Video and animation production company Stone’s Throw Media are celebrating after winning two prestigious apprenticeship awards.
Stone’s Throw Media, based at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park, were named Small Business of the Year, while former apprentice Oliver Dutton won Apprentice of the Year in the Tech, Digital and Creative Industries category at the Express & Star Apprenticeship Awards 2022.
The awards, announced at a glittering ceremony at Grand Station, Wolverhampton last night (Thurs Nov 3) celebrated the brightest and best organisations and learners in the region.
Committed to developing local, young talent via apprenticeships, Stone’s Throw Media won Small Business of the Year in recognition of their culture of providing apprentice colleagues with opportunities to learn, develop and thrive in the digital media industry.
Stone’s Throw Media was launched in 2011 by founders Mike Chinn and Matt Weston after they met on a University of Wolverhampton media course. Matt Weston said: “We are thrilled to be recognised for our people development by winning two of this year’s top awards from our region’s leading news brand.
“We see significant benefits from providing young people with opportunities to enter the digital media sector via an apprenticeship outside of big cities such as London, allowing them to build on-the-job skills and experience as they embark on their career.”
Mike Chinn said: “Stone’s Throw Media is a genuine team effort so it is fantastic to see our combined efforts rewarded with these awards. We have a talented group who want to deliver the highest standards of work for clients every time, so developing our people particularly around apprenticeships has been integral to bringing out the best in colleagues.”
Former junior content apprentice Oliver Dutton won the Tech, Digital and Creative Industry category thanks to his “never give up, can do attitude” and the vital role he plays as “The Organiser” within the business.
Reflecting on his apprenticeship Oliver said: “The apprenticeship has improved my knowledge of the industry together with providing me with tools to understand how to generate and present ideas.
“When I discuss ideas with clients, I have case studies from my apprenticeship to draw upon together with my own real-life examples I can share. The apprenticeship has taught me how to adjust my communication based on the client and the level of detail they require. This has been very beneficial.”
With a determination to mix formal training and vocational education for staff, the founders have grown the company to employ 10 staff, providing services for clients including leading brands such as EasyGroup, Redrow, JLR and Wolverhampton Wanderers. They were named Micro Business of the Year at the Express & Star’s Business Awards 2018 in recognition of their success.
