Spotlight on South Yorkshire’s Digital and Creative Talent

The latest episode of the South Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce’s Knowledge and Skills Cast turned the spotlight on the region’s vibrant digital and creative industries, featuring insights from two inspiring business leaders. Joada Allen, Managing Director of Visualised It, and Alex Hill, Sales Director of SEO Works, shared their journeys and explored the opportunities and challenges shaping South Yorkshire’s business landscape.

The discussion highlighted how both businesses are driving innovation while focusing on people and skills development. Joada’s company, Visualised It, operates as a video production business that also provides alternative education programmes. The organisation supports young people who struggle in mainstream education by offering them digital media qualifications and opportunities for personal development. This unique dual-purpose model reflects Joada’s belief in combining creativity with social impact.

In contrast, Alex’s Sheffield-based SEO Works has grown into a leading digital marketing agency. From its origins as a small start-up, the company now employs over 90 people and specialises in search engine optimisation, digital advertising, and web design. A strong focus on adaptability, loyalty, and development has helped SEO Works build a reputation for nurturing talent and creating clear pathways for career progression.

Both Joada and Alex stressed the importance of investing in people, recognising that long-term success relies on cultivating skills from within. Visualised It works closely with Barnsley College to create opportunities for media students, while SEO Works runs robust in-house training programmes to help employees gain technical expertise and transition into leadership roles.

The episode also explored some of the challenges businesses face in the rapidly changing digital landscape. Joada and Alex discussed how technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming their industries. While tools such as ChatGPT offer efficiency in areas like content creation, both agreed that human creativity and critical thinking remain essential.

The conversation emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between businesses and education providers to address skills gaps and ensure curriculums meet the demands of evolving industries. Programmes that encourage lifelong learning and practical experience will be key to preparing South Yorkshire’s workforce for future opportunities.

This instalment of the Knowledge and Skills Cast showcased the innovative approaches being adopted by businesses in the region. Companies like Visualised It and SEO Works are not only contributing to South Yorkshire’s economic growth but also setting an example of how businesses can create lasting social value by putting people first.