University of Sunderland

Emeli Sandé checks out University’s new £1.4 million facilities!

Multi-platinum award-winning singer and songwriter Emeli Sandé has returned to check out the University of Sunderland’s new state of the art photography and media facilities. Last month, Emeli, Chancellor of the University, took a tour around the Sir Tom Cowie Campus which is home to the new photography centre, a new virtual production studio and community radio station Spark’s new studio. Lee Hall, Head of the School of Media and Communication at the University of Sunderland, recently shortlisted as University of the Year, in this year’s THE (Times Higher Education) annual awards, said: “This is a special time to be studying media at Sunderland. “The Media Centre is a thriving hub of activity, home to BBC Newcastle journalists, TV station Tyne and Wear Local and now Hollywood production powerhouse Fulwell 73. They provide the icing on the cake for our industry-focused School of Media and Communications, with opportunities to connect to a company at the front edge of TV content globally. “We also have our own blockbuster brand in Spark, a radio station broadcast from the newly revamped Studio 5 and shortlisted for nine Student Radio Awards this year, including Best Station. “As well as opportunities to connect with employers, which are an integral part of our offering, students are increasingly exploring enterprise. Many have signed up to the Digital Incubator to access guidance and funding to launch their freelance careers and media businesses. “With new investment in a 4k Ultra High Definition virtual production studio, as well as our superbly-equipped multi-camera TV studio, we are giving students a platform to do their best work with cutting edge technology and expert support from our technical and teaching teams.” And it doesn’t stop there. The University has ambitious plans to invest in the Media Centre, including upgrading the mediaHUB and cinema.

PROFESSOR ARABELLA PLOUVIEZ, ACADEMIC DEAN OF THE FACULTY OF ARTS AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND, SAID: “OUR

AIM IS TO CONTINUE TO DEVELOP OUR PROFESSIONAL MEDIA ENVIRONMENT WHETHER YOU ARE INTERESTED IN FILM, TV, PODCASTING, PHOTOGRAPHY, ANIMATION, JOURNALISM OR GAMES, AND TO SUPPORT OUR GRADUATES INTO THE CREATIVE INDUSTRIES OF TODAY AND TOMORROW.”

THE LOWDOWN ON UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND’S NEW STUDIOS:

NORTHERN CENTRE OF PHOTOGRAPHY

The £1.1 million centre at David Goldman Technology Centre is kitted out with architectdesigned breakout spaces with access to the new Digital Incubator, which supports students interested in exploring freelance work.

VIRTUAL PRODUCTION STUDIO

The £300,000 system at the David Puttnam Media Centre includes a wireless-linked handheld StarTracker Viewfinder, high-grade green-screen walls and flooring, and a Mo-Sys StarTracker Studio with a camera tracking unit – the same tech used for the BBC’s Tokyo Olympics studio coverage.

SPARK’S STUDIO 5

The new £80,000 custom-designed studio, also at the Media Centre, includes new wall art designed by Sunderland graduates, a new camera system, which allows students to film or stream interviews, and a new height adjustable desk. It was officially opened in September by BBC Radio 1 presenter and Sunderland graduate Jordan North.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PROGRAMMES ON OFFER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND VISIT SUNDERLAND.AC.UK

College group helps secure 125 jobs for young people...

More than 100 young people have taken their first steps towards a fulfilling career thanks to Education Partnership North East and the government’s Kickstart scheme.

Since launching in 2020, companies such as Gentoo, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, Tritility, Bernicia, Roundel Manufacturing and Vaux Brewery have offered vacancies with support from Education Partnership North East, of which Sunderland College is a part. The scheme offers 16-24-year-olds who are receiving Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment a six-month high-quality placement so they can develop skills, confidence and behaviours to enhance their career prospects. The Government funds 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus National Insurance and pension contributions. In addition, successful employers will also receive £1,500 per placement towards setup costs, ongoing support and training. Rebecca Storey, Senior Business Advisor at Education Partnership North East, said: “We are thrilled to have achieved 125 successful Kickstart placements and the positive impact this will have on the businesses and individuals involved. “The Kickstart Scheme is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to create new roles and grow their workforce, in turn providing young people with invaluable work experience. “The scheme has recently been extended until March 2022 and we are excited to support more businesses on their Kickstart journey.” Roles offered under the scheme must be new jobs that do not replace existing or planned vacancies or cause current employees, apprentices or contractors to lose or reduce their employment. During their six-month placement, employers must also ensure the young people develop their employment, teamwork, organisational and communication skills for the role, while supporting them with CV writing and interview preparation and training. As one of the most successful gateway providers in the region, Education Partnership North East can support employer applications for funding by submitting all relevant information to the Government on their behalf and providing the required employability training and specialist training as required. A young person completing a Kickstart placement in England can then progress on to an apprenticeship with organisations receiving access to the full range of financial support and grants available.

Alexander Hammond, Head of Learning and Organisational Development at Gentoo, said: “Working with Education Partnership North East, we have been able to create opportunities for seven young people through the Kickstart scheme to get into work and gain some valuable experience. “In addition, we’ve been really impressed with the young people on the scheme who are all performing really well and helping to deliver essential services to our tenants and customers.”

THE KICKSTART SCHEME IS A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY FOR BUSINESSES TO CREATE NEW ROLES AND GROW THEIR WORKFORCE, IN TURN PROVIDING YOUNG PEOPLE WITH INVALUABLE WORK EXPERIENCE.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE KICKSTART SCHEME VISIT WWW.EDUCATIONPARTNERSHIPNE.AC.UK EMAIL EMPLOYERS@EDUCATIONPARTNERSHIPNE.AC.UK OR CALL 0300 770 1000.

From left- right – Paul Miller, Surbhi Vedhara, Jess Fenwick & Damien Todd

Sweeney Miller Law continues to soar following notable internal appointments

Rapidly growing, Sunderlandbased law firm Sweeney Miller Law has continued its impressive 2021, following news that Jess Fenwick and Damien Todd have joined Surbhi Vedhara as Equity Partners, whilst founder Paul Miller steps into a training and business development consultancy role at the firm. Sunderland Vibe caught up with the team to learn more about their soaring success…

Having both begun life at Sweeney Miller Law as junior paralegals, Jess and Damien’s promotion lays a solid foundation for continued growth and reflects the firm’s commitment to the career progression of its team. This pathway demonstrates the opportunity for members of the team to achieve their goals and the absence of ‘glass ceilings’ which many ambitious lawyers across the UK face during their careers. The firm’s headcount has increased by 15% in the last 3 years reaching nearly 75, and with a strategic commitment to scaling the business, its pipeline of future talent currently includes 5 trainee solicitors, 6 apprentices and 23 paralegals. Commenting on the new partnership structure, head of Commercial and Commercial Property, Jess said: ‘I am very excited about the future opportunities for the partnership. We are ready to take the firm to the next level and build upon the incredibly strong base that previous partners have put in place. The new partnership gives us the opportunity to expand this reputation through the continued provision of first-class legal services delivered with exceptional client care and relationships. Damien, who heads the firm’s Conveyancing team and is Secretary of Sunderland Law Society, added: ‘I am privileged to become an Equity Partner in Sweeney Miller. This has been my ambition since I qualified, and I am extremely grateful to my colleagues, friends, and family for helping me reach this milestone. I am extremely excited about where we can take Sweeney Miller and what the long-term future holds.’ Sweeney Miller Law was established in Sunderland by Paul in 2002 with a second office opening in Newcastle in 2014 to service increased client demand. As well as working with clients in the North, the firm is instructed by individuals and businesses from across the UK, including London. The firm’s focus on excellent service and glowing reputation has helped to attract recent instructions involving large commercial landlords, extensive property development projects, business sales, acquisitions, mergers and management buyouts, as well as exceptional growth in domestic conveyancing, private client and family work. This increased activity has resulted in a 25% upturn in turnover in the firm’s latest financial year.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND A FULL LIST OF FIRST-CLASS SERVICES AVAILABLE AT SWEENEY MILLER LAW, VISIT SWEENEYMILLER.CO.UK

Your guide to enjoying a merry Christmas!

As the winter months set in, costs can shoot up. Whether you’re getting gifts for the family this Christmas or keeping the house warm while energy prices are on the rise, it’s easy to see why money dwindles and purse strings are pulled.

Sunderland Vibe checked in with Sunderland City Council to bring you five top tips to help your money go further and to prevent the chills from setting in when you check your bank balance this winter.

1. What are you wasting?

The UK throws away around 9.5 million tonnes of food every year, despite 8.4 million people living in food poverty. Try to plan your shop and don’t be tempted to stock up on items you don’t really need – even if there’s a special offer that hooks you in. Be sensible – and try not to shop on an empty stomach! Swapping branded products for lower priced alternatives is also a great way to keep costs down. And if you do buy too much, why not let it help others, and donate to a local foodbank? Foodbanks across Sunderland have worked tirelessly to support some of our most vulnerable residents all year and rely on donations in the run up to Christmas. Sunderland Foodbank operates eight separate foodbank distribution centres and Washington Community Food Project operates from four separate locations in Washington. Give them a Google to find out more about how to donate items.

2. Remember the meaning of Christmas...

Spending shoots up during December. The average household will shell out nearly £740 more in December than a typical month according to the Bank of England – and while presents may be the greatest expense, spending on food and alcohol surges during the festive period. Think of the best Christmas you have had… presents, food and drink probably don’t even come into your mind. It’s easy to get swept up in the occasion, but for most people it is the memories they make with the people they love that is the true magic of Christmas.

3. Love your locals!

One great way of saving money is to shop local. Not only can you cut back on petrol costs by popping to your nearest high street on foot, but often independent businesses are able to provide high-quality produce for less than big chains. And by supporting Sunderland businesses, you’ll be doing your bit to help the local economy. You can also help others do the same by buying a Sunderland Gift Card (check out page 15!) for your loved ones this Christmas. Accepted by many local businesses, they’re a great way of keeping the Sunderland pound in the city, and a great gift to-boot!

4. Staying warm on a budget

Energy prices are set to shoot up this winter, so it’s a good time to check you’re getting the best deal and consider switching. Energy comparison sites are a great place to start and will help you find the lowest priced provider based on your usage. You might also like to consider schemes like eco flex which can offer help for heating your home for less. Smart meters can also keep your costs down, ensuring you don’t overuse energy.

5. Support is available

There are loads of things you can do to make your money go further but if you, or someone you know, is struggling, remember there is help available.

VISIT WWW.SUNDERLAND.GOV.UK/ MONEY TO FIND OUT MORE.