From funding an annual filmmaking grant for students at University of Staffordshire to supporting the LoveStoke100 initiative to help celebrate Stoke-on-Trent’s centenary year, Inspired Film and Video is determined to support communities within its home city.

Comprised largely of University of Staffordshire alumni, the company works for high-profile clients including Bostik, Waterworld, NHS Trusts and the University of Oxford.

In addition to employing a large number of local graduates over the years, Inspired regularly offers paid placements, freelance opportunities and structured work experience for young people across the city and county.

It has welcomed students from Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College, University of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent College into real productions on real sets and working on live briefs.

Business Development Director Michael McDonald said: “Our work is shaped by the place we call home. Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire have always been creative communities, grounded in industry and hard work.

“Whilst the region’s economic landscape has changed, we believe its spirit hasn’t. That same creativity now drives a new kind of industry, our industry, digital, visual and full of opportunity.

“We’re committed to helping young people across the area find their place within it. As a proud local business, our team draws direct inspiration from the people, places and stories of Staffordshire. It influences our storytelling, our visual approach and our sense of purpose.

“We know that to build a thriving digital sector here, we need to invest in talent, nurture ambition, and make sure that the next generation sees a future in creative services without having to leave the place they love.”

Michael has entered Inspired Film and Video into the Business in the Community category of  University of Staffordshire Business Awards and has entered the company’s production crew into the Team of the Year category.

He added: “I see first-hand the direct link between the quality of our work and the strength of our team. Our production crew, Severin Gammon, Adam Georgiou, Jordan Mountford and Matt Hackney, aren’t just talented professionals. They are the driving force behind our continued growth, creative success and national reputation.

“It’s a privilege to nominate them for the Team of the Year award because they truly embody everything great teamwork should be: collaborative, committed, flexible and relentlessly passionate about delivering high-quality content.

“All four team members are graduates of University of Staffordshire and since joining Inspired they’ve become a core unit that defines what it means to work together. They don’t just co-exist, they collaborate.

“Whether they’re working on set, editing in post or brainstorming new creative directions they support one another fully. Their individual strengths complement each other perfectly but more importantly they’re always looking out for one another on set, in the office and outside of work.”