Placement students get creative for Barnsley businesses
Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:27:00 BST
The Centre for Creative Enterprise, based in the University Campus Barnsley which is part of the University of Huddersfield, is home to a new undergraduate initiative called 'Services to Business', run through the University’s Research and Enterprise Unit . It employs four placement students from within the University who hold expertise in the key areas of marketing, finance and multimedia.
As part of the project the students are able to provide, eligible businesses in Barnsley with up to five days of free, basic work. The Centre is managed by Suzanne Bagworth and is supported by a number of academics from the Business School and the School of Computing and Engineering. Suzanne says, "This has helped businesses in Barnsley make a vital change to the way they work and allows our students to gain more varied experience for when they graduate."
Accountancy and Finance BA(Hons) student Martin Duncan is working as a Finance Assistant in the Centre: "It's my job to deal with any finance related queries including cash flow forecasts or tax related questions. We also recently took part in the launch of Bull Tlc 'Digital Barnsley' which will bring the fastest broadband in the country to the South Yorkshire area. Our role as a team was to project manage the filming of the event.
"I believe the project is helping me to develop the skills I’ve learnt at University through real life practice and also give me a better understanding of a working office environment."
The Centre is working with the Barnsley Development Agency and partners on the Enterprising Barnsley project. One of their biggest objectives is to forge strong relationships with businesses in Barnsley and provide them with the support they need.
Thomas Gibson is employed as a Marketing Assistant in the Centre : "Over the first four months working here I have worked with a number of clients on a range of projects ranging from providing full marketing plans to compiling databases. I’m making vital contacts for when I graduate."
Working in a team allows the students to manage deadlines and workloads, essential skills for any graduate. Information and Communication Technology BSc(Hons) student Simon Ratcliffe is Multimedia Assistant in the Centre: "I provide a wide range of services in both web design and development, specialising in clean and clear websites with a strong emphasis on usability, accessibility and web standards. The project has helped me to develop both my technical, professional and personal skills. It has given me a chance to put theory in to practice."
The Centre for Creative Enterprise was officially opened by The Worshipful the Mayor of Barnsley in November 2009. The launch of the centre coincided with Global Entrepreneurship week and was attended by University academics, Council members and local business people who received presentations by our students and the opportunity to speak to the students individually, to discuss the work they are able to provide.
The Centre for Creative Enterprise is Partnered by Enterprising Barnsley and funded by Yorkshire Forward and the European Regional Development Fund.
Contact us.
Are you interested in what the 'Services to Business' team could offer you? Contact Suzanne Bagworth on 01226 644262 or e-mail s.bagworth@hud.ac.uk to discuss your business and how we may be able to help.
Or you could come along and meet the team at the BarnsleyWorks event on Thursday 13 May at Barnsley Metrodome.
University Campus Barnsley, part of the University of Huddersfield.
Inspiring tomorrow’s professionals.
