/NWDA%20DCI%20infrastructure%20report by Northwest Regional Development Agency

Final Report

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets NWDA 24 June 2010

WM ENTERPRISE

Final Report

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets NWDA 24 June 2010

BIRMINGHAM OFFICE Wellington House 31-34 Waterloo Street Birmingham B2 5TJ T: 0121 262 5111 E: mail@wm-enterprise.co.uk enterprise.co.uk www.wm-enterprise.co.uk

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Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.

Introduction ........................................................................................ 1

1.1

Research objectives

1.2

Definition

1.3

Context

1.4

Methodology

1.5

Report structure

Infrastructure assets by type ............................................................... 5

2.1

Introduction

2.2

Database details

2.3

Overview

2.4

HE Hubs and incubators

2.5

Science Parks and grow-on space

2.6

Private sector facilities

Infrastructure assets by location ......................................................... 11

3.1

Introduction

3.2

Cheshire

3.3

Cumbria

3.4

Greater Manchester

3.5

Lancashire

3.6

Merseyside

Concluding comments ........................................................................ 33

4.1

Regional significance

Error! Bookmark not defined.

4.2

Geographical spread

4.3

Suitability of assets

WM ENTERPRISE

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 2-1: Database variables Figure 2-2: Number of assets by sub-regional location Figure 3-1: Daresbury Innovation Centre - companies Figure 3-2: Xpdia - companies Figure 3-3: The Heath - companies Figure 3-4: The Canteen - companies Figure 3-5: Rural Enterprise Centre - companies Figure 3-6: Phoenix Enterprise Centre - companies Figure 3-7: Manchester Science Park - companies Figure 3-8: Technopark - companies Figure 3-9: One Central Park - companies Figure 3-10: Broadstone Mill - companies Figure 3-11: UMIC North Campus Incubator - companies Figure 3-12: Technology House - companies Figure 3-13: Salford Innovation Forum - companies Figure 3-14: Houldsworth Mill - companies Figure 3-15: Innospace - companies Figure 3-16: Islington Mill - companies Figure 3-17: Ducie House - companies Figure 3-18: Fuse - companies Figure 3-19: The Pie Factory - companies Figure 3-20: InfoLab21 - companies Figure 3-21: Storey Creative Industries Centre - companies Figure 3-22: Northern Lights - companies Figure 3-23: iC1 - companies Figure 3-24: Creative Space - companies Figure 3-25: Liverpool Innovation Park - companies Figure 3-26: Annexe Inc - companies Figure 3-27: Tea Factory - companies Figure 3-28: Vanilla Factory - companies Figure 3-29: Matchworks - companies Figure 3-30: Basecamp3 - companies

LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix I: Consultation topic guide

WM ENTERPRISE

5 6 11 13 14 16 16 16 17 18 18 19 19 20 21 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 26 27 28 29 29 30 31 31 32 32

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

Introduction

1.1

Research objectives A consortium led by WM Enterprise was commissioned by the Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) to undertake a series of research tasks to help map, understand and support the Digital and Creative Industries (DCI) sector in the region. This report summarises the work involved in mapping the regionโ s key infrastructure assets, where these are potentially useful to DCI businesses. The precise scope of this work, as specified in the tender, is as follows: ยง

An appreciation of the key infrastructure assets in the region which are capable of supporting DCI businesses, to include : ยง

Graduate Enterprise / HEI Hubs

ยง

Incubators

ยง

Science Parks

ยง

Grow-on space

ยง

Appropriate private sector accommodation

The outputs of this strand of work are: ยง

A database of assets, which can be used by NWDA to help respond to enquiries from interested businesses or entrepreneurs, including foreign direct investment leads (supplied separately)

ยง

This report summarising the research and providing some conclusions about the type and nature of current provision that may help NWDA and others in future planning.

1.2

Definition Definitions of the DCI sector vary considerably, and are subject to fluctuation over time. This is perhaps inevitable given the fast moving nature of the sector. The boundaries of the sector are also nebulous due to its cross-cutting nature, and the fact that some businesses may not see themselves as part of the sector (for example, where a product, such as training in a manufacturing environment, may be delivered through a virtual learning environment). Notwithstanding definitional challenges, NWDA has provided their definition of the DCI sector, which is being used throughout the workstreams for this research. This definition divides the industry into five sub-sectors: ยง

ICT, including internet, telecommunications, mobile and enterprise software

ยง

Interactive, including digital content, video (leisure) games, intelligent gaming and visualisation technologies

ยง

Broadcast media, including television, film, broadcast services and radio

ยง

Creative services, including advertising, design, marketing & PR, and media related sales activity 1

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

Music and digital audio This definition is the one referred to throughout this report.

1.3

Context

1.3.1

National policy Various UK Government initiatives during the past decade have attempted to boost the UK’s competitiveness with the focus on developing an innovative, knowledge‐based economy:

The Science and Innovation Investment Framework 2004‐14 reiterated the Government’s belief in science, technology and high level skills as core to future growth with a target for R&D investment to rise as a proportion of national income from 1.9% to 2.5% by 2014.

The 2007 Sainsbury Review of the UK science and innovation system promoted improved knowledge transfer between the research base and business. This included using the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) to build support for business‐oriented Universities; a doubling of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships; and better support for early‐stage high technology companies via a Small Business Research Initiative. The UK government has also championed the designation of six ‘Science Cities’ as part of the desire to engage the top UK universities in economic growth and emphasise science and technology transfer in as principal sources of innovation. Manchester is the North West’s Science City

The 2008 White Paper Innovation Nation provided the strongest recognition yet of the need to integrate business, knowledge and place in fostering an innovation‐based society, arguing that the development of the knowledge economy has global dimensions yet local effects and implications for emerging city‐region agendas. Innovation Nation promotes a broader definition of innovation extending from the narrower scientific base to non‐traditional sectors such as media and cultural assets and considering organisation and individual learning. Enabled and accelerated by new technologies, innovation is becoming more open. Organisations are increasingly reaching beyond their boundaries to find new ideas – to universities, suppliers, other companies and even competitors. There is an emerging awareness that policy needs to recognise these new sources of innovation and in doing so take cognisance of both demand and supply‐side factors. The importance of the DCI sector in particular is evident, both explicitly and implicitly, in recent national policy towards economic growth and recovery:

New Industry, New Jobs, the national industrial strategy published in 2009, stresses the potential value of high value added businesses in new sectors, such as digital, technology and telecommunications, while also noting the manner in which digital communications is reshaping traditional industries. The strategy also highlights the role of the Technology Strategy Board in promoting innovation in the digital economy

More specifically, the 2009 Digital Britain Report highlighted the importance of developing digital communications infrastructure and strengthening the

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

competitiveness of the Digital and Creative Industries to aid the recovery of the UK economy and to create new, highly-skilled jobs §

1.3.2

Similarly, Creative Britain: New Talents for the New Economy, published by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in 2008 sets out the vision of how the creative sector can contribute to the economy. Of specific interest to this research strand is the focus on supporting innovation to encourage collaborative research and promote the exploitation of new technologies by creative industry businesses; and the development of a ‘menu for local infrastructure’ help local and regional authorities decide which developments (e.g. flexible office space) might be used to attract creative industries to their areas Regional strategic context There is a strong regional impetus for helping DCI businesses to locate, grow and thrive in the North West:

The current Regional Economic Strategy (RES 2006) highlights the Digital and Creative industries as a priority sector for the region. From this flowed the regional cluster organisation, Northwest Vision and Media (see below). The RES also stresses the economic value of exploiting the opportunities arising from the BBC’s relocation to Salford at MediaCityUK. Of relevance to this work stream is the development of a ‘Media Enterprise Centre’ network to help support small sector businesses with physical space and improve links with HEI knowledge and R&D facilities. The importance and potential value of the DCI sector is unlikely to diminish as an element of the forthcoming Regional Strategy, which will replace the RES in 2010.

The NWDA’s 2008 DCI Sector Strategy and Action Plan, highlights the value of HEIs in the delivery of a strong sector in the region through knowledge transfer, innovation guidance, networks and skills. It also suggests that the region’s HEIs need to demonstrate more strongly their ability to spin out successful firms and stimulate new business ventures. Furthermore, the Action Plan encourages the development of long term value propositions for investment activity, aimed both at indigenous and foreign owned companies.

In 2008, Northwest Vision and Media was established to provide the region with a single cluster organisation, designed to improve the consistency of approach to business, and with the responsibility to develop the DCI sector in the region.

1.4

Methodology This research was a desk-based exercise, incorporating the following elements: §

Interviews with regional and sub-regional stakeholders with specific knowledge of infrastructure assets in the region and their localities. The topic guide used to guide these interviews is provided at Appendix I.

A literature review of existing research into infrastructure assets in the region, specifically: §

Digital and Creative Industries Cluster Activity Mapping for Greater Manchester and Merseyside (SQW for NWDA, 2008)

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

1.5

Sustainable Creative Workspace: Mechanisms, Synergies and Finance (Burns Collett for the Arts Council)

Broader desk-based and internet searches, including sources such as Incubation Northwest, UK Science Park Association, and North West Universities Association.

Report structure The remainder of the report is structured as follows: §

Section 2 explains the structure for the asset database, and gives an overview of the assets by type

Section 3 provides a list of the assets by sub-region, with a summary on each and a list of DCI tenants where this is available

Section 4 provides some concluding comments on the scale and scope of the region’s infrastructure assets

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

Infrastructure assets by type

2.1

Introduction In this section, we provide an overview of the asset database, and give a summary of information against the key asset headings, namely: ยง

Graduate Enterprise and Higher Education Hubs

ยง

Incubators

ยง

Science Parks

ยง

Grow-on space More generic private sector accommodation is noted in Section 3 on a sub-regional basis. Section 3 also provides a full list of all the assets, plus current tenants.

2.2

Database details Figure 2-1 lists the variables used to categorise all the assets within the database. Figure 2-1: Database variables

Theme Contact details (all assets)

Type (as appropriate)

Sector focus (as appropriate)

Support available (as appropriate)

Variable Name Address Town/City Sub-region Postcode Website Main contact Telephone number Email Graduate Incubator Science Park Grow-on space Private sector accommodation Virtual Exclusive to DCI DCI generally Interactive Broadcast media Music and digital audio ICT/software development Creative services On-site business support Networking with other businesses Knowledge/technology transfer Skills/workforce development Access to finance International trade opportunities

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

Theme

Client company type (as appropriate)

Client company size (as appropriate)

Space (as appropriate)

General facilities (as appropriate)

Other (as appropriate)

2.3

Variable Marketing and promotion Mentoring Access to a network of contacts Assistance in accessing finance Administrative/secretarial services Pre-starts Start-ups Growth Established Freelance Micro SME Large Size Number of units Vacancies Rental price Meeting/conference rooms Office space ICT services Office equipment Security Broadband/WiFi 24 hour access CCTV Staffed reception On-site catering Lounge/common area Additional notes Year established Transport links

Overview Figure 2-2 shows how the types of assets are distributed across the North Westâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s five sub-regions. In total, 49 sites were identified across the region. Figure 2-2: Number of assets by sub-regional location

Sub-region Cheshire Cumbria Manchester Lancashire Merseyside Region total

Graduate / HEI Hub 0 0 4 3 1 8

Incubator 1 3 10 3 4 21

Science Park 3 1 3 1 3 11

Grow-on space 0 1 0 0 2 3

Private Sector 1 0 0 0 5 6

Total 5 5 17 7 15 49

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

2.4

HE Hubs and incubators Incubation Northwest is the strategic body for incubation and has 22 members, nine of which are located in Greater Manchester. Our research suggests that 20 of these incubators are suitable for DCI businesses, six of which are specifically targeted at the sector. There is a very strong link between the majority of the region’s incubators and HE collaboration and knowledge transfer: §

Xpdia is a highly specialised incubation unit in Warrington, focusing on supporting firms developing products and services in the wireless/mobile telecommunications sector

The Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency (CREA) provides business incubation services in Penrith to a range of small creative industries. This includes broadcast media, advertising, software development, marketing and advertising

The Salford Innovation Forum provides workspace and support to firms who focus on product and service development in knowledge intensive fields. Current tenants’ specialisms include marketing, web design, and film production. The Innovation Forum has Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) arrangements with Salford University

The Media Enterprise Centre at MediaCityUK in Salford is expected to provide a range of business support activities linked to the broadcast media and games development industries once it is fully operational

Infolab at Lancaster University is a Centre of Excellence for ICT, and provides incubation facilities for suitable start-ups

The University of Manchester Incubator Company’s North Campus Incubator focuses on providing support to high technology based businesses, including software developers Aside from the specialist facilities, other incubators across the region also provide opportunities for DCI start-ups. However, the specialist sites deliver unique offerings which are likely to be more attractive to the sector. These particularly focus on proximity/relationships to established HE expertise; well-developed broadband and connectivity services; and the potential of sharing space and networking with other sector businesses.

2.5

Science Parks and grow-on space While there are no dedicated DCI science parks in the region, at least 11 sites are suitable for DCI business location, primarily in Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside. Three of these have identifiable grow-on space. The more significant sites are outlined below.

2.5.1

Daresbury Innovation Centre The Innovation Centre is located on the Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus in Cheshire. Opened in 2005, it focuses on attracting and supporting high technology SMEs. The centre is home to around 100 companies, with many based in the digital and ICT sectors. Attractors for the ICT sector include the HPCx UK academic supercomputer, which is located on campus, and the presence of an IBM Strategic Business Unit, which chose Daresbury in part because of the HPCx. IBM’s 7

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

ongoing work is expected to see the installation of Blue Gene P to Daresbury, one of the fastest supercomputers in the world. Examples of current DCI tenants at Daresbury AppSense is a US computer software company with its European Headquarters at Daresbury. Among its products are systems management tools designed to improve speed, manage multiple user profiles, and reduce the costs of managing large scale computer networks. M-Send is a UK company that develops mobile communications applications for use by businesses in the finance, retail, travel and media industries. Applications include the delivery of advertising content to mobiles, mobile shopping services, and mobile transaction processes. For foreign investors, Daresbury markets itself as a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;soft landingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for international companies. The full service approach to managing the site means that fully serviced offices can be provided, including data and telecommunications systems. Daresbury also offers Additional grow-on business space at Daresbury should be available in 2011 with the completion of Vanguard House. The Campus is already considering further expansion of office space in the longer term. Media Access Bureaux Northern Net is a collaborative venture across the North of England designed to improve the effectiveness of DCI businesses through the provision of a high speed, large capacity data storage and transmission network. Through Media Access Bureaux, businesses have access to a single high speed symmetric network of 100Mbs (upgradeable to 1 Gbps), on a pay-as-you-go basis, through specific physical locations. In the North West, these tend to be located in Science Parks or HEIs: - Daresbury Innovation Centre, Cheshire - UCLAN Media Factory, Preston - MediaCityUK, Salford - Cornerhouse, Manchester - Liverpool John Moores University - Foundation for Art and Creative Technology (FACT), Liverpool - UCLAN, Burnley

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

2.5.2

The Heath Business and Technical Park The Heath is a non-publicly funded business park based in Runcorn, Cheshire, and provides serviced office and laboratory space to a range of businesses, over 20 of which are from the DCI sector. Examples of current DCI tenants at The Heath Element Communications is a North West graphic design company specialising in providing visual communications to technical clients SpectralWorks is a UK company providing specialised software to the life sciences industry Plans are in place to extend the park with additional new offices and laboratories.

2.5.3

Westlakes Science & Technology Park The Westlakes Science Park is located in Whitehaven, Cumbria. Its location has much to do with the nearby Sellafield nuclear facility, and a large number of the 70 businesses on the Science Park provide services to the nuclear industry. Examples of current DCI tenants at Westlakes Capula is a UK IT company with its nuclear centre of excellence based at Westlakes. The firm provides a range of IT services and products to the nuclear industry

2.5.4

Manchester Science Parks Manchester Science Parks operate over three locations in Manchester, all of which provide business accommodation and support services to a range of sectors:

ยง

Manchester Science Park, located adjacent to the University of Manchester

ยง

Technopark, to the south of the city

ยง

One Central Park, to the north east of the city Between them, the three sites are currently home to 11 digital and media companies, and 20 computer and telecommunications companies. Examples of current DCI tenants at Manchester Science Parks Gรถdel is a software development company based at Manchester Science Park. It provides a suite of software products and services including CRM systems, outsourcing and business intelligence. While its head office is in Manchester, much of the software development is offshored in Belarus. SPL Communications is a North West business based at Manchester Science Park which works in multimedia communications, including advertising, marketing and corporate communications. 9

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

Manchester Science Parks provide opportunities for HEI collaborations with Manchester’s Universities, as well as links to their business-focused services, such as University of Manchester Intellectual Property Ltd (UMIP), the University’s technology transfer and intellectual property commercialisation company, and University of Manchester Incubator Company Ltd. (UMIC). 2.5.5

Liverpool Science Park The two phases of Liverpool Science Park (ic1 and ic2) provide serviced office space to over 50 companies. Examples of current DCI tenants at Liverpool Science Park Playbox is a Liverpool-based games development company which creates games for home entertainment systems, mobile devices and social networks. Angel Solutions specialises in software and website development, with a particular specialism in the education sector. The Science Park has a Soft Landing Centre for firms in the knowledge and high-tech sectors. This provides additional benefits to start-ups and new businesses, such as free short-term tenancy, and more intensive business support assistance. It also provides R&D and collaboration access to Liverpool’s HEIs.

2.6

Private sector facilities Some of the assets mentioned above are run by the private sector (e.g. The Heath Business and Technical Park). In addition, there are many more generic sites and facilities that might provide location options for DCI businesses, but where there is no specific focus on the sector itself. This includes: §

large strategic sites (e.g. Omega in Warrington)

managed workspace and serviced offices (e.g. Regus centres)

commercial rented property space (e.g. Bruntwood)

co-operative desk-sharing space for (mainly IT) freelancers (e.g. FlyThe.Coop in Manchester)

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

Infrastructure assets by location

3.1

Introduction This chapter provides a list of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s key DCI infrastructure assets, arranged by sub-region. Each asset is accompanied by a brief description, plus a list of DCI tenant/user businesses where this has been possible to source.

3.2

Cheshire

3.2.1

Daresbury Innovation Centre The Daresbury Innovation Centre opened in March 2005 as part of the world famous Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus. This state-of-the-art building provides 24,000 sq ft of business creation, growth and acceleration space, and is specifically equipped for science and technology based businesses. The Daresbury Innovation Centre is rapidly becoming a magnet for businesses, whether as a location for hitech SMEs, a high quality setting for events or simply as a meeting point offering high-value networking opportunities. Since opening in 2005, the centre has become home to over 100 companies, with strong representation from the biomedical, digital/ICT and engineering sectors. Figure 3-1: Daresbury Innovation Centre - companies

Company name ADB Multiquote Adept 4 AGI Prestige Alavana Aventura Cara Technologies Comworks Converge IT CoreRFID Cubic Motion DAComS DASS Asset Management Solutions DMist Edit Technologies edocr FaceTec First Hosted FS Walker Hughes Gobito IBM Instant Ticket Seller Ixis IT Link Information Technology Medulla Solutions M-Send 11

Sub sector ICT ICT Creative services ICT ICT ICT Interactive ICT ICT Interactive ICT ICT Interactive Interactive Interactive ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

NorthwestOnline.TV Pinnacle Computing PostureMinder Real Time Race SGI Stanian Suave UAV Enterprises Tech-X UK Tecmentor Thinspace TouchIP Traverse Associates Tru-Colour Urban IT Solutions Veewow Venalitas Wadaro Web Comms WellStart Whamoosh Wildfire Information Systems YR Free

Broadcast media ICT ICT Interactive Interactive ICT Interactive ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT Creative services ICT ICT

The Daresbury Innovation Centre is home to businesses from a variety of digital and creative sub sectors, however the main focus within the sector is on digital/ICT companies. Excellent facilities such as the HPCx supercomputer at Daresbury Laboratory and the level of networking opportunities available with other digital and creative businesses have attracted organisations such as IBM and Wadaro, a mobile network applications company, to the facility. Vanguard House at Daresbury Situated on the Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus, Vanguard House is a new 36,000 sq ft facility which will provide office, laboratory and workshop space. It follows on from the hugely successful Daresbury Innovation Centre, and will provide the logical next step for businesses already located at the campus, whilst attracting high-tech businesses from across the country and beyond. As well as offering high quality office, laboratory, workshop, meeting room and reception facilities, the building provides access to the wider Campus and its R&D, conference, leisure and catering facilities. The campus already boasts a strong representation of digital/ICT/telecoms, healthcare, advanced engineering/instrumentation and energy and environmental technologies, and Vanguard House will continue to provide high quality facilities for companies within these sectors and more. This development is due to open in 2011.

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

3.2.2

Xpdia Xpdia is the brand name for the programme and Wireless Development Centre that has been established in Warrington to host the environment created by a growing number of start up companies developing services, applications and content within the mobile telecommunications sector. This provision provides world class business acceleration facilities in order to increase the chance of success and enhance the business development of participating start up companies. Figure 3-2: Xpdia - companies

Company name Appspire Breathe Financial Management Carpe Diem DigConn MorganAsh Seventhplanet Strand Technology Talk-101

Sub sector ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT

This facility is intended exclusively for companies within the digital and creative sector, specifically those working within the development of services, applications and content for the mobile telecommunications sector. The businesses currently located at Xpdia are start up companies within this sub sector, with many then moving on to larger premises once the business has become more established. 3.2.3

Warrington Business Park Located on the edge of Warrington town centre, Warrington Business Park is an ideal location for small and medium size companies from any sector. There are 165 units in total, ranging from 130 to 950 sq ft, all available on a flexible monthly license with no legal fees. Facilities at Warrington Business Park include full reception services, conference and meeting facilities, an on-site restaurant and free car parking for over 300 staff and visitor cars.

3.2.4

The Heath Business and Technical Park The Heath has been transformed from a large, ex-corporate headquarters site into a thriving multi-occupancy business and science park which is now home to a broad range of business sectors, from forensic science and IT specialists to business consultants and government agencies. The Heath provides serviced office and laboratory space, with excellent business and scientific support facilities, and is designed to accommodate businesses of all sizes, ranging from those at the incubation stage to more mature, established businesses. Located in Runcorn, the facility is within easy reach of Manchester, Liverpool and Chester, as well as the motorway network and two international airports.

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

Figure 3-3: The Heath - companies

Company name Element Communications and Design Richard Lunt Photography 3cubed Ltd Anisa/OBS Logistics Axial Systems Business IT CD&P Media CMC Mobile Computing Limited Creative Pulse Csols Empiria Ltd Getronics Grace Gillard Ltd Installing IT Managed Networks Ltd Merseyside Printing MOVE seo Ocius B2 Platform Consultancy Services Polymorph Ltd Progressive Solutions International Skill Zone Limited Solutions House Spectral Works Ltd TMG IT Consultancy Wire Consulting & Technology Ltd

Sub sector Creative services Creative services ICT ICT ICT ICT Creative services ICT Creative services ICT ICT ICT Creative services ICT ICT Creative services ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT

The Heath accommodates businesses from a wide range of sectors, including the digital and creative sector. The majority of businesses currently located at the Heath within the digital and creative sector belong to the ICT sub sector, with creative services also having a strong representation. 3.2.5

Birchwood Park Birchwood Park is a 123 acre mixed use business park located in the North West of England close to Warrington, between Manchester and Liverpool. The facility offers a number of small offices, capable of accommodating between 1 and 20 people, however it also provides larger offices, from 2,000 to 500,000 sq ft. Birchwood Park is suitable for businesses from a wide range of sectors, with industrial and warehouse units also being available. However, this facility is not just a place to work; it also offers a range of amenities for tenants and visitors to the park, including a cafĂŠ, a restaurant, a fitness centre, a nursery and a hotel.

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

3.2.6

Capenhurst Technology Park Capenhurst Technology Park is a state-of-the-art facility offering good quality office, laboratory, warehouse and production units, all within a parkland setting close to the City of Chester. This business park is fully serviced, provides 24 hour security and benefits from easy access to the motorway network. The accommodation at Capenhurst is suitable for growing and established businesses from a wide range of sectors, although there is a strong representation of companies from the engineering and ICT sectors.

3.3

Cumbria The DCI sector is relatively small in Cumbria, compared to the rest of the region. While the sub-region lacks a sizeable sector presence, its high quality of life may appeal to some creative industries in particular. However, given the limited size of the sector, and the geographical challenges of the sparsely populated sub-region, the infrastructure assets in Cumbria are relatively small in scale. West Lakes Science Park is the major location in Cumbria. While conceived as a site that would appeal to many industry sectors, it is now substantially occupied by businesses from the nuclear industry. In addition to specific locations and sites mentioned in this report, Cumbria’s infrastructure also affords the following: §

The University of Cumbria, formed in 2007, where around 10% of its 12,000 students are on DCI-related courses. Graphic design, information systems and photography are the three largest DCI subject categories (source: HESA)

A Media Access Bureau, which is due to open at the University of Cumbria in Carlisle in the near future

Planning for a potential incubation facility in Carlisle, promoted by the city council, with a focus on knowledge-based businesses and spin-outs from the university

Smaller facilities, such as the Phoenix Enterprise Centre at Cleator Moor, which provide managed workspace and business support to local firms in rural towns

Improved broadband reach through the former Project Access initiative, which saw business adoption of broadband in Cumbria rise to 75%, above the UK average (although connection speeds in the most remote rural areas can still be rather slow)

Generic strategic business sites, such as King Moor Park on the outskirts of Carlisle

3.3.1

Westlakes Science and Technology Park Situated on the edge of the Lake District National Park, Westlakes Science and Technology Park provides a high quality working environment and is able to offer comprehensive business support services to organisations seeking new accommodation. The park aims to encourage and support the start up, incubation and growth of knowledge based businesses, as well as accommodating larger established businesses. Westlakes is home to a diverse range of businesses and organisations, with many of these providing support services to the nuclear industry. 15

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

3.3.2

The Canteen Media and Arts Centre The Canteen is a new media and arts centre venue in Barrow-in-Furness, providing office space for growing businesses in the digital and creative sector. In addition to the office space, the Canteen also offers a studio and band rehearsal space, with the facility hosting a mix of local events, including big name musical acts, screenings, gallery spaces, exhibitions and a new comedy club. Figure 3-4: The Canteen - companies

Company name Northern Riviera Productions Musgrave Design and Advertising

Sub sector Broadcast media Creative services

The facilities at the Canteen mean that it is suitable for companies from all sub sectors of the digital and creative sector, although the studio and rehearsal spaces make the location ideal for businesses within music and digital audio and the broadcast media sub sectors. 3.3.3

Rural Enterprise Centre The Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency Limited was established in 1987, with the aim of assisting people who wanted to become self-employed in Eden and South Lakeland. It then extended its services to assist any business needing advice or training, particularly start up and young businesses in the creative and knowledge based business sector. Figure 3-5: Rural Enterprise Centre - companies

Company name Click Innovate

Sub sector ICT

The centre offers incubation facilities for a wide range of businesses within the digital and creative sector, with those in ICT, interactive technology, broadcast media and creative services being considered as the priority tier, and those in music and digital audio being considered as the secondary tier. The secondary tier also includes businesses within architecture, crafts, fashion and the performing arts. 3.3.4

Phoenix Enterprise Centre Phoenix Enterprise Centre provides over 32,000 sq ft of office and workshop accommodation, available on an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;easy in, easy outâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; licence agreement basis. All accommodation is accessible 24 hours a day, with ample free parking and a thriving and supportive atmosphere, with on site experienced managers and administration services teams. The centre is aimed at start up and growing businesses across all sectors, with small business start up advisors available to provide practical information and support on starting a business in West Cumbria. Figure 3-6: Phoenix Enterprise Centre - companies

Company name Walkmill Designs

Sub sector Creative services

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

3.3.5

Kingmoor Park Located 2 miles north of Carlisle and adjacent to the M6, Kingmoor Park provides over 2 million sq ft of existing buildings, ranging from 1,500 to 83,000 sq ft, with permission for industrial, warehouse, distribution and office units. Kingmoor Park currently has over 100 tenants, including a large number of national companies such as Capita, John Lewis and Eddie Stobart Ltd. The tenants of the facility cover a diverse range of sectors, from government agencies to international retailers. This facility is suitable for growing and established SMEs and larger organisations.

3.4

Greater Manchester The two major conurbations of the North West – Manchester and Liverpool – between them provide the greatest concentration of DCI-relevant assets. Manchester has the most number of sites, and is a strong attractor for DCI industries for the following additional reasons: §

MediaCityUK in Salford, one of the most significant media developments in UK in recent years. With the relocation of substantial elements of the BBC to MediaCity, this is expected to be a major attractor to DCI firms, especially in television and radio-related sectors

The presence of strong universities in terms of student numbers on DCI-related courses, as well as relevant research expertise in fields such as digital and 3d design

The Northern Quarter. With relatively low business rents (c.£8 ft2) and a young, lively environment, the Northern Quarter attracts small DCI businesses in fields such as animation, design and advertising. While not necessarily of sufficient quality to provide customer-facing commercial property, refurbished buildings such as Basil Chambers deliver cost-effective central sites in the area

3.4.1

Manchester Science Park Adjacent to the University of Manchester, Manchester Science Park has a variety of business accommodation to suit any requirement. With two buildings on site that are particularly suited to early stage companies, and a range of business support services available, this facility is designed to help the growth and development of its tenant companies. Manchester Science Park accommodates and supports businesses from a wide range of sectors, with strong representation from the digital media, biotechnology and ICT sectors. Figure 3-7: Manchester Science Park - companies

Company name Telecity ANS Group PLC Arrk Group Changing Horizon Ltd Conduco Plc Datascape Online Ltd Evolutia Design Expansys Ltd 17

Sub sector ICT ICT ICT Creative services ICT ICT ICT ICT

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

Glitch Limited Gรถdel Technologies Europe Ltd IT Farm IV Telecom Liquid Bronze Manchester Metronet Ltd Net Trading Solutions Ltd Packnet Limited Personal Audit Systems (PAS Ltd) Ramesys E-Business Services Ltd Ravensoft Riverhorse Communications Ltd Sapphire Systems Plc SPL Communications

Creative services ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT Broadcast media ICT Creative services

Manchester Science Park has a strong representation of businesses from the digital and creative sector, with the majority of these businesses being within the ICT sub sector. 3.4.2

Technopark As part of the Manchester Science Parks network, Technopark offers a thriving environment for technology based businesses to prosper. Technopark has been conceived as an office park of the future, with each building offering exceptionally high quality office accommodation which is fully equipped to meet business demands now and for the future. This facility complements the Manchester Science Park estate by extending accommodation options for growing and established tenants companies, as well as attracting more mature companies from elsewhere. Figure 3-8: Technopark - companies

Company name CMS Group IFL Melbourne Network Solutions The Server Hotel

Sub sector ICT ICT ICT ICT

As Technopark is a facility designed to accommodate technology based businesses, most of the businesses located here operate within the ICT sub sector of the digital and creative industries sector. 3.4.3

One Central Park As part of the Manchester Science Parks network, One Central Park provides accommodation and business support for high tech start-up companies in North East Manchester. This facility is suitable for individuals or small companies looking to develop their high tech, knowledge based business idea into a growing and successful company. Figure 3-9: One Central Park - companies

Company name 18

Sub sector

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

Duo Design PremierEnvoy Ltd PRWD Ltd

Creative services ICT ICT

As One Central Park is a facility designed to accommodate high tech start up companies, most of the digital and creative businesses that are located here operate within the ICT sub sector. 3.4.4

Broadstone Mill Broadstone Mill has been a landmark building in Stockport for over 100 years, and has now been transformed to accommodate a range of commercial space, from managed workspace, incubation and studio based accommodation to retail and industrial space. This facility is aimed at entrepreneurs and small businesses who are seeking to develop and grow their business, by benefitting from the intensive, dedicated on-site support available. Businesses at Broadstone Mill vary across a wide range of sectors, although most work within art, design and crafts, creative services, technology, engineering, logistics and transport. Figure 3-10: Broadstone Mill - companies

Company name Accommodation for Students Bellyflop.tv Bludelta DSC Telemarketing Ltd Kwik Communications Mickey & Mallory Platform 81 Marketing QV Network Ltd Schools Data Services Ltd

Sub sector ICT Broadcast Media Creative services Creative services Creative services Interactive Creative services Creative services ICT

The digital and creative sector is well represented at Broadstone Mill, with businesses varying across the sub sectors. Creative services is the most represented sub sector, with many marketing and design companies choosing Broadstone Mill as the ideal location to develop their business. 3.4.5

UMIC North Campus Incubator The North Campus Incubator is located in the heart of The University of Manchesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s city campus. It is designed to accommodate high technology based companies established by The University of Manchester. In addition, the facility actively seeks to support technology based start up companies from across the North West that would benefit from close proximity to the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s research laboratories and knowledge base. The Incubatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business ready facilities aim to simplify the start up phase of new ventures and integrate them with other like minded companies. Figure 3-11: UMIC North Campus Incubator - companies

Company name Frontier PR 19

Sub sector Creative services

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

Greenlight Computers Mobysoft Sparta Technology WebVideoMarketing Webyolk

ICT ICT ICT Creative services ICT

As this is a facility aimed at high technology start up businesses, many of the companies located here that work within the digital and creative sector operate within the ICT sub sector. Creative services also have some representation within this facility, namely marketing and PR firms. 3.4.6

Technology House Technology House forms part of Salford Innovation Park, an initiative designed to create dedicated flexible workspace for digital media, creative and cultural industries. Technology House is a fully serviced office space facility, providing offices in a variety of sizes to accommodate teams of between 1 and 30 people. Many of the tenants of Technology House are in technology related industries, with networking opportunities regularly provided to encourage a spirit of cooperation and mutual help between the tenant businesses. As well as accommodating established businesses, Technology House also provides incubation facilities for start ups businesses from within the University of Salford. Figure 3-12: Technology House - companies

Company name Altered Images Ltd Autus EJS Marketing fourquarters Galena IT HFTI Solutions Magenta netLogic Photium PPD Computing Softmood Ltd Virtual Planning

Sub sector Interactive Creative services Creative services Creative services ICT Creative services ICT Interactive ICT ICT Interactive

As Technology House is a facility aimed at high technology businesses, many of the companies within the digital and creative sector are ICT businesses, although those within creative services such as marketing and design are also well represented. 3.4.7

Salford Innovation Forum Salford Innovation Forum is part of Salford Innovation Park, an initiative designed to create dedicated flexible workspace for digital media, creative and cultural industries. The Innovation Forum is a business incubator, providing a variety of offices ranging from 110 to 2,300 sq ft, with office accommodation available for up to 40 people. The main aim of the Innovation Forum is that tenant companies will benefit from the support and links with the community and public sector that the Forum provides, including help with the development of new ideas. 20

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

Figure 3-13: Salford Innovation Forum - companies

Company name 11 out of 10 Ltd IT-Start Ltd Loop Marketing XE Business Ltd ESay Solutions Ltd SEL Ltd WebaSoft

Sub sector Creative services ICT Creative services ICT ICT Creative services Creative services

As part of the Salford Innovation Park, this facility is specifically aimed at supporting and developing businesses within the digital media, creative and cultural industries therefore there is a strong representation of businesses from this sector, although creative services and ICT are the two sub sectors where the majority of the activity lies. 3.4.8

MediaCityUK Located at Salford Quays, MediaCityUK is the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first media city and only one of a handful across the world. Currently in development, MediaCityUK will be a bespoke environment designed around the needs of the digital and creative industries, where like minded people can develop content and find new ways of working. The facility will offer a variety of workspaces for a range of businesses, from small local enterprises to large international companies, with office space available from 1,000 to 29,000 sq ft. MediaCityUK will be connected by one of the most advanced communications networks in the world, designed to cater for the bandwidth-hungry requirements of the media industry. The BBC is the first high profile organisation to have signed a deal to locate at MediaCityUK, with five of their departments making the move up north, with many more media related companies due to follow suit. MediaCityUK will also be a hub of activity for the games industry, as it will be the home of a new centre of excellence for the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s games industry. When the development opens its doors in 2011, it will also be offering managed workspace areas, providing flexible office space for small and medium sized companies, including freelancers and sole traders.

3.4.9

Houldsworth Mill Houldsworth Mill Business and Arts Centre in Stockport offers modern, flexible workspace for both new and existing businesses in a variety of sectors, including digital, creative and cultural industries, technology and engineering. The workspace at Houldsworth Mill consists of over 100 different offices, studios and workshops ranging from 100 to 3,000 sq ft. Houldsworth Mill is based in Houldsworth Village, a lively urban village location that aims to contribute to making Stockport a major economic force in the region, through providing employment and business development opportunities. Figure 3-14: Houldsworth Mill - companies

Company name Avalanche Creative Limited Blue Apple Design Limited 21

Sub sector Creative services Creative services

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

Cake Solutions Ltd Pivotal Events & Marketing Ltd Rich Video Ltd

ICT Creative services Broadcast media

Although this facility isn’t designed specifically for the digital and creative sector, there is a good representation of companies from this sector, mainly from within creative services. Houldsworth Mill’s close proximity to Broadstone Mill, a dedicated business incubator housing many digital and creative businesses, means that Houldsworth Village is fast becoming a hub for digital and creative activity. 3.4.10 Sharp Project The Sharp Project is a new facility in East Manchester designed specifically for creative businesses. The workspace at the Sharp Project includes 15,000 sq ft of office space for use by digital media companies, 38,000 sq ft of production space available on flexible terms, 31,000 sq ft of office/production space, a music studio and a green screen studio. This facility is designed to provide an environment for start up businesses, young entrepreneurs and established professionals to bring their ideas to life in a collaborative and cost effective digital environment. This independent hub for the digital and creative industries has been developed by members of Manchester’s creative sector, along with support from Manchester City Council. 3.4.11 The i-zone The i-zone is a business incubation facility at the University of Bolton. As well as providing accommodation for entrepreneurs and small businesses in the early stage of starting up, the i-zone also offers a comprehensive programme of business support and advice. The programme of support extends for an initial 6 month period, with the option to then buy additional services if required from both the izone and associated business support agencies. The i-zone support is available to any early stage company, regardless of the sector they wish to work in. 3.4.12 Innospace Innospace is Manchester Metropolitan University’s graduate business incubator for start-ups, based in the heart of Manchester city centre. As well as providing office space with all the facilities of a new office, including PCs, broadband, printing, telephones and meeting room space, Innospace also provides access to business advisors, professional mentors and a wide range of workshops designed to meet the needs and interests of entrepreneurs. The hot-desking environment for up to 120 entrepreneurs also provides all new businesses with networking space to interact with like minded people, regardless of the sector they work in. Figure 3-15: Innospace - companies

Company name Gareth Hoyle Hartman Creative HJB Design IT Manchester Ivyparkmedia 22

Sub sector Creative services Creative services Creative services ICT Creative services

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

JAMpr Manchester Online Print Moushque Marketing Right Communications Web Yolk Ltd Wireless Communications 4 U Ltd

Creative services Creative services Creative services Creative services Creative services ICT

Although Innospace is a facility designed for entrepreneurs and small businesses from all sectors, there is a strong representation of companies in the digital and creative sector, particularly within creative services. 3.4.13 Origin Origin is a business incubation facility at the University of Salford designed for student or graduate entrepreneurs. Office space is provided at the Salford Innovation Forum, as well as a range of business advice and support from professional business advisors. A 12 month period of incubation is available, with the first three months being rent free. The early stage business incubation facilities cater for enterprise activity across all disciplines. 3.4.14 Rhodes Bank Creative Quarter The Rhodes Bank Creative Quarter will be an area to the east of Oldhamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cultural Quarter designed for small cultural producers, be they artists, music producers or design companies. The first scheme will be the conversion of an existing building for workspace, which will then act as a spur for further developments in the area. 3.4.15 Islington Mill Islington Mill is a former cotton spinning mill in Salford, which has now been converted to house over 50 artist studios, an art gallery, a recording studio and a venue space. Each studio space is self contained, with them ranging from 9 to 36 sq m. As well as providing workspace, Islington Mill is also home to many events and exhibitions in the area, particularly music gigs. The entrepreneurs and businesses within Islington Mill work within music, media and graphics, film, fashion, theatre and other creative and cultural industries. Figure 3-16: Islington Mill - companies

Company name Design by Day Raw Design Studio Sounds from the Other City Soup Collective The Recording Studio The Ting Tings Twenty First UK

Sub sector Creative services Creative services Music and digital audio Broadcast media Music and digital audio Music and digital audio Creative services

As Islington Mill has been developed into a cultural and creative hub of activity, many of the businesses located there work within digital and creative industries. 23

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

There is a representation of businesses across several of the sub sectors, with creative services and music and digital audio being the most popular. 3.4.16 Ducie House Situated on the fringe of Manchesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Northern Quarter, Ducie House is an established city centre address for Manchesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creative industries. Offering 64 workspaces, consisting of office and studio space ranging from 82 to 3,900 sq ft, Ducie House provides flexible work solutions for the needs of companies large and small. It currently has an eclectic mix of tenants, including fashion designers, record labels and design agencies. Figure 3-17: Ducie House - companies

Company name AJS Phoenix Consulting AKA Promotions Boomkat Chilli Marketing Promotions Code Computerlove Curve Interior Design Designate Advertising LLP Life PR Ltd M3 Public Affairs ODS Rapport Events Schmidt Media Seveer Media Tayburn Limited Trevor Ashley White Park Bay Software XYLO

Sub sector ICT Creative services Music and digital audio Creative services Creative services Creative services Creative services Creative services Creative services Interactive Creative services Broadcast media Broadcast media Creative services Creative services Interactive Creative services

Ducie House has been developed into a hub for digital and creative industries in Manchester, which is reflected by the number of businesses located there that work within the sector. Most of the businesses at Ducie House work within creative services, although there is representation from all sub sectors of the digital and creative sector. 3.4.17 Fuse Fuse is a group of workspaces at the Bolton Enterprise Centre intended exclusively for use by businesses working in creative industries. Fuse is split into three strands; Fuse 1 is for those working in pottery/ceramics, Fuse 2 is for fine art or clean art and Fuse 3 is the digital media centre. Offices and studios in Fuse range from 125 to 375 sq ft, and are therefore suitable for entrepreneurs or small businesses. Figure 3-18: Fuse - companies

Company name Vizcom Design

Sub sector Creative services

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

3.4.18 The Hive Located in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, The Hive offers 78,000 sq ft of workspace for digital and creative businesses. Opened in early 2010, The Hive has been created with the intention of becoming a hub for the city’s creative community and new media industry, offering businesses a high quality and contemporary office space in the heart of Manchester. The workspaces range from 1,000 to 12,000 sq ft suites, whilst the loft offices vary from 500 to 15,000 sq ft making The Hive a suitable location for companies of any size. 3.4.19 The Pie Factory Opened in 2007 as part of the MediaCityUK family, The Pie Factory has established a reputation for providing freedom and flexibility for TV and film productions, photo shoots and advertising campaigns. As well as studios and sound stages, The Pie Factory also offers a variety of workshops and flexible office space for growing and established businesses in the digital and creative sector. Figure 3-19: The Pie Factory - companies

Company name Axon Birch Design 108 Graphics & Printing Glitterfish Pharos SIS Live Take2 Films 24/7 North Toasted Production TSL Timeline Television

Sub sector ICT Creative services Creative services Broadcast media Broadcast media Creative services Creative services Broadcast media Broadcast media Broadcast media

With its excellent facilities for TV and film productions, businesses working within broadcast media are most strongly represented at The Pie Factory, although companies in creative services also have a notable presence.

3.5

Lancashire

3.5.1

InfoLab21 InfoLab21 is Lancaster University’s world class ICT Centre of Excellence. It is a wellequipped, high tech environment providing ICT support for businesses, business incubation facilities, ICT education & training, and research and development. The Knowledge Business Centre within InfoLab21 houses 20 business units and facilities for business incubation, as well as the business development centre and ICT Focus, the ICT training department. As well as providing incubation facilities for start ups, InfoLab21 also works with SMEs and global brands, providing space to locate, knowledge transfer and collaboration opportunities and a range of events, workshops and seminars for businesses.

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

Figure 3-20: InfoLab21 - companies

Company name 15secondTV BigDog Interactive Cable Sense Ltd If It Moves Watch It Ltd Intuitiv Invosoft LUNS Ltd NuBlue RuggedCom

Sub sector ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT ICT

As InfoLab21 is an ICT Centre of Excellence, all of the companies located here that work within the digital and creative sector operate within the ICT sub sector. 3.5.2

Lancaster Science Park Currently in the planning and development stage, Lancaster Science Park will be a science park adjacent to Lancaster University which will become an internationally significant centre of commercial scientific excellence. The facilities at the park will include a purpose-built Innovation Centre to house new and expanding knowledgebased businesses. It will also provide serviced sites and space for businesses wishing to co-locate with the University or spinning out from InfoLab21 and the Lancaster Environment Centre. Many high tech industries will be located here, including those working within ICT and telecommunications.

3.5.3

Storey Creative Industries Centre The Storey Institute in Lancaster has been remodelled as a purpose designed centre for the creative industries, now known as the Storey Creative Industries Centre. The Storey offers high quality modern workspace ranging from 130 to over 1,300 sq ft, with no two workspaces being the same. Each workspace is equipped with all of the features todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creative industries need to plug in, switch on and be creative, including fast internet connection, a staffed reception, security and lifts. Figure 3-21: Storey Creative Industries Centre - companies

Company name Ebb&Flow Creative Fat Media Hotfoot Creative Morph Films Workshop Productions

Sub sector Creative services Creative services Creative services Broadcast media Broadcast media

In a facility that is dedicated to developing the creative industry in the North West, businesses within creative services are strongly represented, such as design and marketing companies. However, there are also some broadcast media businesses located at the Storey, mainly small production firms.

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

3.5.4

Northern Lights Business Incubation Unit Northern Lights is the business incubation facility at the University of Central Lancashire. This facility provides support to students, graduates and businesses throughout the North West, including access to business workspace, the use of computers with broadband facilities, one-to-one business mentoring, group learning sessions and networking events. The incubation unit is based within the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Media Factory, and in addition to a suite of small individual office units the building also houses a fully equipped TV studio, a sound stage, recording studios and editing suites. This makes Northern Lights the ideal location for start up companies in the digital and media sector, although the facility is suitable for businesses from all sectors. Figure 3-22: Northern Lights - companies

Company name ACC Media Armitage Online Solutions Design Logix GoFour Web Design Invisiblegirl (Le)One Mores Machine Media Media Diverse RandomWebDesign Turbo Lemon Media Verbal Vigilante Music Vision4Video

Sub sector Broadcast media Creative services Creative services Creative services Music and digital audio Creative services Broadcast media Creative services Creative services Creative services Music and digital audio Broadcast media

The resources within the Media Factory, where the business incubation unit is based, mean that many of the businesses within the facility work within the digital and creative sector, particularly in creative services. However, the TV studio, sound stage and recording studios at the Media Factory mean that businesses working within music and broadcast media are also well catered for. 3.5.5

Rural Business Incubator Situated in the Rural Business Centre at Myerscough College in Preston, the Rural Business Incubator offers affordable furnished offices with broadband internet access, providing the ideal environment for business growth and development. There are a total of 16 individual rooms, ranging from 13 to 27 sq m, with the largest rooms incorporating 5 workstations. The facility offers business accommodation and support for a wide range of sectors, with previous incubator companies operating in industries ranging from business coaching to sustainable energy solutions.

3.6

Merseyside Merseyside is the second largest sub-region in terms of DCI assets, reflecting the size of the conurbation and its reputation in certain DCI fields, such as arts and creative.

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

3.6.1

ic1 Liverpool Science Park Innovation Centre Liverpool Science Park provides a home for developing science and knowledge based companies by offering a combined package of first class accommodation, business support and links to the region’s specialist experts. Since opening in 2006 ic1, the 36,000 sq ft Innovation Centre, has attracted over 50 companies from a variety of sectors, including creative industries, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, ICT, software development and genetics. Companies located here range in size from single entrepreneurs to larger, more established companies, and business support is tailored to meet the needs of each individual company. Figure 3-23: iC1 - companies

Company name Ampersand Angel Solutions Damsel and Virgil First Solution Technologies GVC Hatimo Games Mando Group Molarity Playbox ScraperWiki

Sub sector Creative services ICT Creative services ICT Creative services Interactive Interactive ICT Interactive ICT

Since Liverpool Science Park is aimed at science and knowledge based companies, many of the businesses from the digital and creative sector that are located here work within the ICT or the interactive sub sectors, such as in computer games development. 3.6.2

ic2 Liverpool Science Park Innovation Centre 2 Following the success of its Innovation Centre ic1, Liverpool Science Park opened its second state-of-the-art facility ic2 in April 2009. Situated close to the striking Metropolitan Cathedral, ic2 will provide 40,000 sq ft of highly specified flexible office and laboratory compatible accommodation for the science park’s expanding companies and for new enquirers. As well as office accommodation, the facility’s top of the range ICT infrastructure will provide high tech companies with access to high speed internet connectivity, as well as a range of added value services, business support and social activities. In the same manner as ic1, the Innovation Centre 2 provides a home for science and knowledge based companies.

3.6.3

Creative Space Opened in 2006, Creative Space is a specialist resource centre set up to support the growing number of creative businesses in Knowsley. The facilities at Creative Space include shared and self-contained studio spaces, each with free broadband access. As well as accommodation, businesses locating at Creative Space also benefit from tailored one-to-one business support, training and networking events, start up advice and funding, trade shows and exhibition facilities. This facility is suitable for creative entrepreneurs and small businesses at any stage of their company’s life cycle, whether they are just starting up or they are a mature, established business. 28

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

Figure 3-24: Creative Space - companies

Company name Absolute Imaging ACE Acme Art AM Design Consultants Clare Makes Films Fat Free Media Merrie Design ScreenCastsOnline

Sub sector Broadcast media Creative services Creative services Creative services Broadcast media Broadcast media Creative services Broadcast media

This facility is entirely dedicated to businesses working within the creative sector, therefore many of the companies located here work within creative services, with design services being particularly prominent. There is also a good representation of businesses working within broadcast media, mainly small production companies. 3.6.4

Liverpool Innovation Park Liverpool Innovation Park is a new science park with an innovation-focussed gateway policy targeting creative, digital, ICT, healthcare, precision engineering and clean tech businesses, focussing on developing knowledge and business networks between innovative organisations within the city region and beyond. The Innovation Park offers approximately one million sq ft of office, R&D and light industrial accommodation in units from 500 to 80,000 sq ft. The diverse range of workspaces is capable of accommodating high technology occupiers from small start up businesses to large international organisations. Figure 3-25: Liverpool Innovation Park - companies

Company name Aimes Grid Services Blue Fountain Systems Brainboxes Connect Internet Solutions E-Blueprint Forwessun Test Systems Gardner Systems Hitsearch Lateral Visions Liverpool John Moores University International Centre for Digital Content New Reality Norgate Telecoms Render Nation sdesign1 Selex Communications So Protect Me Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Spiral House Visual Position 29

Sub sector ICT ICT ICT ICT Creative services ICT ICT Creative services Interactive Interactive Broadcast media ICT ICT Creative services ICT ICT Interactive Interactive Creative services

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

A large proportion of businesses located at Liverpool Innovation Park work within the digital and creative sector, with ICT and telecommunications being the single most well-represented sub sector. There is also a clear presence of companies within the interactive sub sector, demonstrating Liverpoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vital role in the computer games industry. Businesses within creative services are also strongly represented, particularly those working within marketing and design. 3.6.5

Digitalinc Digitalinc is the business incubation facility at Liverpool John Moores Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Centre for Digital Content (ICDC), a centre of excellence for the research and commercial exploitation of digital content. Opened in 2002, Digitalinc provides accommodation, business support and start up services for entrepreneurs from across the UK looking to start and develop a business working within the digital and creative sector. The advisors at Digitalinc work with fledgling companies to help them shape their technical know-how into sound commercial applications, with previous incubator companies having secured deals with international corporations.

3.6.6

Annexe Inc Annexe Inc. is based in Hope Street in the heart of Liverpoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creative and cultural centre, offering office and rehearsal space to theatre, arts and media companies. The office and workspace units range in size from 120 to 4,000 sq ft, and are available on flexible lease terms. This facility is suitable for entrepreneurs and small businesses in any stage of their life cycle, be they a start up business or a mature, established company. Figure 3-26: Annexe Inc - companies

Company name Bill Elms Associates First Take Handstand Productions Hurricane Films ivso Mersey Film and Video Urban Strawberry Lunch

Sub sector Creative services Broadcast media Broadcast media Broadcast media Creative services Broadcast media Music and digital audio

Many of the businesses located at Annexe Inc. work within the digital and creative sector. There is a particular emphasis on businesses working within broadcast media, however the facilities are also capable of accommodating companies within creative services and music. 3.6.7

Baltic Triangle Creative Quarter Baltic Creative, the developer established by Liverpool Vision to deliver business space for creative industries, is currently leading the redevelopment of four buildings in the Baltic Triangle, an historic central city area in Liverpool, with the aim of being able to house up to 60 creative and design businesses. This creative quarter will establish a hub of activity for the growing number of creative businesses in the area, including visual arts, gallery space, live music and recording venues. 30

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

3.6.8

The Tea Factory Opened in 2000, the Tea Factory in Liverpool provides 64,000 sq ft of office, retail and leisure space. Its modern design and desirable location mean it is home to a number of digital, media and creative companies, with varying office sizes making it suitable for single entrepreneurs or small businesses. Figure 3-27: Tea Factory - companies

Company name River Media Simpson Direct 3.6.9

Sub sector Broadcast media Creative services

Contemporary Urban Centre The Contemporary Urban Centre in Liverpool offers a range of office and creative space in different sized units, ranging from 485 to 3,254 sq ft. As well as accommodation and access to meeting rooms, this facility also offers business support to assist individual social entrepreneurs in developing their own business. The available office space makes up only part of the building, with the rest being used for events and exhibitions such as large scale music and dance performances, films, theatre and art exhibitions, making the Contemporary Urban Centre a vibrant, cultural and creative hub.

3.6.10 Vanilla Factory Set within the lively area of Ropewalks in Liverpool city centre, the Vanilla Factory offers a mix of office, retail and leisure space, with office units ranging from 283 to 7,913 sq ft. The contemporary design and sought after location of the building means that it is home to an array of design led and creative businesses. Figure 3-28: Vanilla Factory - companies

Company name 2020 Design Liverpool Bolland & Lowe CM2 Creative Thunk Advertising and Design Uniform Communications Ltd

Sub sector Creative services Creative services Creative services Creative services Creative services

The Vanilla Factory is home to many businesses working within the digital and creative sector, with creative services being the predominant sub sector that businesses are operating within. 3.6.11 Matchworks Located in the Speke Garston area of Liverpool, Matchworks is a combination of two state-of-the-art buildings, Matchworks and Matchworks II, which together make up over 166,000 sq ft of well designed office space. The lower ground level of former storage warehouse space has also been converted to provide a variety of workshop, studio or light industrial space. Matchworks is currently home to over 30 tenants varying from public sector organisations to those in the creative industries. 31

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

Figure 3-29: Matchworks - companies

Company name Four Soft MWIS Media

Sub sector ICT Creative services

3.6.12 Liverpool International Business Park Situated adjacent to Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Liverpool International Business Park provides offices and other workspaces of between 10,000 and 500,000 sq ft. Set in the environs of Speke and Garston Coastal Reserve, this facility would make an ideal location for a large corporationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headquarters, a service centre or just high quality office accommodation. The park is currently home to a wealth of high profile names, such as Prinovis Print Works, DHL and Jaguar. 3.6.13 Basecamp3 Basecamp3 is a new community business incubator focussed on supporting the creative industries by providing workspace and a range of business support, advice and guidance for early stage creative businesses. This facility offers desk space for a maximum of 24 months, along with one-to-one sector specific business support from experienced and accredited business advisors, mentoring and coaching, marketing and networking opportunities and professional development workshops. Figure 3-30: Basecamp3 - companies

Company name CG Interactive Design Christian Lavoie Damibu Phasic Labs The Hatch

Sub sector Interactive Interactive Interactive Interactive Broadcast media

Representing the significant role that Liverpool plays in the UK games industry, many of the companies at Basecamp3 work within the interactive sub sector, in particular in relation to the development of computer games and other digital content. 3.6.14 Parr Street Studios Parr Street Studios in Liverpool is one of Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most famous recording studios where many famous names in music have recorded. As well as 5 recording studios, Parr Street Studios also provides a variety of office accommodation for entrepreneurs and small businesses who are interested in locating their business in a creative and musical environment. The offices can accommodate up to 6 desks, with each office having wireless internet access, reception facilities and 24/7 access. Optional services also include IT and marketing support, web design and business advice and mentoring.

Digital and Creative research Strand Eight: Key Infrastructure Assets

Concluding comments In this section, we provide some concluding comments based on the research for this report.

4.1

Geographical spread The spread of assets across the North West reflects the relative importance of the major conurbations to the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy. It also highlights the significance of Liverpool and Manchester to the DCI sector, in terms of their proximity to markets, suppliers and communication networks. The improved offer in terms of the skills base, as well as individual attractors such as MediaCityUK are inevitably going to be strong pulls for larger inward investors.

4.2

Availability The region is considered by stakeholders as having a large number of available property options for DCI businesses. The relative abundance of property currently on the market has created healthy competition between providers and landlords, which in turn has led to attractive incentives being offered to companies looking for space. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;High endâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; space, such as that offered on some of the more prestigious science parks, can still look expensive. However, the added value of these sites, for example through co-location with similar businesses and links to universities, needs to be borne in mind when inward investors consider the overall value for money of their propositions. It is important to remember that many sites and properties are not uniquely targeted at, or customised for, the DCI sector. Sites such as Daresbury Innovation Centre, Manchester and Liverpool Science Parks, and Liverpool Innovation Park market themselves to a much more diverse business base. However, this report shows how some sites (Daresbury included) have become hosts to a large number of DCI businesses, by design or otherwise.

4.3

Suitability of assets Consultations with regional and sub-regional stakeholders did not highlight any specific gaps in the provision of infrastructure to DCI businesses.

APPENDIX I

Consultation topic guide

www.wm-enterprise.co.uk

Topic Guide for NWDA and sub sub-regional regional consultations Introduction WM Enterprise is conducting a wide ranging research exercise for NWDA into the Digital and Creative Sector. For the purposes of this work, this comprises the following five sub-sectors: sectors: §

ICT,, including internet, telecommunications, mobile and enterprise software

Interactive,, including digital content, video (leisure) games, intelligent gaming and visualisation technologies

Broadcast media,, including television, film, broadcast services and radio

Creative services,, including advertising, design, marketing & PR, and media related sales activity

Music and digital audio As part of this research, we are co conducting nducting an appreciation of the region’s key infrastructure assets which are capable of supporting digital and creative businesses. This includes higher education ‘hubs’, incubators, science parks and grow grow-on on space. It also covers private sector accommod accommodation ation suited to businesses in this sector. You have been suggested as someone who would be able to comment on the provision of these assets in your area. I’d like to discuss the following with you in turn:

Sector needs

Current provision of infrastructur infrastructure assets

Any planned provision for the future

Gaps in provision, based on your knowledge of the sector’s requirements in your area

Other potential sources of information

This consultation should not take more than 20 20-30 minutes. Sector needs

To what extent do you think that businesses in this sector require specific and/or unique forms of infrastructural support?

For example, more demanding requirements in terms of broadband access

Probe robe for differences between the sub sub-sectors Current provision

Can you provide an overview of the relevant infrastructure assets in your area?

List assets first, then discuss specifics for each using database headings

www.wm-enterprise.co.uk

Refer to asset database as a prompt if required

Ensure coverage of all key asset types, including private sector accommodation

Ensure coverage of all sub sub-sectors

Where can we go to get more information for each asset? Planned provision

Are you aware of any relevant new assets which are in the pipeline, or are planned?

List assets first, then discuss speci specifics for each using database headings

Refer to asset database as a prompt if required

Ensure coverage of all key asset types, including private sector accommodation

Ensure coverage of all sub sub-sectors

Where can we go to get more information for each asset asset? Gaps in provision

From your knowledge of the sector’s needs, and the availability of infrastructure assets in your area, do you think that there are any gaps in provision that deserve to be addressed?

Especially issues ssues raised by firms thinking of inves investing, ting, but eventually deciding not to

Quality or quantity issues

Specific or niche requirements

Ensure coverage of all sub sub-sectors Other sources of information

Are you aware of any other sources we could go to for information on this research?

May be individuals, websites, documents, etc.

Ensure coverage of all sub sub-sectors