Creative and Digital Industries

As well as a significant region for business and commerce, the Northwest has a long standing reputation as a region of excellence in creativity and artistic innovation. Apart from its proud ties to the music industry, today it is bocoming a hub for innovative production of TV, film and digital content.

Home to around 31,000 creative and digital media businesses, the sector currently employs some 321,000 people.

Locally based companies such as Red Productions, Lime Pictures and All Out have received international acclaim and have recently been joined by several major players including Hat Trick productions. Manchester has become the UK's largest media hub outside London with nationally recognised brands such as the BBC, ITV Granada, Guardian Media Group, and Trinity Mirror locating within the city. The relocation of a significant volume of the BBC's production departments in 2010 to the MediaCity:UK will help generate around 15,000 jobs and more than 1,000 new businesses

In relation to the gaming industry, the Northwest has played a major role in its growth within the UK and Liverpool has become an important centre for the development of interactive software. The city is the base for Sony Computer Entertainment and home-grown success stories such as Cheshire-based Evolution Studios and Traveller's Tales.

Other significant developments include Lancaster University's Infolab21. Infolab21 is combining innovative research with incubation facilities for small businesses, while Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus and Liverpool Science Park have been created to house high technology and knowledge-based businesses.

Organisations supporting the Biomedical sector in the Northwest >>>

Northwest Vision and Media:  Northwest Vision and Mediawork on behalf of the TV, film, radio and digital content industries to grow a world-class media economy in England's Northwest

International Centre for Digital Content (ICDC): ICDC's aim is to find new ways of using digital technology that will help organisations to develop and grow. Focusing on the regeneration of Merseyside and the North West, ICDC helps businesses and other organisations to understand how digital technology can benefit them.

Creative Industries Development Service (CIDS): CIDS works to help new and established creative businesses in Greater Manchester, whilst also taking a strategic overview of the sector – developing projects in response to industry needs.

Merseyside ACME: Merseyside ACME exists to support and develop the Creative Industries Sector on Merseyside. Businesses can access information about other support available in the region, sector specific research in easy-to-download formats and information about ACME publications.

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