About this tour

Northern England and Northern Wales offer some of the most fascinating stories of economic transformation in Europe. This region—anchored by powerhouse cities such as Newcastle and Liverpool, and framed by the breathtaking landscapes of North Wales—has shaped global industry, culture, and innovation for more than two centuries.

The tour will visit Newcastle, once a bastion of coal, engineering, and shipbuilding, and Liverpool, the world famous port city which connected the UK to global trade networks, making it a gateway for goods, ideas, and people. Together, these cities became engines of economic growth, centers of labor activism, and cultural icons whose influence still resonates worldwide—from pioneering music scenes to internationally recognized football clubs.

Today, the region is reinventing itself again. Students will explore how northern England is navigating the challenges and opportunities of a post-industrial, post-Brexit economy: from digital innovation and life sciences clusters to creative industries and ambitious urban regeneration projects. Along the way, you’ll experience the multicultural vibrancy, entrepreneurial energy, and natural beauty that make this part of the UK so distinctive.

This tour blends business insight with cultural immersion, giving students a front row seat to how history, policy, and innovation collide to shape modern European business strategy.

Learning outcomes

  • Compare the business development paths of Newcastle, Liverpool, and surrounding regions to other parts of the UK and Europe, both historically and today
  • Deepening your understanding of the UK—and England specifically—through direct exposure to its culture, history, and socioeconomic landscape
  • Strengthen your ability to apply classroom theories to real world business environments through company visits, interviews, and fieldwork

Possible activities

  • Go behind the scenes at a major football club, meeting with business support teams to understand how global sports brands drive local economic impact
  • Hear from regional development leaders in Newcastle, exploring the opportunities and challenges of operating in northern England in a post Brexit environment
  • Dive into how cultural heritage and business interact with a visit to the Beatles Story and meet their management team to hear how Liverpool’s historical musical history can drive current economic growth
  • Immerse yourself in the region’s innovation ecosystem, visiting life science labs, digital start ups, and entrepreneurial hubs to meet founders and analyze business models
  • Experience the landscapes that define the region, from the dramatic mountains and coastline of North Wales to the rolling hills and historic villages of northern England
  • Enjoy classic British cuisine with a visit to a traditional countryside pub and a local farm, learning how rural businesses adapt and thrive in modern markets