Year 13 students from the International Foundation Programme Business Studies coursework class at Abbey College Manchester, visited the North Wales coastal town to study an award-winning hotel business, looking at the trials, tribulations and day-to-day operations of seafront accommodation and how the tourism industry plays a vital role for such establishments. Glan y Môr Hotel, a boutique seafront hotel situated on the Victorian Promenade, acted as the focal point for the students’ independent study. Owned and run by former Principal at Abbey College Manchester, Liz Elam and her husband Mark, the duo welcomed students to Glan y Môr Hotel, providing an exclusive tour and open platform for questions regarding any aspect of the business.
What started as a routine private tour of the premises quickly became the highlight of the trip, with students gaining a rare glimpse into operational and logistical areas that guests wouldn’t usually see. Delving into supply logistics, marketing strategy and budgeting, all topics were up for discussion in Liz and Mark’s Q&A session, prompting active, direct engagement from students. The owners gave an honest, real-world run-down of the realities of the hotel industry, shaped by their connection to the college, in a bid to inform the visitors of the various complexities that come with seaside hotel ownership.
Shining a light on the importance of these trips, the session proved that the Llandudno visit was more than just an educational outing, it was a collaborative experience that underscores the mutual benefit of real-world engagement between entrepreneurs and students.
Duncan Palfreyman, Business Tutor at Abbey College Manchester, commented: “This forthright exchange has been incredibly valuable. Not only will it enhance the students’ current projects, but we also hope their fresh insights and feedback might assist Liz and Mark in shaping the future of their business.”
Chris Randell, Principal at Abbey College Manchester, said: “Our students relished the opportunity to extend their learning far beyond the confines of the classroom, which is always a pleasure to see. Independent learning projects, such as the visit to Llandudno, support our academic curriculum and form an integral part of the wider education and college experience offered to our students. We thank Liz and Mark for providing an enriching opportunity for our students.”
Abbey College Manchester, part of the Abbey DLD Group of Colleges, is a thriving independent college in the heart of Manchester city centre, with a fast-growing and vibrant community of students aged 15-19.
With a teaching philosophy based on small classes and highly personalised learning in an academically rigorous but informal setting, the college focuses on the transition from school to university, working with students individually to achieve the academic standards and social skills required by their target and world-class universities. Abbey College Manchester also expertly prepares students for challenging courses such as medicine. The flexible programmes and personalised learning, combined with a strong academic ethos, offer a unique alternative to traditional schools.
There are 220 students at the college, comprising a mix of students from the local area and other countries. The college offers A-Level, GCSE, Combined Studies and International Foundation Programmes.
For more information on Abbey College visit www.abbeymanchester.co.uk, or call 0161 817 2700.