Amanda Pearce Director

About diva Full service marketing agency Specialising in social marketing Based in Sheffield, working across UK Primarily public sector client base focusing on regeneration, health, creative and digital, environmental and community safety sectors

diva - a winning company award winners in Inner City 100 index 2002/2003 semi finalists in Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2003 semi finalists in National Business Awards 2004 sponsored by Orange semi finalists in Small Business Champions 2004 semi finalists in National Business Awards 2005 sponsored by Orange

Range of integrated services Creative - print, multimedia, web Photography Public relations Events organisation Brand consultancy and strategy

The delivery a project team –dedicated account manager –creative team Designer/ multimedia practitioner Photographer copywriter other members of the team as appropriate

Recruitment - what are we looking for? Technical skills/abilities Appropriate level of experience Strong portfolio Desire to learn more

Recruitment - what are we looking for? Good communication skills Transferable skills Team players Potential Flexibility Good understanding of equal opportunities Open attitude

Recruitment - the challenges Technical skills/abilities - skill base in Yorkshire still limited Low level creative ability Limited industry experience Difficult for candidates to ‘market’ themselves in a broad field Freelancing ‘climate’ Limited broader skills - communication, etc

Summary Things have got better - but not good enough Sense of ongoing ‘brain drain’ - southerly Candidates need to demonstrate flexibility and openness to continue learning Development of CDI sector in South Yorkshire is dependent upon strong skill base - needs more investment and relies on broader economy to improve salary levels etc.