Cirencester branding expert Danny Matthews, who is committed to supporting young talent, is devoting yet more time to helping the next generation of designers – and has been nominated for an award.
Danny, who heads up Danny&co., a branding, design and content studio, has been working with Cirencester charity The Churn Project, which offers support to people facing crisis or difficulties.
Already, one young person being helped by The Churn Project has spent time on work experience at Danny&co., and Danny has been speaking to others about employability and setting up a business.
Amanda Griffiths, Employment and Skills Navigator Developer at The Churn Project, said she was nominating Danny for GEM Exemplar Award. The GEM Project supports people within Gloucestershire who are facing barriers to work, helping guide them towards education, training or employment.
“Danny has been a responsive and supportive partner here at The Churn Project,” said Amanda. “As well as giving one of my GEM participants a work experience opportunity, Danny also set up a working network opportunity for her to meet other young creatives from the Danny&co. team.
“It’s inspiring to see Danny’s commitment in supporting young people, and this support has made a difference to my participant’s confidence and wellbeing, as well as giving her relevant work to show potential employers in her portfolio.”
Separately, Danny is delivering guest lectures to students on the Venture Creation Programme at the Royal Agricultural University, who are setting up businesses. He’s also giving talks to students on the enterprise programme at Cirencester College, about the challenges of entrepreneurship.
“I believe as a business owner, I have an obligation to do all I can to support young people who want to set up their own businesses, particularly those who are in the creative sector,” said Danny.
“When I was at school, I wanted to go into the creative industry but was never encouraged, so for many years I worked in financial services. I finally got to fulfil my dream, and want to do all I can to help others to do the same.”
Earlier this year, Danny&co. took on eight young people through the Government’s Kickstart scheme, to give them experience. Almost all have now gone on to jobs in the creative sector.
Said Danny:
“Having the Kickstarters here was a great experience for me and for the business. We really celebrated their success and I am so pleased to see them go into new roles.”
Danny has also mentored a university design student, and takes part in a regular podcast aimed at an audience of young creatives.
