Recently, our Year 11 Economics students and two Year 12 BTEC Business students had the exciting opportunity to visit Numatic International in Chard, the company behind the iconic ‘Henry’ vacuum cleaner. The trip provided a valuable insight into how a successful UK manufacturing business operates, linking directly to many of the topics students are currently studying.

During the visit, students were given a guided tour of the manufacturing site, where they were able to see first-hand how the famous Henry vacuum cleaners are produced. From the initial stages of production to the final assembly and packaging, students observed the scale and efficiency of modern manufacturing processes. One of the highlights of the trip was the chance for students to assemble their own Henry vacuum cleaner, giving them a practical understanding of how the product is constructed and the different components involved.

The tour also highlighted Numatic’s strong focus on sustainability. Students learned about the company’s efforts to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and design products that are durable and repairable, helping to extend product life cycles and reduce environmental impact. This provided an excellent real-world example of sustainable business practices in action.

Following the site tour, students took part in a discussion with company representatives about Numatic’s global business operations. This session explored how the company exports its products to markets around the world and how global economic issues can affect trade. Students were particularly interested in learning about the challenges businesses face in relation to tariffs, quotas, imports and exports, and how companies must adapt to changing international conditions.

The discussion also covered the impact of Brexit on UK manufacturing and international trade. Numatic explained how the company had responded to new trading arrangements, demonstrating how businesses must remain flexible and strategic when navigating global economic changes.

Overall, the visit was a fantastic educational experience that allowed students to connect classroom learning with real-world business practice. All students thoroughly enjoyed the trip and represented the school brilliantly throughout the day. The visit also helped to establish a positive relationship between the school and Numatic International in Chard, which we hope to build upon with future opportunities for our students.

Claire Jenner Laurens

Teacher of Economics and Business

Image (23).jpg
Image (21).jpg