Whirlwind triumph for new media agency

Sporting web design company 13 Strides, has trumped a whirlwind 12 months by moving into one of the specialist business units in the University’s showpiece Institute of Digital Innovation (IDI) Phoenix Building.

The digital media company launched by the two University of Teesside graduates, cousins Anthony Borsumato and Kevin Allinson, doubled in size during 2007 after winning a number of major new contracts. The biggest is to design all digital and print work for Nova International, the company behind the Great North Run.

‘It is fantastic to be working with Brendan Foster’s company and we’re already busy promoting their Great Activity Revolution which aims to get millions of people to take to the streets to increase activity and fitness levels,’ said Anthony.

Kevin is equally excited by winning the contract to build a new interactive web site for the Sports Council, Wales. ‘This allows us to use plenty of new technology and exciting projects that our clients give us the freedom to create.’

The web duo set up 13 Strides after Anthony was forced to drop out of the GB Athletics squad following an injury in the 2003 World Championships in Paris. Both enrolled on our MSc Multimedia Applications degree and launched 13 Strides after graduating in 2004. (The name comes from the 13 strides required between each hurdle in athletics). The company spent two years incubated in a University graduate business unit before moving to the IDI.

Neil Hannah, the University’s New Business Manager, said: ‘Over the last few years we have seen 13 Strides grow in experience and confidence.  They are innovative, professional and totally committed meeting their customers needs.  If that wasn't enough they are also very easy to work with. In fact, they are exactly the type of business which is well suited to locate in the IDI.’

And Dr Jim TerKeurst, Director of the Institute of Digital Technology, also praised 13 Strides, saying: ‘They exemplify the best of digital entrepreneurship in the Tees Valley. Starting with a terrific idea, they honed their digital and enterprise skills at the University and it's a real pleasure to welcome them into the IDI.’

As for the business partners, Anthony commented: ‘We’ve had fantastic support from the University in getting the business off the ground and we’re delighted to keep the link by moving into the impressive new Institute of Digital Innovation.’

And Kevin added: ‘The University is highly regarded for its games and animation courses and we’re very happy to be playing our part in creating a successful digital business cluster here in Middlesbrough. Clients are really impressed by the IDI when they come to see and we all feel it is a great place to work.’

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