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Holly helps to promote work of social enterprise

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ graduate Holly Shea is working to promote a social enterprise which supports companies using specific business management software.

The UK and Ireland SAP User Group (UKISUG) is an independent ‘not for profit’ organisation, set up to serve the needs of SAP (Systems Applications and Products) software users. SAP is a global corporation which supports businesses such as eBay and IBM. Each country has a user group which forms part of a wider SAP network. This network works closely with SAP to develop its products and offer feedback from its customers.

Set up in 1988, UKISUG now has over 600 member organisations, comprising more than 6,000 professional members. The company helps to facilitate networking, knowledge exchange and best practice among members by organising and running events in the special interest areas of SAP, for example payroll systems.

UKISUG, which is based in Billingham, wanted to develop its marketing communication strategy, so took on º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Business School graduate Holly for a six-month placement as an E-marketing and Communications Officer.

Holly, who completed a BA (Hons) Graphic Design followed by the MSc Marketing Management at º£½ÇÖ±²¥, said: 'Not only are the University’s facilities fantastic, the community vibe was so strong that I knew I would feel at home straight away and after the degree, I decided I wanted to spend an extra year studying for my master’s. I loved every second and knew I had found what I wanted to do.

'I was apprehensive at first as I am a dyslexic student and knew that the report writing side of the course could cause some issues, but the University helped me overcome these issues and offered help whenever I needed it.'

Holly added: 'I completed a three-month placement with Digital City and continued to do freelance work, but was keen to find a more permanent role. º£½ÇÖ±²¥ helped me to build a contact base and access information on appropriate vacancies. I felt supported and they offered me a lot of help, including interview tactics. This led to an interview with the UK & Ireland SAP User Group.

'They acknowledged the hard work I had put in to finding a job. It’s been an amazing challenge and I am proud of what I have achieved over the last six months.'

Holly’s work involves carrying out research on external and internal customers, developing the brand, getting involved in the strategy for acquisition and customer retention, PR and exhibition work.

Lesley Mulcahy, Senior Lecturer in PR and Media Communications, said: 'Holly was placed with the organisation through the University’s Graduates for Business scheme and is delivering a Knowledge Exchange Internship (KEI) project. Holly has already made a significant impact on the company.

'I have really enjoyed working with a local company and developing one of our graduates into the workforce. The University works with all types of business from big established firms to social enterprise.'

Craig Dale, Chief Executive of UKISUG, said: 'We wanted to develop and implement a marketing communication strategy to maintain effective communication, increase our membership base and share best practice. The project will help the company reach more SAP customers, enabling us to help them get more from their investment in SAP software.'

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