Launch of Digital Britain 2009

Yorkshire Forward has brought together key influencers from the region, to contribute and shape the regional response to the Digital Britain Report, launched by the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, (DBERR) at The Met Hotel, Leeds.

Delegates included Numiko, Screen Yorkshire, Games Republic, ITV, Jeep Production and Elmwood who were given the opportunity to discuss the findings of the recently published interim Digital Britain Report. The report seeks to bring both stimulus and focus to the Digital and New Media sector, through the development of a National Strategy in the final report. 

Attendees were ushered into the main hall to listen and input into the digital and media industry that took centre stage. The director of the report Sam Sharpe began by presenting an honest outline of the region that has suffered from a lack of ambition. Although a long term process the industry has resurrected itself by opening up funding entitlement to technology and its innovative users.

The focus of the report has previously been focussed on big companies including the likes of BBC and BT, however it was refreshing to hear Sam quickly highlight newcomers that would be welcomed by new opportunities opening up.

Business Improvement Manager, Robert Ling talked about the importance of supply and demand. Currently internet broadband connection in Yorkshire is suffering due to a lack of connection. As a consequence the likelihood of new business takes a stumble and the new generation integration suffers. Targeting the problem by creating more demand using broadband is key and plans have been put in place to implement greater connection particularly in South Yorkshire.

Stuart McFarlane drew the presentations to a close. With almost 14,000 companies recorded in the region since 2006, getting ideas out of people™s heads has been high on the agenda and continues to be so for the benefit of the economy. Yorkshire Forward has supported and is currently supporting it with initiatives like Screen Yorkshire for TV production and content, Games Republic for electronic connection in Yorkshire and the industry, Connect Yorkshire, 4ip and a new initiative coming soon called Northern Net aimed at the Northwest. Initiative must be first taken by the businesses and their members leaving the floor open to questions.

Jamie Sefton, Games Republic, highlighted the lack of games in the report. Sam Sharpe brought little comfort saying, œthe gaming industry hasn™t been slow in telling us that. There are big problems at the minute with big issues around tax in the UK which is encouraging businesses to go abroad. This is something that the government is working on to bring the situation to some kind of resolve.

Steve Parks, Red Group brought exciting discussion for nti when he reiterated talk of a business model that would benefit entrepreneurial skills and asked about where Open Source training for business would feature in the bid for more fluid business models. Confusion over the name of the nti project was quickly brought to a conclusion when our very own Geoff Gifford stepped in to highlight the name was ˜Open Source for Business™ aimed at training for the business community. To find out more, why not get in touch by phoning 0845 122 1555 or visit the website at www.opensourceforbusiness.co.uk

Congratulation™s were given to Yorkshire Forward for an interesting and informative report that was well received by many. The final report is likely to be released in June of this year, so watch this space!

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