Through the Flourish programme, Keele University has successfully connected graduates with local businesses, helping them tap into a talented pool of young professionals while supporting the regeneration of Newcastle-under-Lyme’s town centre.
This initiative has fostered local innovation and enhanced the long-term sustainability of the economy. The project has enabled Keele students and graduates to work with businesses, not-for-profit organisation and communities in Newcastle-under-Lyme, creating new jobs, encouraging graduates to stay in the area and delivering social and economic benefits. The project will contribute to the revitalisation of Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre with much of this activity due in the new Digital Society Centre in the town centre.
The project delivers over these key areas:
Digital society and economy
Sustainability
SME innovation
Access to justice
Culture and creativity Entrepreneurship
Project with Ventana Installations
Specialists in the glazing industry – house installations, aluminium bi-folds, heritage aluminium and flush casement units.
Objective – New website built for stronger online presence with an emphasis on sustainability to promote our de-carbonisation mission.
Business: “It has been an exciting and engaging experience. The student has taken all of my ideas and made them into a reality of how I have wanted to present our company to the rest of the world. Once the website goes live, we are hoping to generate more work, more work means employing another installation fitting team.”
Student: “Flourish is a rewarding experience where you gain experience and new skills, you learn to connect with a small business and you can see the impact of your work on that business. I felt valued by the business at all stages of the project, and I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity of working with such a great business.”
Project with PureClean BioHazard
Helping people who are struggling to manage their homes due to mental health challenges, or traumatic situations.
Objective – Marketing review and implementing new approaches and content.
Business: “We would recommend this programme to other SME organisations. Our student has reimagined and streamlined our social media branding. It has changed our view on University provision – we were not aware of the support available for students to get an insight into the work life’
Student: “Flourish is more than just a project. It has helped me build confidence in my skills, especially in translating creative ideas into practical outcomes that support a business’ goals. It’s made me more open to exploring opportunities in Newcastle and more confident that I can build a fulfilling career without having to look far from home.”
Project with Namie Home Ltd
Providing a range of eco conscious homewares predominantly for kitchens and bathrooms
Objective – Improvements made to website hosted on Shopify, and e-commerce.
Business: “Having been a student myself, the opportunity to connect with a real-world industry aside from unpaid always seemed unrealistic, and very difficult to obtain. This program has helped to bridge a gap between students and industry. We have been extremely pleased with the student’s performance and work ethic.”
Student: “My Flourish project provided me with valuable real-world experience in a professional setting. It has really opened my eyes to the opportunities available locally, especially in the tech and digital sectors. It showed me that there are businesses in Newcastle that actively support and invest in young talent.”
