Manchester and Liverpool embody the development of the United Kingdom over the past 250 years. Manchester, with it’s gigantic cotton mills, was the birthplace of the industrial revolution in the late 1700’s, fed by raw materials shipped from around the world to Liverpool with its dockyards and shipping. A trade union movement led to strong worker representation in the area and local economies thrived in the 1800’s, but at the expense of subjugation in British colonies and cotton picked by slaves in the southern states of the USA.
The influx of immigration following the second world war created vibrant, multicultural cities at the same time as de-industrialization created much of the social inequalities still evident today. Most recently, the BREXIT vote in 2016 has created profound challenges for businesses, the effects of which are only now becoming fully understood. In total, these two cities are emblematic of the profound influence Great Britain has on global culture and sport, not least through some of the most famous bands and football clubs in the world.
Tour Objectives
- Compare and contrast the business development paths of both Manchester and Liverpool to other parts of the UK and Europe, both from a historical and contemporary perspective;
- Develop a deeper insight into the UK generally and England specifically through exposure to the culture, history, and socioeconomic climate of the region
- Gain a deeper and more nuanced understanding of how classroom theories apply to the real world environment
Possible Activities
- Visit the Business Support department of a local football team to hear about the business of sport and its impact on the local community
- Hear from the Manchester Development Corporation regarding opportunities and challenges of operating in northern England in a post-Brexit environment
- Immerse yourself in the local start-up environment for life sciences and digital technology businesses by visiting and interviewing companies in small teams
- Experience classic British cuisine and enjoy the beautiful countryside with a visit to a traditional English pub and visit to a local farm in the wonderful Peak District National Park.