29 June 2009

NWVM awards over £360k through the Regional Attraction Fund

Northwest Vision and Media, which works on behalf of the creative and digital industries in the Northwest to grow a world-class creative and digital economy within the region, has awarded over £360,000 to Nine Northwest companies through its Regional Attraction Fund (RAF).

Now in its fourth year, RAF assists companies with ambitious, market-driven strategies for growth, within the Northwest’s TV, film, games, interactive and digital content sectors.

A total of £363,850 has been granted to small and medium sized companies across the region, including 4 Manchester-based firms.

RAF provides two separate strands of support. The Company Development strand provides grant support for high-growth companies looking to develop their infrastructure, to access new markets and to significantly expand the scope of their operations.

The Product Development strand provides recoupable grants for the development of both linear and interactive media content. This can include broadcast TV, computer games, electronic publishing, e-learning, mobile content and web-based applications.

Alice Morrison, Chief Executive of Northwest Vision and Media said: “We’re incredibly excited to be able to offer this support to help some of the region’s fantastic creative companies to grow and develop.

“Since April 2007, we’ve contributed £12.9m in gross value added to the Northwest economy by investing in 131 SME’s and creating 147 jobs, which is a fantastic record. This funding has always been backed up by the highest quality advice and mentoring, a legacy we certainly intend to continue.

“The Northwest has long been at the forefront of the creative and digital industries and RAF enables us to further reinforce the region’s reputation for producing exceptional creative talent.”

Peter Mearns, Executive Director of Marketing & Communications for the NWDA, said: "RAF helps digital and creative companies take advantage of the region's excellent film and television ability. Not only does the fund support job creation for creative professionals in the region but it also reinforces the region's reputation as one of the most attractive locations in the UK for aspiring new talent."

Gez O’Brien, Chief Executive of digital company Stardotstar, which has been provided with £50,000 this year adds: “We’re delighted that Northwest Vision and Media are supporting us through the RAF.

“Even the process of applying for the funding made us consider what steps we need to take in order to develop Stardotstar and drive the company forward. We’re now in a strong position grow our team and take the firm in exciting new directions.”

Please note that the current round of RAF has closed to applications.

The following RAF funds awards have been offered for 2009:

Manchester

Comedy and entertainment television production company Channel K, who produce shows for Channel4, BBC3 and E4, have been awarded £50,000 for company development.

Independent production company Nine Lives has been awarded £25,000 for company development, enabling the company to recruit a new Development Producer.

Animation firm Firestep has been awarded £50,000 for company development.The award-winning company was founded in 2007 by former Cosgrove Hall producers Jon Doyle and Steve Maher.
Digital company Stardotstar, which produces interactive design and development for multimedia, have been awarded £50,000 for company development.

Lancashire

Production company RealtimeUK, which creates computer-generated 3D imagery and animations for Video Games, TV Commercials and Digital campaigns has received £15,000 for product development.

Liverpool

Kisky Netmedia has been awarded £50,000 for product development. Launched in 2002, the company is well known for its work in Social Mobile Applications.

Developer of 3D solutions and interactive software Onteca has been awarded £50,000 for product development.

CL5, a specialist internet marketing and search engine optimisation company has received £50,000 for company development.

New concept gaming, which develops ground breaking exercise gaming products that bridge the industries of video gaming and health and fitness, has been awarded £15,000 for product development.