Stapling and Nailing Supplies, a specialist staple and nail gun stockist based in Stoke-on-Trent, have been involved with Keele University’s Santander internship scheme for a number of years, so it made perfect sense to place their next marketing task in the right hands of another Keele student.

Sian Phillips, Marketing Manager, explains: “Our industry is complex and confusing, and we needed to get our social media messages out there in a creative and imaginative way. We had already established that Instagram would be an ideal platform to reach out to recently-trained joiners and apprentices, but we lacked the resources to set this up.

“The internship team at Keele has been first class with their support and approach to us, and take the time to establish exactly what our requirements are, prior to screening the students to reach a best fit. Moreover there have been occasions when I have felt that we were the only employer they were dealing with (which I know is totally untrue, but that’s the level of service they provide)”

Beth Adler-Smith, who is studying American Studies, and Alex Lister, Biochemistry with NeuroScience, were selected to participant in the placement, spending 70 hours each within the business, with a particular focus on Instagram. Once inducted, they researched and set up the appropriate systems, providing the company with the beginnings of a new market through the Instagram account.

Sian added: “Thanks to the work of our interns, we are now attracting more engagement and received a sale within the first few weeks of the account being established. The interns opened our minds to new ideas, and they displayed good levels of written work, emotive and persuasive copy for our complex products. I was impressed by their willingness to learn and their team working skills.”

As a result of the internships, the company has retained both the interns on a part-time basis, which still fits around their studies. Beth has gone on to a new role focusing on content writing and office support, whilst Alex is assisting with the company’s video productions.

Beth said: “The best thing about working for the company is the great atmosphere in the office. The team is very small but from day one I have felt like a member of the Stapling and Nailing family. The relaxed atmosphere and the many comedic moments had on a day-to-day basis make the position feel less like work yet still being an excellent teaching environment.”

Alex adds: "Since undergoing my internship at Stapling and Nailing, I have been able to develop my skills in social media marketing and make new friends! Working in the team was a lot of fun and engaging, we worked and communicated with each other to grow the business and increase global reach of the company. The skills I have gained and knowledge of marketing aided me to get a qualification in online marketing fundamentals, boosting my CV and postgraduate applications!"

More recently, another Keele student, Suman Hussain, who is studying History and Media, Communications and Culture, joined the team at Stapling and Nailing Supplies. To complement the success of the Instagram account, the company required some additional expertise around managing other social media channels, including YouTube. Sian says: “Suman is utilising her media skills to produce incredible images and videos that are highly attractive and bring interest and intrigue to our industrial products.

“I would advise all eligible businesses to look at Santander internships as a win-win situation, and our experience with Keele University clearly demonstrates this – having young agile-minded students who are willing to learn brings a whole new dynamic to the business.”

For information on the opportunities available through the Keele-Santander programme please visit www.keele.ac.uk/internships. Details of other business support programmes available through Keele University’s Business Gateway can be found at www.keele.ac.uk/business.

For information on the Santander Universities commitment to Higher Education, please visit www.santander.co.uk/uk/santander-universities.