Partners, Projects and News
University launches Media Enterprise Centre in Hastings
The University of Brighton has opened a new centre to support the development of digital media businesses and freelance professionals in the Hastings area. The centre opened its doors in January 2010, offering a mix of enterprise skills workshops, question and answers sessions with successful industry professionals and specialist short courses. The centre also offers co-working desk space, exhibition space and meeting facilities. Since opening it has supported over 50 professionals locally.
The Media Enterprise Centre officially launched on 22nd April 2010. The event was opened by Kathryn Flett; TV critic, author and star of the BBC's Grumpy Old Women series. Kathryn is a great supporter of the University Centre Hastings and has kindly agreed to become an ambassador for the centre. Stuart Griffiths; local photographer and photojournalist, followed Kathryn with a screening of his film, Isolation.
The launch was well attended attracting in excess of 80 people eager to find out more.
"As a local creative, having access to the professional facilities and equipment that the Media Enterprise Centre offers has been an incredible help. Access to suitable, town centre meeting rooms has also been essential when meeting with clients, to project a professional approach" said Ali Graham, 22, of GrArG Media. "The Enterprise Centre has also unlocked numerous networking opportunities, allowing me to meet peers across the entire local creative spectrum, opening doors to many new and exciting collaborative projects."
Another beneficiary of the centre is Martin Close, who graduated from the university's broadcast media degree course in summer 2009. Martin set up in business as a freelance film maker and is now actively working in the area. "Staff at the centre have been really helpful with many things and I have made contact with people who I am now collaborating on projects with. I have joined the enterprise workshops which help me understand the business side of things and built my confidence. I am now happier negotiating fees in meetings with clients and during my start up phase I was able to hire the university's filming equipment which was great because I couldn't afford to buy everything up front".
The Media Enterprise Centre is conveniently located on the 5th floor of Queensbury House, Havelock Road, Hastings and is open Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am and 5pm. If you are interested in finding out about the support the Media Enterprise Centre can offer or have a suggestion for a training course you would like to see run locally contact Kay Bullen on 01424 428590 or email mediaenterprisecentre@brington.ac.uk.