Press releases

Birmingham’s top creative and marketing firms have joined forces to help students enter the world of work. Agencies including McCann Erickson, WAA, Willoughby PR, Clusta and Made Media are backing B-Hive, a new scheme developed to give Birmingham students the opportunity to get a foot on the career ladder.

B-Hive was developed last year by Pitch Consultants, and awarded paid work placements to 12 students and graduates from Birmingham. Two of the students, Glenn Tucker and Charlotte Payne, have already gained employment following their participation in the scheme.

This year, Pitch and Marketing Birmingham are working together to expand B-Hive to offer twice as many placements in four categories, marketing, PR, web design and graphic design. Placements will be offered both in-house, at companies including COI and Aga, and in consultancy. A new website has also been launched offering expert advice on how to secure a job in the industry.

Ollie Purdom, Director of Pitch Consultants said,
“Working in the industry, we are constantly aware how important it is for both clients and candidates to find the right match. Potential employers are always looking for solid experience to support academic qualifications, and in a highly competitive job market, B-Hive gives students and graduates a rare opportunity to get that experience with the best in the business.

“After a successful first year, the partnership with Marketing Birmingham will bring the additional support that B-Hive needs to develop even further. We are delighted to be able to offer 24 paid placements in 2010, and the extended website and PR campaign will give the scheme the recognition it deserves, benefiting both Birmingham employers and graduates.”

Dave Hodgson, Marketing Director at Marketing Birmingham said,

“The B-Hive scheme plays an integral part in our Student Birmingham Campaign, which aims to support graduate retention in the region. 

“Birmingham has a multitude of creative agencies working on high profile accounts, from small firms to large and established companies.  It is therefore essential that we retain the best graduates the city has to offer to ensure this industry continues to grow from strength to strength.”

Glenn Tucker and Katie White, winners of B-Hive 2009