A select group of students went behind the scenes at a successful enterprise to gain first-hand insight into start-up culture and international business relationships.

The 14 Master’s in Management (MiM) students from Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) enjoyed the unique opportunity with Lancaster Brewery. They visited the site where the company produces drinks including beers and whiskies, and also had the opportunity to taste some of the products.

They experienced a rewarding blend of academic excellence and real-world learning, having been nominated by their module leaders as Golden Ticket winners for outstanding performance during the Lent and Summer terms.

They learned about the craft and challenges of starting up and scaling up a business from owner Matt Jackson, who is also an Entrepreneur in Residence in LUMS.

This visit exemplifies how the MiM programme enriches the student learning experience with practical, career-focused opportunities that bring management theory to life.

MiM Programme Director Dr Bingbing Ge said: “This visit offered a rich and thought-provoking opportunity for our students to engage with one of Lancaster’s notable business success stories.

“It was more than a tour—it was a platform for critical discussion on strategic decision-making and resilience, particularly in the face of external shocks such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Matt’s insights into the company’s internationalisation journey and export strategies added valuable depth to our students’ understanding of global business dynamics. I am deeply grateful to Matt and the Lancaster Brewery team for their openness and generosity in sharing their experiences.

“The visit was fitting recognition for our Golden Ticket recipients, whose dedication and strong academic performance continue to enrich our programme.”