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August 2010

A sizeable crowd turned out to experience the first humberMUD in a new venue – the atmospheric, multi-function space FRuIT. The new home certainly adds something to the usual mix of speakers, networking opportunities and knowledge sharing and the 'good vibes' that MUD is renowned for are further enhanced by this unique space. It was also clear that a certain amount of business was done throughout the night.

Chair Mal Williamson kicked things off by embracing the mic and providing more information on the four day MUD Expo, which will take place at FRuIT in October (more information will be available on this website in due course), before introducing Leo Kolassa, Business Development Manager for iHull: Institute for Creativity and Innovation.

Leo – a “Scouser through marriage” and Liverpool FC fan – has had a long-running relationship with Hull, having studied at post-grad level at the University of Hull in 1975-76 and subsequently working as Head of Marketing and PR for Hull City Council in 1995-97. Returning some 13 years later, Leo has noticed the positive change in a city whose people, he said “are always up for doing new things and working in new ways.”

Leo provided an overview of iHull's current activities, which include business support and engagement and providing courses that are relevant to people and industry. iHull's vision is to support, nurture and develop the region's creative, digital and cultural industries, in partnership with a variety of other regional players.

Explaining the iHull Social Media Training Programme, Leo suggested that businesses are getting it wrong by not truly integrating social media into marketing strategy and policy. “It's about getting the right ingredients,” he said, revelling in the culinary analogy. “Baking the cake is one thing but you need to get the mix right.”

Nigel Pugh, of Brough-based computer and mobile phone forensics specialists Forensic Footprints, used a data-theft scenario to provide an overview of the company's work. The audience were left in no doubt that they are leaving a trail of recoverable bits and bytes in their wake: pressing delete doesn't delete anything. Forensic Footprints' team of investigators work with the police, local authorities, public sector organisations and all manner of private businesses to counter the threat of computer-related crime and the misuse of computers. There's obviously some very interesting detective work going on in Brough.

James Greenwood, new media director at Strawberry, enthused about the role of youth in the creative industries. Indeed, the full-service agency founded by Jonathan Leafe and named after the east Hull street where it is based, is so passionate about the 'next generation' that it has set up the Strawberry Academy to source and nurture new local talent.

Providing examples of staff success stories and students that have risen through the ranks, James demonstrated that Strawberry does practice what it preaches. Rising talent is encouraged to develop via a hands-on approach, one-to-one mentoring, annual training budgets for individuals and constant, informal appraisals. Those on work experience or internships have nothing to fear. “Senior staff are encouraged not to bite their heads off,” laughed James. “It's not always easy but we make the time to work with them. This is about real people, real jobs. The value that these young people add is amazing.”

Strawberry's next event in a series of training events is a web workshop. For updates and information follow the company on twitter and Facebook and visit the website.

Also on hand on the night were Jasmine Cornes and Jon Moss. Jasmine announced that the next HEY! Girl Geek Dinners event – focusing on social media - would take place at KU Bar on September 29. For updates, follow the HEY! Girl Geeks on twitter

Jon Moss provided the latest on the speaker line-up for Hull Digital Live, which includes Peter Barron, Director of Communications and Public Affairs for Google in north and central Europe. Jon was also delighted that the HD Live website has been featured on Best Web Gallery.

The first MUD at FRuIT was not without its teething problems; there were a few sound issues and a roving mic to enable questions to be heard is a necessity. humberMUD is keen to receive any feedback you may have about the night.

MUD now takes place on the third Thursday of the month. The next MUD will take place at FRuIT on Thursday, September 16.

Dave Windass