Staffordshire University academic named in Top 50 creative leaders

Peter Rudge, Staffordshire University

Peter Rudge of Staffordshire University has been named as one of the UK’s  top 50 leaders in the digital and creative industries.

Rudge is an Associate Professor in the Film Production Technology department and his award was in recognition for his work with Platform, the Moving Image Cluster for Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire.

The award was made by Creative England (CE50) at an event at the Facebook HQ in London.

Creative England’s chief executive, Caroline Norbury said: ” The people and businesses featured in CE50 are at the very forefront of creativity.”

Rudge said: ” Its been an extraordinary year. It seems strange to think that it is only 12 months since Platform was launched in Stoke on Trent. We brought Creative England to Stoke for the Be More Stoke Event, putting us alongside Leeds, Manchester and London as hosts for this event, and showcased our companies at the Houses of Parliament.”

At the event in Parliament, Damian Collins MP, chair of the digital, media and sport select committee said: ” This is a fantastic initiative. Its an example of best practice and its making a real impact. Clusters are vital to the creative economy and that is why Platform is so valuable. It helps create a critical mass, particularly of young people working together, that is the foundation of a vibrant digital creative sector.”

Rudge added: “Being named in the CE50 has really taken the attention that Platform is getting to a whole new level. I have already had conversations about this over the last few days from organisations and individuals nationally and internationally – these are really exciting times!”

Platform has developed significant links with Innovate UK and the Midlands Engine Investment Fund, while Rudge was a key player in getting Stoke shortlisted to be the home of Channel 4’s creative hub.

 

 

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