Leeds Trinity University has launched a new programme to boost local businesses whilst supporting students to gain real-life, professional work experience.
Trinity Turbo provides tailored support and consultation to individual businesses to help meet their business needs and goals and to explore new possibilities and opportunities for growth.
As part of the programme, businesses will benefit from business mentoring, specialist consultation with a Leeds Trinity University expert, access to the University's Enterprise Centre, and tailor-made PR, social media or marketing campaigns designed by students.
Six business in Yorkshire presented their business to staff and students at a launch event for the programme on Tuesday 8 January. They included High Trenhouse, a centre for management and creativity at Malham Moor, Settle; Shoo Social Media, an award-winning social media, marketing, strategy and implementation agency in Ilkley; WH Creative, a Halifax-based web designer crafting web solutions for SMEs; Natural Transformation, a wellness coach and therapist; 12in12, an online running community; and Apollo3d, providers of 3D immersive property, event and location experiences.
Diana Tyson, Founder of Natural Transformation, which offers complementary therapies and training, joined the programme to support her online presence. She said: "For me, it's about marketing and getting out there on social media. I'm looking to evolve, transform and develop my skills."
Businesswoman and Leeds Trinity University alumna Jane Tesseyman, from 12in12, an online community helping people get active, said: "We always hoped to work with students. We wanted to give something back. We wanted to provide work experience opportunities and also look at new ways to promote 12in12 and engage with the students' age group."
Following the launch, the businesses will meet with Amy Lund, Leeds Trinity University's Trinity Turbo Coordinator and business coach, and will select the university expert they would like to work with.
Experts include: Amy Lund, PR and Promotions; Anthony Brown - Business Development; Dr James Jackson - Psychologist; Katherine Blair - TV and Social Media Broadcasting; Liz Cable - Digital Media and Networking; Mark Sebright - Marketing; and Paul Marsden - Entrepreneurial Digital Skills.
A dedicated team of Leeds Trinity students will work with each business to develop a PR, Marketing or Social Media campaign. One student will also be assigned to each business for a work placement opportunity.
Adele Lyth, 20, a second year Journalism student, said: "It's a great opportunity to work with real life clients, and make connections with a view to gaining experience and future placement opportunities."
George Fairhurst, 20, a second year Politics and Journalism students, said: "After a term on the theory, I'm looking forward to getting my hands dirty with some business experience. The presentations were great. I took notes and made some ideas that the business could implement, and I'm excited to try them out."
Businesses taking part in Trinity Turbo have donated a fee to the University's Inspiring Futures programme, which offers funding to recent graduates who want to develop their own business or freelance career.
Amy Lund, Trinity Turbo Coordinator and Senior Teaching Fellow at Leeds Trinity University, said: "Trinity Turbo gives business partners a boost with the expertise of Leeds Trinity University's lecturers, experts and coaches. Students design bespoke PR, marketing and social media campaigns and the business partners offer work placements. Work-integrated learning helps prepare students for life after graduation and gives businesses an opportunity to shape the future workforce.
"Through the programme, we are raising money for the Inspiring Futures Enterprise Fund, which supports students looking to set up their own business."