Fourteen students from Plymouth University have signed up for a competition designed to improve their marketing skills and enhance their employability.
The Michael Spiers Business Project is a collaboration between the South West jewellery retailer and the Futures Entrepreneurship Centre, and is open to any students currently enrolled at the University.
First held in 2014, the participants in this year’s competition – which includes six individuals and four teams – have been asked to undertake competitor research into comparable, high-end accessory retailers who have embraced e-commerce and digital marketing.
They must produce a practical marketing strategy, detailing their findings and recommendations on issues including social media, banner advertising and affiliate marketing, by the end of April.
The top three will then be asked to present their reports to the company’s directors and media agency, with the winner being announced at a champagne reception in May.
The competition was launched during an event at the retailer’s Plymouth showroom, and participants will be hoping to emulate the success of one of last year’s winners – Emma Williams – who used her experience on the project to help secure a placement year with cosmetics giant L’Oreal.
Penny Hele, Inspiring Futures Project Officer for Futures Entrepreneurship Centre, said:
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Michael Spiers again in this mutually beneficial competition. The students will deliver a valuable service to the company, bringing fresh eyes and ideas to the development of a digital marketing strategy. But it is also a chance for them to put some of the theory they have learnt into practice, gaining essential transferrable skills which will benefit their future careers.”
Michael Spiers Jewellers is a family-owned, award-winning business which was founded more than 60 years ago, and has locations across the South West, with showrooms in Plymouth, Truro, Exeter and Taunton.
Company director Keith White said:
“Having the opportunity to work with the talented team of students and staff at Plymouth University highlights another area of excellence for the city. This year’s entrants represent our future customers and we take their opinions very seriously and welcome their views. My fellow directors and team were very impressed with last year’s results and have implemented many of the recommendations, and we hope the insight and endorsement each student will get from working with our business gives them an advantage in the highly competitive employment market.”
