Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Digital sectors
ICT and Digital companies play an important role in the international perception of the North West as a dynamic economy, part of the overall thriving UK PLC high tech market. ICT strengths in the region are to be found in the areas of mobile communications, software particularly Enterprise solutions, electronics particularly semiconductor design and security solutions and computer games whilst the strength of Digital companies in the region was one of the reasons that the BBC chose Mediacity in Salford Quays as the venue to relocate some of their key departments.
There are already strong links with the North West and the USA and UKTI has been instrumental in bringing companies from the region to key US shows such as GDC in San Francisco and FOSE in Washington. Continental Europe has long been an important market for NW companies in this sector and UKTI has enabled companies to attend shows such as Game Connection in Lyon (France), CEBIT in Hannover and Game Convention in Leipzig (both in Germany). Japan is another market that is significant and UKTI help Northwest companies attend Tokyo Games Show for instance.
New and emerging markets that are significant for this sector include India and China. We are keen to showcase the strengths of the NW in this sector and have hosted a group of Chinese journalists to meet some of our most impressive ICT and digital companies and have been involved in bringing delegations from India.
We have on the ground expertise to help companies starting to explore export opportunities in the US and Brazil. We also host staff from our overseas Embassies with current market information help Northwest companies explore business opportunities. This year Northwest companies have already met staff from India, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, China, Malaysia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Bahrain, Germany and the USA.
For further information, please contact the International Trade Team.