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' internationally renowned design and media programmes are taught by leading industry practitioners and turn out scores of highly trained, ambitious graduates each year.

Many of these are snapped up by blue-chip employers in London and elsewhere. But an increasing number are finding that it's possible to make careers at the forefront of their professions while continuing to enjoy Cornwall's uniquely inspirational environment.

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 Microversal of St Just, which makes flat-panel interfaces for LCD and TFT display systems used in many high-tech production facilities around the world.

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. The internet enables the creation of global marketing and retail platforms. Technologies such as high-speed broadband allow for real-time sharing of information with clients anywhere in the world - through video conferencing and networked presentations, for example.

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, application try-outs, cross-platform testing and joint workgroup sessions. The Network also arranges seminars and training to share knowledge and skills and develop professional best practice.