Student helps to transform Sain’s website

Steffan ThomasA postgraduate student at Bangor University is transforming Welsh record company, Sain’s website as part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the University and the company.

Steffan Thomas, 22, from Coedpoeth near Wrexham is a former pupil of Ysgol Morgan Llwyd. He graduated from Bangor University with a First Class Honours degree in Communication and the Media before going on to study for an M.A. in Film and Media Studies. Steffan is now studying part-time for his M.A. whilst working for Sain, as well as helping to teach some first year modules at the School of Creative Studies and Media.

Steffan said, “I’m working with Sain in partnership with the University as part of a KTP programme which through careful evaluation of Sain’s business and technology activities, aims to ensure Sain remains at the forefront of the Welsh music industry.

“The music marketplace has changed drastically in recent years and it’s vital that Sain’s sales and marketing model changes to keep with the pace. I’m looking carefully at the company’s business plan and their model for online sales.

“Since I started working on the project, in October 2009, I have re-designed the website and restructured data so that our music can be distributed digitally to Amazon, iTunes, 7Digital and a number of other companies around the world. The next stage of the project will involve examining Sain’s marketing systems.”

Steffan is very happy with the opportunites he has had through working on the project.

He said, “The work presents a new challenge every day. I didn’t know that much about marketing or website when I first started working with Sain but over the past year, with the University’s guidance, I have had the chance to learn a huge amount.

“Through the KTP system I’m studying for a qualification which equates to a degree in business management and finance  and I have also travelled to America and to Brittany. This month I’m going to France with Sain to promote the company at a music fair.”

Steffan added, “I’m really grateful for all the opportunities I have been given by the University. I secured my first job in the media, with the television company Chwarel, immediately after I graduated. I hope to continue working within the media in future and am hoping to begin studying for a PhD next September, researching the effect of digital distribution on small media companies.”

Publication date: 18 January 2011