Advanced Diploma in Esports students Arran Powell and Charlie McKeon have played a leading role in creating the official Mansfield NOW 2026 campaign film for Mansfield Forward Business Improvement District (BID) – a powerful statement showcasing the ambition, investment and regeneration reshaping Mansfield town centre.
Mansfield NOW, the biggest regeneration in a generation.
Mansfield Forward BID represents businesses within Mansfield town centre. It is a business-led, not-for-profit organisation funded by a small levy paid by eligible local businesses, which is reinvested directly into projects and services that enhance the town. Its purpose is to support economic growth, increase footfall, improve safety and cleanliness, and promote Mansfield as a vibrant place to shop, work and visit.
The film highlights 18 major regeneration projects, from long-vacant buildings returning to use to major developments driving the town’s future. More than a promotional video, it represents confidence, collaboration and a shared vision for Mansfield.
Jay Rowlinson, CEO of Mansfield Forward BID (left), Mayor Andy Abrahams and CEO of Mansfield District Council James Biddlestone (right).
Charlie, 18, explained how the opportunity first came about at college: “I got involved while I was having a conversation in head of creative and digital Kerry Pilcher’s office. Assistant principal Jane Fishwick asked if I’d be interested in getting involved in a video project connected to Mansfield Forward BID – and from there it naturally developed into this opportunity.”
Arran, 17, reflected on the teamwork behind the project: “Working alongside Charlie every week made a big difference. We supported each other throughout filming and kept the project moving forward.”
“Jane supported the project from the college side, and Collum Sharpe from the BID helped organise things from their side to make sure everything ran smoothly.”
The duo filming business owner Maxwell Effah.
Filming took place on a weekly schedule, helping the team stay consistent and organised.
The duo worked on the project every Tuesday. Having a dedicated filming day helped them to build momentum and stay on track.
Charlie said: “My favourite part was filming around Mansfield town centre, capturing local people, businesses, and the atmosphere. It felt good to be part of something that shows the town in a positive and authentic way.
“All of the filming was done using an iPhone rather than college equipment. It shows that with the right planning and creativity, you can still produce high-quality, professional content.”
Arran (left) and Charlie (right) at the launch of the Mansfield NOW video.
Both students said the project helped them develop real-world skills, from working with external organisations to filming in live public spaces.
Charlie said: “I learnt a lot about communication, scheduling, and working on a real external project and it also showed me how the skills I use through my business, McKeon Digital, can transfer into community and partnership projects like this.”
The completed film was showcased at a public screening event, where feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
Arran said: “Seeing the finished video on the big screen was a proud moment, and it was great to hear people praising the quality of the work. The event was also a great networking opportunity where we made new connections, and the feedback was really encouraging.”
Reflecting on the overall experience, both students expressed pride in contributing to a project that supports Mansfield’s future.
Charlie said: “This project has reinforced my interest in continuing to work on meaningful, community-focused creative projects. Being able to represent the college, support Mansfield, and grow our digital work through this project is something we’re genuinely proud of.”
Assistant principal Jane Fishwick said: “These two students are an absolute credit to the college and themselves. I was so proud to see their finished product, they had captured the real spirit of Mansfield within the filming.
“They learnt so much while working on this project – resilience, teamwork, communications, timekeeping and interpreting the customers’ needs – to name just a few. They did have a few bumps in the road, which they navigated professionally. Their passion and a real desire to improve and seek excellence absolutely helped them produce this film.”
Mansfield Mayor Andy Abrahams in Mansfield's town centre.
Chief executive of Mansfield Forward BID Jay Rowlinson said: “Charlie and Arran have been a fantastic help throughout our Mansfield Now 2026 launch. Given the task of working with Collum our digital marketing and advertising specialist, they discussed and agreed a plan to create an exciting and interesting project launch video which has currently been seen by over 200,000 people both in Mansfield and much wider.
“Diligently working to deliver to a very tight delivery schedule they worked tirelessly to deliver with real quality and on time. They were an excellent team, they were a huge help, and they should be very proud of what they created and delivered for Mansfield town centre.”
Arran and Charlie receiving applause for their work, after the Mansfield NOW screening.
You can watch the video by clicking on the thumbnail below.
Charlie also runs his own digital business, McKeon Digital, producing content for local organisations and businesses, which you can find here > www.mckeon.digital