Graduates tap into University expertise
Gaming software firm Halch is proof that size doesn't matter in the gaming industry - especially when you can get a little extra help from your University.
The nine-strong Middlesbrough-based company, founded just two years ago by Teesside University computing graduates, Marc Williamson and David Hankin, is completing games under licence for both Sony Play Station 2 and Nintendo DS Lite.
Halch has achieved its strategic objectives thanks to University expertise - through a Collaborative Innovation Partnership (CIP) funded by One NorthEast. CIP projects help companies to create new products, develop product designs or find new markets.
University support
The project uses a recent, talented, graduate who acts as a conduit to transfer academic knowledge to the company for six months. Scott Latham, who recently graduated from the University in Computer Games Programming worked under the supervision of Halch and Martin Kane, Senior Lecturer in Computer Games. Scott was so successful in his role he is now a permanent member of Halch staff.
Halch have continued to use the University's support accessing the Graduates for Business programme. As a small to medium enterprise, Halch gained a bursary to assist in Scott's employment costs. This programme is designed to encourage companies to employ high quality graduates.
Company set to grow
The company has now been commissioned by music channel MTV to produce an online animation. These high-profile projects have led to regular approaches from European and Japanese firms and the company is set to grow.
'We're looking to move to the University's Institute of Digital Innovation or Middlesbrough's digital enterprise BoHo zone,' says David, who specialises in comic art and character design.
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