Magazine publisher Hearst UK has launched a new scheme to drive innovation that also provides a route into the media industry for diverse UK talent, offering a salary and contribution to London accommodation costs.
The Nest team will explore new ways of generating revenue for Hearst UK and its commercial clients in areas from editorial to advertising.
A trial of the scheme has already proven successful, with “an innovative finance concept that is currently out to market”, according to a spokesperson, and new hires across digital editorial and commercial roles.
Heart UK, which publishes 21 magazine and online brands, including Good Housekeeping, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Men’s Health and Esquire, will recruit eight people each for two intakes of six to eight weeks in autumn.
The Nest will then run at least twice a year with a combination of internal and external intakes.
Julian Linley, Hearst UK business development director who is leading the project, said: “The Nest is staffed entirely by the next generation of creative talent. It is a platform for change as it enables talented people to tackle career challenges and create jobs for themselves.
“We have demolished the traditional hierarchical structure by putting members of The Nest in the driving seat and giving them the support of Hearst’s vast infrastructure to enable faster growth and learning.”
During each programme, recruits will be set a brief by Hearst UK’s senior leadership team or by clients to explore a product area where they think there is an opportunity for growth.
Groups will then research, develop and present their ideas while having access to the expertise and guidance of Hearst UK employees from departments including editorial, digital and commercial.
To increase its accessibility to a diverse range of recruits, external candidates will receive a contribution towards living costs to make London accommodation more affordable, on top of their salary.
For internal candidates, Hearst UK said it would give them a chance “to step out of their everyday role” and explore new areas of expertise.
Hearst UK chief executive James Wildman said: “Creativity and an inclusive culture are absolutely key to the success of our business.
“The Nest is a fabulous way to attract new talent and give them a valuable insight into the publishing industry and our trusted brands. It will also develop our existing staff by offering the chance to get involved in different business areas and apply their skills in new ways.
“I was extremely impressed by the pilot project, and can’t wait to see what ideas The Nest will produce next.”
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