Despite having the highest unemployment rates in the country, the West Midlands is fighting back with many businesses in the creative sector seeing an upturn in sales and employment opportunities, particularly for graduates.
One local company that is playing its role in generating jobs within the creative sector is Solihull-based Marshmallow Creative Ltd, which has recently taken on a graduate to help support the growing demand for the company’s services.
Faye Priest, a Visual Graphic Design graduate from Birmingham City University was recently placed in the role of junior graphic designer at Marshmallow by Grad Central, a West Midlands dedicated recruitment service for graduates and businesses.
Lucy Dinsdale, project manager for Grad Central, explained: “Two fifths of graduates who have signed up to Grad Central’s services are looking for roles within the creative sector, so it just goes to show there is a growing demand for an emerging industry that is constantly evolving and keeping us on our toes.
“The government is also encouraging creative businesses to embrace a more ‘knowledge-based economy’, so that we have a closer interaction with technology and digitization. Graduates have an in-depth understanding of working with this medium, which is why this makes them the perfect candidates for all businesses across the region.”
Michelle Sommerville, managing director of Marshmallow Creative, commented: “As an innovative design business we are proud that we can offer graduates like Faye the opportunity to work with some of our clients such as The Walt Disney Company, which are often associated with London-based businesses, without having to move away from a creatively dynamic region like the West Midlands.
“You cannot put a price on how valuable a graduate can be to your business, and despite all the doom and gloom of the credit crunch and how it is directly affecting the jobs market, it’s still possible to achieve great results with a graduate who can always bring something new and innovative to the table.”
Pat Jackson, director of skills for regional development agency, Advantage West Midlands, which has provided funding for Grad Central over its first two years, commented: “We should be embracing graduate talent across all sectors of the economy, to help drive up business performance and productivity in the West Midlands.
“This is a diverse region full of opportunities, and a rising number of young people trained in sectors such as computer software design will broaden the scope for innovative business strategies.
“Grad Central is a crucial part of a wider programme led by Advantage West Midlands, which is driving home the message that businesses investing in and supporting this generation of young talent will reap the benefits of their up-to-date skills and sheer determination to succeed, despite the recession.”
For more information visit www.grad-central.co.uk or telephone 01675 468934