smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

Two initiatives to support the north-east's digital sector have received a £2 million funding boost.

Codeworks Connect, a trade association for digital firms, and Codeworks GameHorizon, a network of video game companies, will receive the funding which could help 500 companies in the area, including small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Herb Kim, chief executive of Codeworks, says: 'This investment will allow us to continue to expand our membership and provide a larger forum for businesses to network, share software knowledge and collaborate with other SMEs within the industry.'

The organisation says it will look to increase its network to 450 members, including attracting new software firms, IT managers and local buyers.

GameHorizon will use the money to create links with the US, Europe and Asia, in a bid to increase business from the areas.

One North East, the region's development agency, will provide £985,000 of funding which will be matched with finance from the European Regional Development Fund.

Lesley Calder, head of European and skills strategy for the agency, says the industry needs to encourage companies to come together and share resources, business leads and experience.

The recent Digital Britain report stated that Britain can be leader of the global digital economy, with Lord Peter Mandelson, business secretary, saying that skills and knowledge need to be fostered for the sector to be successful.

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