Member Article

Clear future at Consett’s Glass and Art Gallery thanks to student

Internationally-renowned stained glass artist Maralyn O’Keefe has recorded strong sales growth following the appointment of Northumbria University marketing student Tom Ford on work placement.

Tom, who is in his final year of studies, has been assisting ‘The Glass and Art Gallery’ in Consett with its online and offline marketing activity for the past few months.

The partnership has helped generate new business at a time when many towns find small independent stores closing.

Under the guidance of lecturer in Marketing, Dr Matt Sutherland, Tom has developed and implemented a marketing plan for the gallery which has helped it achieve turn one of its busiest periods to date.

Tom said: “It’s been a great experience to work on a live project where my decisions have made a real impact.

“for me it’s been invaluable in terms of my career and being part of such a great team of people.”

Maralyn, who developed the idea to run the placement with Matt last said: “Bringing in Tom has been fantastic, he has developed lots of new ideas and expanded our online marketing activity, furthermore our customers love him”.

With a fresh new look for spring and many new artists being featured, ‘The Glass and Art Gallery’ is now keen to continue the recent success. Later this year Maralyn will be providing stained glass courses in the studio as well as visiting international clients in Nigeria to discuss new contracts.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Northumbria University .