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Alex Stewart - joined Sponge UK from the beginning
why Louise has launched a new recruitment drive. Some 40% of the company’s staff are graduates from the University of Plymouth and she hopes to be able to fill the latest vacancies with more local talent. They’ll be joining in the knowledge that this year, Sponge UK made it into the Sunday Times 100 Best Small Companies to Work For, based on a rigorous survey completed by members of staff themselves. Plymouth-born Alex Stewart, 35, has been with Sponge UK from the beginning. He’s now the company’s Head of Design: “When I started out, I thought I’d have to leave the city to develop my career,” said Alex. “But at Sponge I’ve worked with some of the world’s biggest brands, reached thousands with my designs and created a whole design team. I think many people don’t realise these kinds of opportunities are available in Plymouth.” Among the more recent recruits are Paddy Selman and Jenny Stanley, who both joined the company 18 months ago. Paddy, 23, is a digital art and technology graduate from the University of Plymouth and is currently using motion graphics to create an animation for a programme: “It’s a dream job really,” he said. “I’m doing what I enjoy and I get to work with all sorts of different brands. And there’s a great team dynamic here, a very supportive environment.” Jenny, 28, is from Somerset and has a degree in graphic design: “I have a very creative job and it’s rewarding when your clients tell you they’re really pleased with what you’ve done. You get lots of help from your colleagues, it’s like you’re part of a family,” she added. With technology making more and more things possible and with higher expectations about what is achievable, Louise says that moving forward means constantly anticipating and innovating. She relishes the challenge: “I want us to be the leaders in Europe. Over 30% of our work is in Europe and it makes sense for us to grow a presence there and to expand our remote office in London. That would be the next natural step.” It seems that this particular Plymouth success story is set to run!
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Sponge UK Plymouth Science Park, 11 -15 Research Way, Plymouth PL6 8BT 01752 762101 • info@spongeuk.com www.spongeuk.com
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