Teesside means business in Darlington

As the University prepares to open its new £13m, five-storey, campus in Darlington this summer, it is developing stronger links with businesses in the town.

One company already benefiting from working with the University is Fifteen Digital, an internet marketing company based at Lingfield Point Business Park in Darlington.

Managed by director John Borthwick, the firm’s clients include electrical giants JVC and a number of national fashion brands.

Their primary office is in Stoke, but John moved back to his native North East last July to open a northern office to replicate the company’s success in the southern half of Britain.

Recognising he needed extra support to build the business, John turned to Teesside University’s graduate recruitment scheme which had been recommended by a friend.

The programme offers a one year job contract, coupled with part funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for the first 12 weeks of the graduate’s employment and ongoing support from University staff.

Finding the right individual with the right skills The assistance came in the form of Andrew Barber, a 23-year old graduate with a degree in Information Systems with Business Studies.

His role at Fifteen Digital involves pay per click advertising, search engine optimisation, market research and account management.

John said: ‘employing a graduate through Teesside University has been so much better than trying to recruit someone ourselves. The funding assistance has been extremely valuable, but even more important, it ensured we found the right individual with the required level of skills.

‘We have only ever heard good things about the University and will certainly use their services again.’

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