Jaywing unveils two property expansions and university tie-up

The AIM-listed firm is relocating its Sheffield headquarters to the former Albert Works forgery in what will be a significant regeneration project for the area.

At the same time Jaywing is beginning a large extension of its Leeds Dock base, with the historic Small Mill building now to join up with a former malting house as it eyes future expansion.

In addition to the property expansion Jaywing is also to bolster its links with academia with a new University of Leeds partnership to deliver a pioneering MSc in Consumer Analytics and Marketing Strategy.

Run by the University of Leeds Business School and the Consumer Data Research Centre, the MSc course will see Jaywing providing guest lectures about the latest analytical techniques in a commercial environment.

The firm’s CEO Rob Shaw told The Yorkshire Post: “It allows us to help educate about our industry and give something back.

“This is a business where a lot of maths grads and IT grads could come and flourish, but is not one they would probably think they could work in. It is a constantly evolving and changing industry.”

This most recent collaboration with academia in the field of data science follows Jaywing’s announcement of a major Imperial College Data Science Institute research study in March.

The property expansion plans will see Jaywing create an extra 12,000 sq ft across its Leeds and Sheffield sites, both of which Mr Shaw said he anticipated will be completed by March 2017. A great deal of local contractors are being used as part of the development work.

The Sheffield project in particular is a major piece of work. The current Albert Works site is derelict and it is hoped the redevelopment programme will kick start a major redevelopment for the former industrial area.

Mr Shaw said: “These announcements come hot on the heels of the news of a solid organic growth performance in the UK last year, particularly in an industry that is not consistently sharing in UK growth success.

“With major transport links on our doorstep in both locations and deepening links with our local universities, we will increase our profile and attractiveness as a major creative and agency industries employer in the north, with all it has to offer as a place to live and work, culturally, historically and environmentally.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of these projects is that they involve local businesses and academia. Plus we’re very much in support of the ambitions of the Northern Powerhouse, with Leeds and Sheffield key to this.”

Professor Matthew Robson of the University of Leeds, said: “The course we’ve designed combines academic rigour with real world thinking, much as Jaywing does itself, and provides a clear path to employment for its students.”