Students win at MPA Inspiration Awards

Two students at Manchester Metropolitan University have won an award that recognises talent in the media, digital and culture sector across Manchester.

MSc Creative Advertising Strategy student Rachael Radford was recognised for her academic achievements with the Best Student Award at the Manchester Publicity Association’s (MPA) Inspiration Awards. Rachel completed a project with the Co-op Group that looked at ways the company can engage Gen Z, while leveraging its values and has secured a job as Planning Executive at Havas Lynx Group – a leading global healthcare communications group.

Thomas Jones, Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprentice, won ‘Apprentice of the Year’. Having spent four years during his apprenticeship as an Apprentice Junior Developer, Thomas now works as a Senior Applications and Development Officer at the University and is continuing his studies on the Digital and Technology Solutions Masters course.

Fiver other Manchester Met students were shortlisted for the awards. The University also sponsored the Rising Star Award.

Tom said: “I was very pleased to receive the MPA award, and I am grateful to my colleagues for their support. In particular, Mark Stubbs for his help since I started at Manchester Met, Kathy Kord my skills coach, and Debra Crane, my manager who nominated me. All my colleagues in the Learning Research and Technologies team have been very supportive during my apprenticeship.

“I am thankful to have had the opportunity to do this apprenticeship, as I have learnt a lot during it and from my degree, they have helped my professional development, and in attaining my current position at the university.”

Rachael added: “It feels amazing to have won the Student Award and have my hard work recognised over the past year. It feels even more special to have won this award at such a turbulent and difficult time during the pandemic, spending practically the whole year sat behind a screen in my room. Despite this, the tutors at Manchester Met continued to deliver outstanding teaching and I could not have won this award without the fantastic opportunities that were offered to me throughout the year.

“Furthermore, the structure of the course set me up so well for starting my career at Havas Lynx Group as a Planning Executive. From live client briefs, inspiring guest speakers, and units that gave all the students a taste of what working in different areas of an advertising agency would be like. I will always be grateful of my Masters degree for setting the foundation for me flourish in my chosen career.”

The MPA Inspiration Awards aim to inspire future talent, innovation and creativity in the city and is judged by leaders from both industry bodies and national and regional businesses.

The ceremony took place place at The Midland Hotel, hosted by broadcaster Mark Radcliffe and DJ Hattie Pearson.

Dr Michelle Gledhill, Senior Lecturer in Advertising and Branding, who taught Rachael while at University, said: “Congratulations to Rachael and Thomas on their award. This win is testament to their hard work over the last 12 months.

“Rachael was a stand-out student right from the start of the Masters programme. She truly embraced every opportunity - she completed an internship, was an outstanding leader for the Happy Linen live client brief project and completed a consultancy project for the Co-op Group. Her positive attitude and work ethic were outstanding. To be recognised by the industry so early on in your career is exceptional and I have no doubt that Rachael will continue to excel.”