Y12 Economics and Business Trip

On a sunny Monday, the Y12 Economics and Business classes went to visit Westons Cider and The Morgan Motor Company to learn about the two companies to enhance their understanding of the business theory and see the theory in practice. 

Westons Cider gave an informative tour of the production line and showed the students how much they had grown over the last century to now being a global business with a presence in over 45 countries. They saw the flow production process from the time the apples arrived, through to squeezing the juice out and making the concentrates, to the bottling plant and £3million brand new canning stage and to their ever growing logistics department. The students learned about their marketing as well, from their range of products provided to the sponsorship of major events.  The key to their continued success was remaining a family business with a desire for keeping the heritage alive alongside their quality, premium products.

The next stop was at The Morgan Motor Company. The students were welcomed by the sight of a range of Morgan Cars outside the Visitor Centre. The tour guide then took the students around the factory, explaining the product range and how the cars are all unique, being made to order. The students walked along the production line, seeing the stock room and learning how components were bought in and saw how the cars progressed from the chassis and bodywork and on to the electrics and engine being inserted and the paint line and leather upholstery sections – in a 2-hour tour, they saw the progress that a car would make in two to three weeks through these handmade, labour-intensive process. And as at Westons Cider, Morgan’s survival appeared to be due to their heritage, and their quality and despite losing their family control to a venture capital business, their future is looking strong.  

It was an enjoyable trip and much was learned about the two businesses and more can be discussed and shared in class in the future.