ICT & media

Cluster of Creativity and Innovation

Cornwall has long attracted creative people - people who find inspiration in its uniquely beautiful landscapes and coastline, and in the sense of space and freedom that these bring.

The same spirit of creativity and innovation is reflected in the growing number of media and IT-related businesses that are using the county as a base for national and international growth. This cluster of companies are involved in everything from print and web design to multimedia, film and video, and their cutting-edge design and communications skills are playing a big part in many other Cornwall-based success stories.

Wealth of Media and Design Talent

Cornwall's creative companies draw on some of the best young talent in the UK. University College Falmouth's internationally renowned design and media programmes are taught by leading industry practitioners and turn out scores of highly trained, ambitious graduates each year. www.falmouth.ac.uk

Building the Digital Future

Many Cornwall-based companies are themselves designing and building the innovative technologies that are powering this digital revolution.

OMC of Redruth, for instance, which makes fibre-optic and optoelectronic components used by some of the world's most famous electronics manufacturers or Infoteam, the main technical repair and remanufacturing centre for Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, who set up base in St Columb Major - just five minutes from Newquay Cornwall Airport - taking advantage of Cornish rents and, of course, skills.

It all adds up to a critical mass of creative skills and technological expertise - and a bright future for Cornwall in the 21st century knowledge economy.

Networks

The digital revolution has made it easier than ever for businesses to flourish away from congested and overpriced metropolitan centres. One of the most tangible benefits of EU funding in Cornwall has been the development of an advanced telecommunications network that puts Cornish businesses in easy contact with customers and partners across the globe. This has proved invaluable to all sectors, but has also stimulated the growth of a local ICT industry, punching far above its weight.

Making the most of these possibilities means embracing new ways of working and developing the skills to match these - a challenge that Cornwall's IT and media businesses have proved more than ready to meet.

The Digital Peninsula Network provides infrastructure for Cornwall-based digital professionals to connect and communicate, not just via the web but also through meetings and events at its Network Centre in Penzance. Members can use the state-of-the-art equipment at the Centre for research and development, try out applications, participate in cross-platform testing and joint workgroup sessions. The Network also arranges seminars and training to share knowledge and skills and develop professional best practice.