Birmingham's hugely successful Bullring shopping centre has joined forces with local schools to launch an interactive DVD aimed at teaching aspiring business students the secrets of its popularity.
The DVD - produced by Bullring and Education BusinessLinks - has been designed to help students on applied GCSE and vocational courses, particularly business, leisure and tourism subjects.
It was developed after demand from students to use Bullring as a course-work case study.
Steve Packer, director of business and enterprise at Park View School in Saltley, worked with Bullring and Education BusinessLinks to ensure the DVD met the needs of students and teachers.
"Bullring provides an ideal case study for students looking at all aspects of business in the retail industry and we are very lucky to have it right on our doorstep," he said. "Previously, however, tracking down the relevant information was quite complicated. The DVD will make gathering information on the development much more straightforward."
The specialised interactive DVD gives students an insight into everyday business. It contains video interviews with employees, an information pack, a slideshow of the centre throughout different eras and time lapse photography showing its gradual transformation.
Tim Walley, general manager of Bullring, said: "This is a great way to get young people interested in business and demonstrate to them the lengthy process of development - from planning and construction, to advertising and public relations."
Education business adviser, Pippa Goode, added: "The concept of businesses working alongside and enhancing education is positive for both sides.
"The businesses raise their profile to the potential workforce of the future and education benefits from relevant practical examples that can make the theories live." ..SUPL:
