This week my travels took me to a number of places I have never visited, so as I arose Monday morning I was excited to see what these unchartered territories had to offer. I began with a stop off in our second city, a place I frequent regularly, but to a site brand new to myself, the University of Birmingham. Another one of the highly sought after Russell Group University’s, the fantastic university accommodation houses over 4000 students.

I continued heading south west all the way down the M5 through Gloucestershire, Somerset and into Devon and Exeter. On my way down the M5 through Somerset I noticed a huge figure off to my right, which I think vaguely resembles a man lunging. I decided to take a quick snap and do a bit of research when I arrived back at the office. It turns out it is the country’s largest willow figure, also known as the Wicker Man. It was designed and constructed by Serena de la Hey in the summer of 2000 using just a steel frame and bundles of willow, the Wicker man has proven to be a popular spectacle for motorists ever since.

I was content that I had done enough sightseeing for the time being and arrived in Devon geared up for a positive meeting. The University of Exeter was originally formed as an art school and remains particularly strong in the arts subjects. With two main campuses in Exeter and Cornwall, the university has steadily improved in the league tables over recent times. Exeter is also a member of the 1994 group, which in essence is similar to the Russell Group, but generally consists of smaller institutes. Well known graduates of the University include Zara Phillips, Will Young and JK Rowling.

Like a yoyo I was back up the M5 a few hours later to spend the night in Bristol. After a good meal and a decent night’s sleep, Tuesday took me from Bristol, across South Wales to Newport and Cardiff. My first visit to the welsh capital was dampened slightly by some typically British weather, but on the whole meetings with clients were extremely positive and with a sunny weekend predicted I made my way back up north a happy man.