A YEAR after relocating its business to Gloucestershire from Cardiff, BAM Student Marketing is hailing the move a success after almost doubling its staff numbers.

The company, which offers commercial services to student organisations and provides businesses with a central route to advertise to students across the United Kingdom, is now based at Cambray Place, Cheltenham.

A share scheme has even been introduced to give staff the opportunity to benefit from BAM's future success.

Company director Tim Bodenham said: "Moving to Cheltenham has been great for BAM, not only has it given us a central location with easier access routes throughout the United Kingdom, but the great community vibe here has allowed us to feel settled and at home, giving way to many exciting new long-term projects, such as the shares scheme."

BAM now employs 48 staff with many employees being university graduates from the county. The company has also been able to offer a year placement scheme to seven local university students this year.


The scheme allows students to gain paid professional work experience for a year in between their second and third year at university.

Gemma Sims, a third year marketing, advertising and communications student at the University of Gloucestershire, is one of those taking advantage of the work experience scheme and she is enjoying it thoroughly.

"It allows me to understand the practical aspects of my course and further my knowledge whilst having fun," she said.

"It is definitely a worthwhile step at the beginning of my career."

Lara Bodenham, HR advisor, BAM Student Marketing, said: "The skills and knowledge that these placement students experience practically at BAM can be applied to their courses when they return to university but, just as importantly, are vital to gaining employment after graduation. Having placement students has been such a positive experience.

"We will certainly be looking to offer another placement scheme next year."

Since moving to Cheltenham other commercial areas of the business, such as BAM's creative graphics, web and print services, have been able to grow.

Work has been commissioned by companies such as, Universal Studios, Live Nation and KitKat.

It was also recently chosen for the web design and build of www.startgardenparty.co.uk, a website for an event run by the Prince of Wales's 'start' initiative.