My name is Freya Briscoe, and I started my placement with Huddersfield Unlimited back in November. Since then, I have been grateful enough to have spoken with brilliant people, businesses, and the Huddersfield Unlimited team. When I started my placement, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. As a student at the University of Huddersfield, stepping into a professional environment alongside a small team of just two other people felt both exciting and a little daunting at first. Looking back now, it’s been a genuinely rewarding experience.
Over the course of the placement, I’ve had the opportunity to get involved in a range of different tasks, from filming and editing interviews to writing blogs and attending local events. Each experience brought something new, and it really helped me build confidence whilst trying things I hadn’t done before!
HU Business Forums
One of the highlights for me was attending the HU Culture and Leisure business forum. It was really interesting to see people from different sectors come together to share ideas and discuss the future of Huddersfield. It gave me a better understanding of the ambition behind the town and the work that goes into supporting its growth. During that event, I had the opportunity to interview and talk with so many incredible people and to talk about their passion for their business, charities and the town itself.
Interviews
A big part of my role involved interviewing a variety of people, including charities, media studios, and even the Kirklees MP – Harpreet Uppal – which was an amazing and interesting opportunity! Each conversation offered a different perspective, but what stood out most was the shared passion for Huddersfield. It was clear that the people we spoke to genuinely care about the town and want to see it continue to develop, while also supporting its culture and local talent.
My Experience
Through this, I’ve come to appreciate the role Huddersfield Unlimited plays in bringing these voices together. It provides a platform for businesses and organisations to share their stories, helping to highlight the diversity and strength of the local community. It’s not just about showcasing success, but about encouraging connection and future growth. Also, on a personal level, the placement has helped me develop a range of practical skills, particularly in communication, content creation, and teamwork. Working in a small group meant learning how to collaborate effectively, manage time, and adapt to different situations, all of which have been incredibly valuable and easy to do with such a kind and understanding team!
More than anything, this experience has changed the way I see Huddersfield. It’s a town full of potential, driven by people who are passionate about its future. There’s a clear focus not only on business development, but also on supporting creativity, culture, and the next generation of talent.
As my time with Huddersfield Unlimited comes to an end, I feel grateful to have been part of it. It’s been a valuable learning experience and one that I’ll carry forward as I continue my studies and future career, and I want to thank the team for supporting me and helping me grow my skills!
Freya Briscoe, on behalf of Huddersfield Unlimited.
Contact information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/freyabriscoe/
Pictured are our 3 Huddersfield University students with Harpreet Uppal.
Left to right: Grace Shaw, Tatenda Munyebvu, Harpeet Uppal and Freya Briscoe.