EDUCATION & TRAINING NEWS

PAINTING THE UNI RED

Falmouth University’s Academy of Music and Theatre Arts (AMATA) was illuminated red in support of the live events industry that has been devastated by Covid-19.

The Red Alert Day of Action for the #WeMakeEvents campaign called for the Government to introduce additional measures now to save the one million people employed in the industry, worth more than £100 billion.

James Randell, front of house manager for AMATA, commented: “The events industry is facing an unprecedented challenge due to the Coronavirus pandemic after the whole summer season was cancelled. The impact of this cancellation is felt across the whole performing arts and events industry from top to bottom, including the supply chain.

“The campaign calls for additional Government support to avoid a triple winter season, which will see many businesses and self-employed in the whole sector go out of business completely.”

FOR SHE’S A JOLLY GOOD FELLOW

Tracy Pritchard, director of Falmouth University’s Fashion and Textile Institute, has been named principal fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA); a first for the university.

Pritchard joins an elite group of 1,000 HEA Principal Fellows worldwide, recognised for their long-term commitment to professional development and best practice in teaching, learning and the student experience.

She said: “I am personally delighted to receive the recognition for my achievements of over 20 years in higher education and my contribution to learning and teaching along with the acknowledgement of my management and leadership.”

Prior to becoming director of the Fashion and Textile Institute at Falmouth University, Tracy Pritchard was an award-winning designer for high street outlets including Marks and Spencer, Next and House of Fraser. She also worked as a fashion consultant and writer for newspapers, magazines and TV.

DESIGN STUDENTS ON POINT

Sixteen students past and present from Falmouth University’s Graphic Design, Advertising and Illustration course were named as ones to watch at the annual Design and Advertising Awards (D&AD) New Blood Awards 2020.

Awards in the competition are graded by type of pencil from a wood pencil to a black pencil. Each winner proudly receives a Pencil shaped coloured trophy. This year, Falmouth students were also awarded three Yellow Pencils, three Graphite Pencils and two Wood pencils.

Head of graphic design, Bryan Clark, said: “The D&AD Awards play a huge part in helping graduates navigate their way into the world’s top creative jobs and their role in championing the very best in this challenging year has been even more important. We’re delighted with our student’s achievements this year, which set them up brilliantly for an exciting future in a creative career.”

HALOREACHES FOR THE STARS

Halo PR & Communications has been awarded a two-year contract to deliver PR and social media services to AeroSpace Cornwall following a competitive tender process.

AeroSpace Cornwall offers technical and commercial support for businesses who are developing new products, services and technologies which will add value to the space and aerospace sectors.

Working in collaboration with design studio Design 79, Halo will be responsible for promoting the success stories and the benefits of accessing funding and support from AeroSpace Cornwall.

The contract follows on from a number of wins in the technology sector for Halo. In 2018 it worked with Gravity Industries, a business responsible for the world’s first ever Jet Suit - seeing over 700 million views on associated content.

More recently, the company has engaged with clients such as Razor, a Sheffieldbased technology consultancy making advances in digital transformation in British manufacturing. It also has had great success working with fledgling businesses in the space economy such as Space Forge, a young and ambitious company based in Bristol designing reusable manufacturing satellites, and earlier this year won a contract to manage comms for Spaceport Cornwall.

Halo’s CEO and founder, Jess Ratty, said: “We see the opportunity to work with AeroSpace Cornwall as an incredible chance to help to build and inspire the next generation of a broad range of businesses who are looking to increase their capability in the space and aerospace sectors.” TIME TO GO FASTER Upgrading to gigabit broadband will mean homes and businesses in Cornwall will have the world-class, The Broadband Upgrade Fund campaign connections they need to keep pace launched in Cornwall last month. with new advances in technology, and the The Government is offering rural residents up to £1.5k and small to medium sized jobs and growth that comes with it, in the decades to come. businesses up to £3.5k to upgrade to gigabit Encouraging communities to come together, broadband, which is capable of download residents and businesses can combine speeds of 1 gigabit (1000 megabits) per their interest to increase the overall fund the second and is much faster than the current community is entitled to. Registration is open speeds experienced across Cornwall. until September 30.

FUNDING HITS RIGHT NOTE

Penryn-based independent publishing company, Red Planet Publishing Limited, has received an £80k loan from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Investment Fund (CIOSIF).

Red Planet Publishing was established in 2013 by founder Mark Neeter, who brings to the table a wealth of experience gained from BBC local radio as well as national stations including Radio Caroline and behind the scenes at Capital Radio, before turning his love of music to journalism.

The result is an eclectic mix of informative music books encompassing a broad collection ranging from Ska, Mod and Punk through to Bob Dylan, The Smiths and Queen.

Neeter commented: “Red Planet specialises in books about music. We operate in a competitive market and sell through stores across the UK, Europe and the USA. Part of Travel and lifestyle communications agency, Hope Yard PR, has won a hat trick of new contracts all within the first three months of launching. The latest clients to sign up to work with the Hope Yard PR trio of Hayley Newnham, Lucy Jenner-Brown and Samantha Kirton include the Fir Hill Estate glamping, Thera-Sea future-proof and reliable Internet

the funds are to allow us to develop direct sales with our audience through a new website supported by social media.

“We aim to grow as an independent business and provide employment in Cornwall and support the local economy.”

The deal was handled by SWIG Finance which is working with fund managers The FSE Group to deliver the small business loans part

A HOPE HAT-TRICK

of the fund. rewilding retreats, and sustainable viticulture training specialists, Wild Wine School. Launched during lockdown, the new agency has also been retained by eco-conscious bag brand, Millican.

“We’re passionate about where we live and love promoting sustainable Cornish brands through our national press contacts,” said Kirton. “Each of these three clients has a fascinating story to share and we’re excited to be putting them in the spotlight.”