Ahead of the opening of its new facility at MediaCityUK, the University of Salford, Salford Business School has announced a new partnership focusing on research and innovation with leading digital marketing agency Fast Web Media.

It also reflects every aspect of the University’s own vision of high quality education, a commitment to industry-relevant Research and Innovation and collaboration with leading digital and media businesses.

The partnership will also provide excellent opportunities for Salford students to take up internships and short-term placements and to gain experience working with Fast Web Media experts.

As competition for graduate jobs becomes fiercer, the additional experience these initiatives offer will give Salford students an edge in the market.

Stuart Wells, Director of Management Development Programmes for Salford Business School, said: “Our culture at Salford is tied to being innovative and enterprising, and this partnership places Salford Business School at the forefront of emerging technology development.

“Search and social media marketing is one of the fastest growing areas in the whole digital marketing arena and this is a fantastic opportunity to formalise the already great relationship we have with Fast Web Media. We are looking forward to collaborating even more closely on a variety of Research and development projects at the dawn of a new era for the University at MediaCityUK.”

Fast Web Media is a Manchester and London based digital agency which provides clients with award-winning digital services, specialising in online marketing, search engine optimisation, mobile applications, social media and website development.

Mike Flynn, CEO of Fast Web Media, said “Fast Web Media are delighted with this partnership and look forward to collaborating with the team at the University of Salford.

“We’re confident our track record of award-winning digital marketing work will complement the excellence of Salford Business School and we look forward to innovation and successes in the near future.”

Salford Business School has a significant research expertise in digital media, including industry focused professional courses such as the evening course in search and social media marketing, that is accredited by SEMPO Institute and is delivered in partnership with several Manchester based agencies.

The partnership with Fast Web Media is building on the existing strong industry links that Salford Business School has developed and this will offer the company the opportunity to contribute to curriculum development and shared research activity. Research in search and social media marketing is also a thriving part of the internationally renowned Information Systems, Organisations and Society (ISOS) Research Centre.

The University of Salford will be opening its new facility at MediaCityUK in October, the building itself will become home to more than 1,500 students and staff and will be packed with cutting-edge technology which will fuel teaching and digital and media research.

Fast Web Media are also moving to MediaCityUK, relocating their head office to the same location at the end of this month.

---