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Graduate scoops creativity prize

A former Newcastle College student has been awarded the annual Codeworks Digital Creativity Prize. Mark Malekpour, who works for Newcastle-based internet business Beatsuite.com, was among 53 students and graduates up for the award. After completing a placement programme with Beatsuite.com, Mark was employed full time as a content manager by the company, which sells royalty-free music to production companies throughout the world.

The award was launched in 2005 by Codeworks Connect, the trade association for the North East’s digital sector, to honour the work of students and recent graduates taking part in its annual student placement scheme. To stand a chance of winning the prize, entrants had to present the most creative and technically excellent work they had done during their placement to a panel of industry experts. The judges praised Mark for his contribution to Beatsuite.com and enthusiasm and drive he has for the Digital Industry.

Mark said: “Winning the digital creativity award provides both recognition for my efforts at Beatsuite.com Music Library and clearly shows the worthwhile investment of the Graduates into Business scheme. “The award is a fantastic success for me, and proves beyond any doubt the value of graduates into business and the important of placement schemes such as this one.”

Jackie Boyd, digital skills executive at Codeworks, said: “Many congratulations to Mark for his success in winning this year’s prize. He is a great example of how initiatives such as our placement scheme can have a huge direct benefit on the region’s economy.”

The ultimate aim of the placement scheme is to halt the ‘brain drain’ of talent out of the region, and to support the future of the area’s economy by placing the best graduates in its digital companies.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .