Helping local businesses harness the power of digital marketing and artificial intelligence through expert insight, practical support and student talent.
What is the Digital Marketing and AI Hub?
The Digital Marketing and AI Hub at the University of Staffordshire Business School connects local businesses with the latest thinking in digital marketing and artificial intelligence.
Designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the Hub provides access to expert knowledge, practical workshops and student-supported consultancy to help businesses improve their marketing, strengthen their digital presence and explore how AI can drive growth.
At the same time, the Hub gives our students the opportunity to work on live business challenges, applying their skills in a real-world environment and gaining valuable experience that enhances their employability.
How the Hub works
The Digital Marketing and AI Hub runs a series of free Wednesday afternoon events on campus.
Each session features guest speakers from industry and academia, sharing practical insights on topics such as:
- Artificial intelligence in marketing
- Search engine optimisation (SEO)
- Social media strategy
- Customer retention
- Conversion rate optimisation (CRO)
- Website development
- Audience targeting
Businesses attending the Hub can also apply to work with a student consultant or content creator, who will support a specific marketing challenge under the guidance of our academic team.
How your business can benefit
By joining the Digital Marketing and AI Hub, your organisation can:
- Access the latest expertise in digital marketing and AI
- Receive cost-effective support from talented students
- Gain fresh ideas and practical recommendations
- Build relationships with future marketing professionals
- Learn from research-led insights and industry speakers
How our students benefit
Students involved in the Hub gain:
- Real-world consulting experience
- Opportunities to build professional networks
- Live project work for their CV and portfolio
- Practical understanding of current marketing challenges
- Experience working directly with local businesses
The Catalyst building, home of the Business School
Digital Marketing and AI Hub
Digital Marketing and AI Hub
Digital Marketing and AI Hub
Digital Marketing and AI Hub
Digital Marketing and AI Hub
Digital Marketing and AI Hub
Digital Marketing and AI Hub
Recent student projects
Our students have recently worked with a range of organisations on live digital marketing projects, including:
- Staffordshire Rugby Union - social media strategy and content development
- Gemma Leese Photography - content creation
- SAS Water - content creation and digital marketing strategy
- Derek and Associates - digital marketing strategy
- Dr Sha Aesthetic Clinic - content creation
These projects are delivered by students from courses including Digital and Social Media Marketing, Digital Marketing Management and Business Management.
Research-led expertise
The Hub is underpinned by the University’s research in digital marketing, AI and SME performance.
Recent research from our academic team has explored:
- How digital marketing capabilities influence SME performance
- The role of social media in building brand loyalty
- AI-driven website metrics and business outcomes
- The impact of social media technologies on innovation
This research ensures businesses benefit from evidence-based insights and the latest developments in the field.
Meet the team
The Digital Marketing and AI Hub is led by Dr Joe Hazzam, supported by a team of academic experts, student consultants and content creators from the Business School.
Dr Joe Hazzam
Interim Course Director
Joe is an Associate Professor of Digital Marketing, and the co-director of the Centre for Business, Innovation and the Regions. Joe has 17 years of experience in strategic and digital marketing in various industries globally.
Joe's profile
Upcoming events
The Hub hosts regular throughout the academic year, covering topics such as:
- Training AI like a team member
- Building a website with AI
- Technical SEO and AI
- Social media and AI
- Understanding your target audience
- AI in modern marketing roles
- The future of digital marketing and AI
All upcoming sessions are posted on our Staffordshire Business School Facebook page.
See upcoming events
Study with us
The Digital Marketing and AI Hub is just one of the ways students at the University of Staffordshire gain practical experience while they study.
Through live business projects, expert mentoring and applied learning opportunities, our students graduate with the skills, confidence and experience employers are looking for.
See courses
Contact us
Learn more about the Digital Marketing and AI Hub or discuss how your business could benefit
Email Dr Joe Hazzam, Digital Marketing and AI Hub Leader