Students gain insight into the sustainable business practices of St Michael’s Mount

Students studying Falmouth’s International Business Management MSc and Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management MSc courses recently visited Cornwall’s iconic St Michael’s Mount, part of St Aubyn Estates, to learn more about the unique sustainability challenges of managing one of Cornwall’s most iconic landmarks. 

As an attraction that welcomes over 400,000 visitors every year, the trip gave students an insight into how St Aubyn Estates balances environmental sustainability, heritage conservation, and visitor engagement. 

Students were given a guided tour by Hugh St Aubyn who shared the historical significance of global trade at the island’s harbour, which has a rich cultural heritage. Hugh also discussed the island’s history, importance to local communities, and the challenges of preserving the site while welcoming thousands of visitors each year. 

Students had the opportunity to explore inside the castle and visit the island’s chapel, where they engaged with the island’s layered history while reflecting on the sustainability challenges involved in maintaining the site. After the tour, students gathered at the island’s education centre, where they received a talk by the island’s Head of Operations, Duncan Murdoch and Hugh St Aubyn. 

Hugh worked closely with students as part of their ‘live consultancy project’, which supports the island’s efforts to further embed sustainability into its operations. Students developed marketing and strategy suggestions, drawing on the Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Global Compact, which included beach cleans, investment in renewable energy and heating sources, the installation of electric vehicle charging points, and developing a net zero plan. These ideas will continue to be developed throughout the study block.