Less than four years after graduating from Newcastle University, Peter Hirst (Applied Communications 2004) has hired current student Sophia Barakat, to market his new company ANYTHING But Limited to schools, businesses and the extended education sector. 

Sophia Barakat, an English Language student, was employed by Peter to promote the Giant Minds part of Peter’s business under the title of Marketing Coordinator.  Peter said “Sophia’s continued effort and dedication has meant that more and more schools across the North East, and increasingly northern England, are becoming familiar with our GiantMinds brand.  We want to motivate and inspire the lives of whoever we work with and Sophia has really taken this message to heart.” 

Peter’s journey so far has not been easy. After obtaining the sole license to use GiantMinds, a project which he managed for two and a half years, from Caroline Theobold of the Bridge Club, he opted to operate within a strong and heavily subsidised market.   

Sophia Barakat says, “When I first met Peter and he told me what he did, I found it hard to understand how there would be any prospects or opportunities in what he was doing. But when I went behind the scenes and witnessed how hard he worked, how dedicated he was and how passionate and confident he is about what he does, I soon realised that his enthusiasm and devotion is what makes him and his business such a success. He cares about what he does and the people he works with and that is what makes this company different from the rest.” 

Peter wants to take the education system by storm with both GiantMinds and new project Kidology.  Peter commented, “although we are relatively new, a lot of interest from both schools and students has been expressed and we feel confident we can continue to develop original and bespoke work with, and for, some of the most talented young people in the country.” 

Having only graduated from University four years ago, Peter Hirst has achieved so much in a fairly short space of time. Not only has he set up his own business, but he is continually working around the clock to come up with new and innovative ideas to expand his company and to build up his customer base. This young and refreshing business man is passionate about what he does and he brings an element of vitality and energy into education and meeting the needs of young people. Definitely one to be watched in the future.