Shortlisted for JTI A&B Community Award, 2009
The opportunity
Banks and films together are usually the ingredients for a blockbuster heist. This project was certainly different but no less exciting for those involved. As part of their long-standing partnership initiated by Arts & Business, Barclays plc and It’s My Shout (IMS), the short film training scheme for Wales, developed a young people’s money management programme. The project was an ideal opportunity for Barclays to raise their profile among young audiences. For IMS, Barclay’s professional expertise was an invaluable resource in teaching participants about film-budgeting, finance workshops, gaining experience on a live film set and organising the annual BAFTA-style local film premiere.
The impact
Barclays promoted the many opportunities in film business and finance to over 1,000 IMS trainees from diverse communities across Wales, impacting in a positive and lasting way on their own personal circumstances. An estimated 350 trainees have found employment in the industry as a direct result of this partnership. The project helped teach young people the importance of making independent and informed decisions about spending, saving and obtaining value for money.
“Partnering with It’s My Shout gave us the chance to teach young people some real financial responsibility while engaging them in an area of real passion and building life-long customer bases. Our commitment to local communities also led to some very supportive media coverage.” Kathy Brown, Community Investment Manager - Wales & West, Barclays PLC