic local attraction and it’s been an excellent opportunity for our Corporate Management students to work on a real business project.

“With youth unemployment at an all time high and the employability of young people regularly questioned, the course offers a great balance of theory and practice which helps our graduates to stand out from the crowd.

“Working with forward thinking organisations, such as The Alnwick Garden, not only benefits our students, but the business itself and local area as a whole.”

The project was the first opportunity for first year students to work on a ‘live’ project, in preparation for their work placements which make up the remaining two years of their degree.

David Ronn, Managing Director of The Alnwick Garden and Castle was keen to receive the students ideas. He added: “For nearly a decade The Alnwick Garden has delivered a range of activities that promote access without discrimination.

“We are delighted to be working with Newcastle Business School and its Corporate Management students to bring a fresh perspective to what we’re doing well now and what we can do more of or better in the future.

“We look forward to reviewing the excellent student business plan suggestions and will be looking to implement some ideas in the New Year. We hope the students will visit again soon to see the progress we’ve made.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .