A partnership between The Deep and Hull University Business School (HUBS) gave two students invaluable insight into operating a major tourism attraction and business facility.

The project also provided the team at The Deep with some new ideas on how to improve what they do.

Freya Cross, Business and Corporate Manager at The Deep, briefed students Rachel Capp and Anil Shanli on her desire to increase the corporate events business, from meetings and conferences during the day to social occasions, dinners and other celebrations in the evening.

Freya said: “We host a lot of events but we have the capacity to do more and we wondered why some prospective clients opt for more traditional venues rather than for the “wow” factor of The Deep.

“We asked whether we should amend our marketing strategy and whether we should make changes to our product information to try and increase the numbers of people who, having made an enquiry, take a closer look at the product.”

Rachel and Anil conducted research among a number of businesses and established that the facilities at The Deep are highly-rated but more can be done to raise awareness.

Freya added: “The project was very beneficial for us and for Rachel and Anil. It’s given us a few things to think about but it indicates that our approach is correct and that we have a high level of client satisfaction. Rachel and Anil found the experience invaluable.”

Anil said: “We learned a lot. It’s been a priceless experience. We learned about corporate hospitality and all sort of other things – attention to detail, the businesses that get involved here, working with people and working with a team. It’s been one of the best modules I have done.”

Rachel said: “We have been very lucky. The team have been so willing to help us and give us information. Some other students said their companies didn’t help them much at all, but we have established some very good working relationships and we have learned skills that we can apply in the future.”