University partnership promotes digital expertise
An award-winning film production company which started life as a graduate business has pledged to work with Teesside University to continue building on the region’s reputation for digital expertise.
Ithica Films, based in Middlesbrough’s Boho One, was set up five years ago by Teesside University graduate Matt McGough with the help of a DigitalCity Fellowship.
Since its launch, the seven-strong company has gone on to work globally with international clients, while retaining its regional roots with Teesside University graduates among its workforce.
Those links are now being bolstered through a formal Memorandum of Understanding with the University.
The Memorandum of Understanding is a joint commitment from both parties to collaborate and share experience and expertise. It will help to provide industry experience for students, masterclasses and an additional graduate recruitment drive.
Matt, who is originally from Middlesbrough, said: 'My own journey has taken me from studying at Teesside to setting up a graduate business and we now have graduates from the University working with us.
We are delighted to be working with one of our graduate businesses which is developing a global presence
'I have personal experience of studying at Teesside and know the quality of the students coming through. Our team includes people who moved to the area to study at Teesside and have now set down roots, along with people who have returned to the area and it is brilliant to be able to play a part in retaining that talent in the region.'
Professor Jane Turner OBE DL, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise and Business Engagement) at Teesside University, said: 'We are delighted to be working with one of our graduate businesses which is developing a global presence.
'We are always delighted to work with businesses that nurture graduate talent in the region further enabling our aim of establishing the region as a leading area for digital technology.'