Local non-profit supporting young people appoints new creative expert

By Jessica Durston - 5 December 2022

CharityBusinessCommunity
  • (L-R) James Phipps, Mike Land and Sadie Sharp

    (L-R) James Phipps, Mike Land and Sadie Sharp

Swindon not-for-profit The Platform Project has a new addition to the board, with the appointment of creative expert Mike Land.

The non-profit organisation aims to help bridge the gap between education and employment. 

Mike, who runs creative agency Nickel Design and has more than 30 years’ design experience, will be joining The Platform Project as a non-exec director.

Mike is said to have already been supporting the social enterprise organisation in a number of ways, including creating the branding and logo, helping with mock interviews, and a Dragons’ Den style event, and giving the project advice on raising its profile.

The Platform Project helps disadvantaged and vulnerable young people develop the skills, confidence and experience they need to get into the workforce or launch a business.

The organisation works closely with local authorities, education institutions, and local employers, to bridge the gap between education and employment, so that young people can overcome challenges to become confident and ready for work.

Mike, who through Nickel Design has worked with household names like Texaco and Battersea Dogs Home, said he was keen to help young people get into employment, including the creative industry.

He explained: “I want to make a difference to the lives of young people who need a helping hand. If I can support a student to realise their potential, then it will be worth it.

“There are opportunities out there and if we can help young people gain in confidence and show their potential, then we can really bridge that gap between education and employment. I’ve had a 30 year career so far in the creative industry and I know how rewarding this can be. It’s just one example of the many options available.”

Sadie Sharp, Managing Director and founder of the Platform Project, said: “Our mission is to help young people who haven’t yet had a chance to thrive and we can only do that with the support of local business people like Mike.

"It’s a real privilege to have Mike on board to help us further professionalise our growing brand and service offering. We’re exceptionally grateful for the time and passion that Mike and the rest of our board bring, to help young people develop the skills and experiences they need to become confident, entry level talent.”

The Platform Project Chairman James Phipps said: “We are very happy to welcome Mike to the board. He has great business experience and a significant network in the region, and his passion to help young people showed through when he previously volunteered with the project.

"We are about to move our office and his support will be invaluable in the challenges ahead.”

For more information about The Platform Project, members of the public can visit https://www.platformproject.co.uk/.

For more about Mike Land and Nickel Design, individuals can go to: https://nickeldesign.co.uk/.

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