Students help brand Derbyshire businesses

Marketing students at the University of Derby recently presented brand recommendations to two Derbyshire-based organisations (May 6).

Six postgraduates studying the MSc in Marketing Management were tasked with delivering new ideas to mental health charity, Derwent Rural Counselling Services (DRCS) and stately home, Haddon Hall.

Following guided tours and visits from the companies, the students were briefed about the two businesses and set objectives they would like to meet.

They combined their knowledge learned on a branding module with extensive research to provide ideas to DRCS and Haddon Hall on how to strengthen their brands and positions in the marketplace.

Marketing students Elena Papamethodiou, Kristina Saputkaite and Naomi Wesson delivered their brand audits to Mark Penman (Operations Manager) and John Saynor (Chair of the Board of Trustees) from DRCS, while Lord and Lady Edward Manners of Haddon Hall, listened to presentations from students, Amani Kwayu and Aisah Muflih.

After presentingto Haddon Hall, Indonesian-born Aisah Muflih, said: “It’s been interesting to research the attitudes and expectations to why Britons visit stately homes as we don’t have them in Indonesia.

“Taking part in a real-life scenario allowed us to receive feedback on our recommendations and to see how beneficial the ideas were to the business. The project has taught me how to develop ideas across a number of topics, including brand equity, communication and digital.”

Hildegard Wiesehofer-Climpson, lecturer in Marketing and Operations at the University, said: “This project has given the students professional brand experience in a working environment, from the initial research to idea generation and then presenting to company clients. The skills they have learned will be invaluable in their future roles.”

Lady Edward Manners added: “It’s fantastic for us to have the opportunity to listen to these ideas and to work with the students. It’s a real learning experience for both parties.”