Changes at Clarke Associates

BIRMINGHAM-based communications agency Clarke Associates has added to its growing team – and made a promotion.

Jaime Davies, aged 22, has joined the agency as an account executive having graduated from Aston University where she studied English Language. While there she also worked as PR assistant in the university’s press office.

At Clarke Associates she will be working across a range of clients and sectors as well as supporting the digital and social media team.

She said: “Working at Aston University gave me lots of valuable experience across the PR and marketing mix. I’m now looking forward to working with the team at Clarke Associates to gain a deeper insight into the industry and further my career.”

The agency has also promoted senior account executive, Penny Thorp, to account manager.

Ms Thorp, who joined the firm two years ago, has worked on a broad range of accounts and campaigns. She recently organised a high profile launch event for more than 100 business leaders and supports other clients in media relations and social media work, specialising in online communication.

Managing director David Clarke said: “I am delighted to welcome Jaime to the team; she has already thrown herself into what’s a very busy but rewarding environment, and will work closely with Penny and the wider team to help us deliver for clients and develop our business objectives as one of the region’s longest-established and respected communications consultancies.”

BBC speech helps secure teenager a Bareface role

FOLLOWING a successful work placement at digital creative agency Bareface Media, Jordan Walker has begun a 12-month Developer & Digital Designer apprenticeship with the Custard Factory-based agency.

The 18-year-old is a former Aston Manor Academy pupil and was a guest young speaker when the Mailbox-based BBC Academy recently launched the pilot phase of its new Make it Digital traineeship.

Having spoken so passionately, Bareface Media managing director Simon Morris was sufficiently impressed to offer him a position with the firm.

Walker said: “I’ve learned so much already about the likes of Google Analytics and how to make websites responsive across all platforms, but to land a proper digital apprenticeship out of it means everything to me.

“I just had to grasp this fantastic opportunity, because I worked out going to university for three to four years would put me £50,000 in debt, which isn’t really an option. Plus, this way I’ll get lots of proper experience on the job with a digital agency that’s really going places and I reckon employers will value that even more than a degree.”

Morris said: “Embracing this initiative wholeheartedly was a no-brainer for us, because we’re an industry that relies on a constant source of motivated, talented and skilled individuals. However, we don’t always have to look to traditional routes to find future stars like Jordan– and an approach such as the one set out by Creative Alliance and the BBC Academy can really benefit both us as a company and the youngsters concerned.”

Noel Dunne, director of Creative Alliance, added: “Jordan fully deserves his chance and the fact it’s an award-winning Creative Pioneers apprenticeship by the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) makes it even more satisfying, because they are renowned for finding the best school leaving / non-graduate talent to enter into the digital marketing sector. Plus, Bareface Media are the perfect partners to work with on this programme. They strongly believe in finding and nurturing talent from all backgrounds and experiences.”

Joe Godwin, director of BBC Birmingham and Academy, said: “Birmingham was the obvious place to showcase the traineeship as it’s such a hotbed of digital activity and one of the UK’s most diverse cities.”

Pictured from left: Claire Paul – BBC Head of New Talent, Jordan Walker, Simon Morris and Noel Dunne.