Students studying Business at Bridgwater College welcomed Michelle Michael MBE, the owner of Weston Pier into one of their classes to hear about her career to date.

As the owner of the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare, Michelle is a prominent business woman in the UK. At university she studied Law which she pursed as a career for a number of years before moving into the travel and tourism industry.

Michelle is most known for purchasing the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare on 6 February 2008. However, disaster struck six months later when the pier caught fire and destroyed the majority of the building. Michelle spoke to the students about this horrible day and how she recovered and rebuilt the business she had only recently purchased. Michelle’s determination was a real inspiration showing how extreme knock backs can ultimately be used to make you stronger and benefit your career.

Michelle also spoke about life in the travel and tourism industry and what the students should expect from a career if they follow the same route. This was a great insight for the students to see how and what they need to do to succeed in not only the travel and tourism industry but in business.

It was great to hear from Michelle, she has had such a varied career with endless possibilities, and she is looking to expand into the coming years and use the success of Dismaland to bring more tourism to Weston-super-Mare. Discussing how Banksy and Dismaland has brought tourism to Weston from all over the world, the students were fascinated on how Michelle was able to get involved in the staffing for Dismaland, attending events and dining with celebrities such as Chris Martin from Coldplay.

The students said Michelle was both passionate and knowledgeable about the industry and a true inspiration for the career aspirations and goals. Abbie Brogden, Work Placement Coordinator for Business, Management and Computing said,

“I am so grateful for Michelle coming to speak, her experience in both travel and business is of extreme benefit to our students. Her presentation style is very relaxed and open which the students really responded to which in turn meant they felt they could ask her anything. I am looking forward to working with Michelle in the future with some exciting ideas.”