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Students' start-up is one to watch

A start-up communications business, founded by three North East masters students, has landed the “one to watch” award at the University of Sunderland’s recent Blueprint awards.

M.A.D Communications is the work of Marie Donnelly, Samantha Kelly and Amy Armstrong: three MA students at the University of Sunderland, all under 25.

Specialising in PR, social media and magazine production the founders have employed their cultural and creative nous to build the business, and will now take up office space in the University’s Enterprise Building as part of their winnings.

Marie Donnelly, one of M.A.D’s managing directors, said: “We were in a state of shock when it was announced that we had won. The standard of entries was so high, and there was so much talent in our category that it was an honour just to be nominated.”

Samantha Kelly, director, added, “You only have to look around to see the wealth of arts, music, fashion, design, and entertainment being nurtured in the streets of the North East. But much of this talent and creativity isn’t getting the attention it deserves.

“Whilst these groups and individuals shout about their work, their voice isn’t always loud enough. And this is where M.A.D Communications has found a gap in the market. We are committed to putting them in the spotlight and getting them the attention they deserve.”

Other winners on the night included EA-Funding, who took the Bright Idea Award, and the North East Theatre Academy, who won the Young Business Award.

M.A.D Communications will be representing the University of Sunderland in the Regional Blueprint Business Planning Competition Final on 18 September. The Blueprint Competition brings together the brightest and most promising entrepreneurs from the North East’s five universities.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .