Published on 03 September 2020
Caitlin Ward’s three-month placement opportunity to support Paul Airey Estate Agents’ reinvention of its digital strategy has been made possible thanks to the University of Sunderland’s partnership with Creative Fuse North East, a project unlocking the potential of the creative, digital and tech sectors to drive innovation and growth of the region’s economy.
Cailtin is the first student in the region this year to secure a placement through Creative Fuse and is already making a significant contribution to the Sunderland-based business, as it adapts its digital platforms following the impact of Covid-19 on its operations and the customer experience.
Paul Airey said: “We have a long-established relationship with the University of Sunderland and have welcomed the opportunity to work with the excellent David Puttnam Media Centre team, who are providing professional assistance with high-calibre students. The prospect of working alongside the University is very exciting and we look forward to providing commercial opportunities for students whilst also benefiting from their knowledge and enthusiasm.”
Caitlin, 23, from Durham, graduated this summer with a First-Class degree in Media Production, after developing those in-demand digital skills employers are looking to tap into as they embrace digital engagement strategies, the pandemic significantly accelerated.
She explained: “Through my role as Videographer and Brand Development Specialist at Paul Airey Estate Agents I have not only been able to put the skills I learned on my Media Production course at Sunderland into practice, I have also gained new skills and experiences too, which I can carry through my career. The role allows me lots of creative freedom which has helped my transition from student to professional feel seamless. I look forward to further opportunities I know this role will bring me.”
Paul Airey has a high street city centre office but has embraced a strong online presence and is concentrating on taking the business into the digital marketplace. This involves the creation of videos for the live streaming of property viewings, the development of CGI technology to accompany the Matterport 360 scans for new housing schemes, along with a number of other market leading projects that the business’s in-house media department are currently working on.
Sue Perryman, Programme Leader for Media Studies and Caitlin’s Creative Fuse Mentor, said: “Our programmes keep pace with new knowledge and commercial requirements of businesses. It is very rewarding to witness our graduates utilising the knowledge and skills acquired on our programmes to make a real impact. The experience provided with the Creative Fuse has been invaluable as a gateway to employability.”
Caitlin’s experience highlights the impact Sunderland graduates have in the commercial sector as well as shining a light on the role of Creative Fuse, which is delivered through a unique partnership between the North East’s five universities – Newcastle, Durham, Northumbria, Teesside and Sunderland. Academics work alongside industry, cultural organisations, charities and the public sector, to explore how creative, digital and IT firms can have a sustainable future in the region adding value to the region’s broader employment base.
Associate Professor in Cultural Management at the University of Sunderland, Derek Watson said: “The Creative Fuse initiative is just one of a labyrinth of employability opportunities we provide our students at Sunderland.
“The relationship we have developed with Paul Airey East Agents is an example which demonstrates the reciprocal benefits between the University of Sunderland and the business community. One in which the organisation reaps tangible benefits in terms of their business growth strategy and for the student, an opportunity to fully exploit their knowledge and skills. Caitlin has excelled in the graduate placement and I am pleased to say that we are exploring additional internships with Paul Airey Estate Agents.”
About Creative Fuse
Creative Fuse North East is a multi-disciplinary, multi stakeholder action research project focused on the strength, diversity and nuanced nature of the North East’s creative, digital and IT sector (CDIT).
The project builds upon two previous AHRC funded research projects – Brighton Fuse and London Fusion and will further explore the social, economic and innovation value of the CDIT sector in the region.
Alongside the AHRC, Arts Council England and European Regional Development Funds are being used to support direct engagement with creatives freelancers and SMEs in the sector, providing a unique insight into the everyday challenges while at the same time identifying opportunities for cross sector collaboration and spill-over into other industries.
About Paul Airey Estate Agents and Chartered Surveyors
Paul Airey has been established in Sunderland for 35 years and their City Centre Office covers Sunderland and the North East of England. They have a compliment of nine staff which includes three professional surveyors.
The business is based around commercial and residential estate agency, property management, auctions and survey and valuation work.
The Company prides itself on using the latest technology to ensure that the business remains at the forefront of the market. They strive to promote property in the most innovative way using world class equipment which includes 2 Matterport cameras which provide 360 tours, drone photography, Cannon cameras using a range of lenses and a Ronin grimbal for videology.
The business has a high street City Centre office but it has embraced the power of an online presence and will be concentrating all of its efforts to take the business into the digital market place. This will involve the creation of video’s for the live streaming of property viewings, the development of CGI technology to accompany the Matterport 360 scans for new housing schemes along with a number of other market leading projects that our in house media department are currently working on.