​IT network comes to Calderdale

Halifax-based Digital Consortium has been chosen to implement the Creative Calderdale project, launched by Calderdale Council in partnership with the Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre.

Focused on digital and creative industries in Calderdale, it aims to develop a creative industry network to encourage the start-up of new businesses, attract investment and improve competitiveness.
 

As part of the project, Creative Calderdale will be establishing a virtual hub for the network which includes an online magazine, map-based business locator system and secure log-in and members' area.
Digital companies from across Calderdale were invited to apply to take on the project. The panel decided on Digital Consortium, based at the Elsie Whiteley Centre.

Guy Utley, creative director at Digital Consortium, said: 'The concept of a virtual hub for creative companies in our area is something we've been discussing internally for a long time.
 

'I use similar sites like this on a daily basis, but these all seem to be national websites.'

The company's clients include Pirelli, YBS, the Childcare Corporation and the Creative Calderdale Commission.
Client services director Liz Baker said: 'Our ideas for the Creative Calderdale site focused on ensuring it had the most interactive and useful features for the creative and digital sector.
 

'The idea is that the site will target companies like us in the Calderdale area and encourage collaboration.

'It's fantastic that this website will act as a portal for publications and organisations to find out about individuals and groups, and about the great standard of work coming out of Calderdale.'
Hannah Crank has been appointed to support the project as marketing and events co-ordinator.