Yearterday’s Budget confirms Government plans to deliver a Universal Service in broadband at 2 megabits per second by 2012. The Government will also consult with the BBC Trust on how the emerging under-spend from the Digital Switchover Help Scheme can be drawn on to fund roll-out and take-up.

Budget ‘09 also underlines the Government’s commitment to helping business take full advantage of the opportunities offered in the creative industries by announcing a review of Ofcom’s powers and duties to ensure it can strike the right balance between supporting competition and encouraging investment.

Business Secretary, Lord Mandelson said:

“I often stress the need for bridges to our economic future – this is one of the most important. And I believe there’s a clear, strategic role for government to help make it a reality.”

“We need to make sure that transformational technologies like broadband are genuinely available to virtually everyone. And we need government action to help drive that change and ensure UK firms have the capacity to compete for the economic opportunities it brings.”

Minister for Communications, Technology and Broadcasting, Stephen Carter said:

“The UK economy needs a digital infrastructure and it needs higher levels of connectivity and greater levels of participation.

He added:

“The Digital Britain commitments in today’s Budget will establish a 2mbps Universal Service as a baseline for both Next Generation Networks and for the next generation delivery of public services.”

At 2mbps, internet users are guaranteed a quality of broadband capable of offering a wide range of applications, including the majority of public services and video-rich content such as the BBC iPlayer.

Providing Universal Service in broadband and promoting take-up will help boost learning and skills development and drive innovation within the creative industries. No country in the world is currently offering a Universal Service in broadband at a speed this high.

The Government has consulted a design group made up of network experts on the best and most cost -effective ways of delivering a universal service via a range of solutions, including wired and mobile networks. Their conclusions, which will inform the detailed scheme design to be published in the Digital Britain Final report, suggest that for at least some groups of currently underserved users a leap-frog to next generation superfast broadband may be the most economical solution.

Around 12,000 people made the second national Get online day their excuse to get onto the internet and try something new online. Get online day, which is run by UK online centres, took place at the end of October as part of Family Learning Festival and targeted the one in three adults in the country who still don’t use computers and the internet.

There were more than 500 events running at UK online centres up and down England, offering techno-phobe parents, grandparents, and carers – and even aunts and uncles – the chance to find out how getting online could help them and the rest of the family in everyday life.  Whether it was a very first taste of the internet, a first email or a first online shopping trip, families of all shapes and sizes took up the Get online day challenge.

UK online centres have just completed a survey which questioned both participating centres and visitors who came through the doors on the day.  Nearly everyone who went along to an event – 96% – enjoyed the day, with a full 99% determined to keep on using the internet in the future.  At UK online centres, 84% of event-holders said the Get online day campaign had helped them attract new customers, and 97% said they’d be signing up for a Get online day mark III.

Get online day 2008 was backed by a whole host of sponsors – Campaign for Learning, Becta, the Department for Innovation Universities and Skills, Directgov, Ofcom and TalkTalk.  All wanted to see more people take advantage of all the benefits the internet can provide.

Helen Milner, Managing Director of UK online centres, explains:  “The fact that a third of the population still don’t, won’t or can’t use computers and the internet might seem incredible to some, but with technology moving so fast it’s actually easy for anyone to get left behind.  This year’s campaign was all about trying something new online, and I’m delighted that so many people challenged themselves and their families by doing just that.”

One Get online day visitor now enjoying his new computer skills is 85 year-old Robert Booth, who went along to an event at Benchill Community Centre in Greater Manchester.  He was given a computer by his son, but decided he needed a bit of help getting to grips with it all.  Get online day came along at just the right time.

He says:  “I knew that I needed to get the best instructions on how to use a computer properly.  Get online day seemed like the perfect introduction!  I went along and it was all very welcoming.  I met Steve, the tutor, who was very supportive and incredibly patient, and to my surprise I actually found it all very easy.”

Robert was so impressed, he decided to attend regular courses to learn more about how the internet could help him keep in touch with his son, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

“I was beginning to think I was falling behind with modern technology,” he admits.  “Even my four-year-old great-granddaughter Sophie knew more than I did!  Now I’ve worked out how to email, and I’ve also got a Skype unit which is just amazing – you can see the people you’re talking to on your computer screen, wherever they are in the world.  It’s fantastic that I can talk to my family about computers and the internet and understand what they’re talking about instead of just looking at them blankly.  But primarily, it’s keeping my mind lively.  You’re never too old to learn, and I’d encourage everybody to get involved.”

Helen concludes:  “While visitors like Robert were busy proving there’s a first time for everything, this was actually our second Get online day.  The campaign included incredible support from BBC presenters Jeremy Vine, Johnny Ball and Maggie Philbin, who helped spread the Get online day message, and were backed by the hard work of UK online centres going out into their communities and driving footfall to local events.  Marketing the internet to the digitally disengaged isn’t an easy task, but helping families make the most of technology is certainly a worthwhile one.  Getting online really can help people connect with each other, with their communities, with new opportunities and key – and that’s what Get online day was all about.”

[Original news story: http://www.ukonlinecentres.com/corporate/content/view/212/130/lang,en/]

For more information please contact Abi Stevens at astevens@ufi.com

Paul Murphy MP

A new high-profile Digital Champion will help promote the Government’s Digital Inclusion agenda, was announced by the Minister for Digital Inclusion Paul Murphy on Friday, 24 October 2008.

The creation of an independent Digital Champion is one of the key proposals to achieve greater digital inclusion included within the new cross-Government report ‘Delivering Digital Inclusion: An Action Plan for Consultation‘, published today.

Around 17 million people in the UK today are excluded from the digital revolution, with no access or experience of the Internet and other digital technologies.

Launching the Action Plan at Holborn Library’s UK Online Centre as part of the National Get online Day, Paul Murphy said:

“Technology and the Internet are now woven into the fabric of our society. However, we cannot ignore the fact that those who are socially excluded are much less likely to have access to and benefit from technology.

“Digital inclusion aims to create a fair society and bring social and economic benefits to individuals, communities and the economy as a whole. It is the links between social and technological disadvantage that makes digital inclusion a priority today.

“The post of Digital Champion will be independent of Government, but will work closely with myself as Minister for Digital Inclusion, the Cabinet Committee and the cross-Government Digital Inclusion Team. The Champion will work as a high-profile public figure who can raise the profile of this agenda, gaining support from industry, the third and public sectors, plus central and local government, whilst maintaining their independence.

“The exact role and responsibilities of the Champion are not yet agreed, that is why we are asking people to respond to this consultation to help us shape our plans for the future. We are eager to hear people’s views on how this new post can work most effectively, and indeed to suggest individuals or organisations to fulfil this role.”

The Digital Champion is just one of more than 70 Government actions listed in the Plan aiming to advance the Government’s Digital Inclusion agenda. Those actions include last week’s announcement by Lord Carter of the work on Digital Britain to secure the UK’s status as a world leader in the knowledge and learning economy.

Paul Murphy said:

“This Action Plan shows that the Government is taking the lead. We want to bring people together from industry and the voluntary sectors, as well as from across Government, so that we can work together and make more impact with the money we’re spending. This Action Plan is an important step to achieve greater co-ordination and co-operation on this important agenda.

“And we are already taking action. You will know that the Department for Children, Schools and Families recently announced its Home Access programme. A fundamental part of the Digital Inclusion Action Plan, the home access programme will target those one million children in England who currently do not have access to a computer or internet connectivity at home, starting with pilots in Oldham and Suffolk.

“But the Action Plan isn’t just about what we’re doing at Whitehall level – it also recognises the good work that local authorities and others are already doing across the country, and we want to support that further.

“By all working together, we can make a difference to our 17 million citizens currently excluded from the digital world.”

To support the Action Plan, Communities and Local Government will be publishing new research and resources to help councils and communities deliver digital inclusion initiatives on the ground as well as moving forward with their plans for the Digital Mentors scheme, laid out in the Empowerment White Paper. This group of people will work to support and empower communities, in the UK’s most deprived areas, enabling them to engage with digital technology and media.

Communities Minister Baroness Andrews said:

“The research we have released today very clearly demonstrates access to technology can improve quality of life and opens up new opportunities. We want to ensure that all communities – including the most disadvantaged – can benefit by going digital. The Government’s action plan is an important step, as well as new resources for councils and communities. I look forward to hearing the feedback this consultation produces and to seeing the development of even more inspiring and innovative programmes for digital inclusion.”

–
Notes:

1. Delivering Digital Inclusion: An Action Plan for Consultation is available at http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/communities/deliveringdigitalinclusion.
2. Digital Inclusion Minister Paul Murphy launched the Action Plan at Holborn Library UK online centre as part of the National Get online Day.
3. To support the plan, Communities and Local Government is running a programme to increase local authorities’ ability to use technology to provide innovative and successful services; key to helping more people overcome problems, gain self confidence and achieve the ability to fully enjoy, take part in and contribute towards society. Communities and Local Government’s programme (Digital Inclusion Capacity Building Programme) has been developed in consultation with stakeholders, including public, private and third sectors. New resources are being launched today and can be found at http://www.communities.gov.uk/communities/digitalinclusion.
4. Government has taken steps to improve digital inclusion in the last three years. For example, the Department for Children, Schools and Families introduced the Computers for Pupils programme; through UKOnline centres they have rolled out the myGuide service for the digitally excluded. And the winner of 2007’s Digital Challenge competition, Sunderland City Council, and the nine runners up are continuing to develop good practice for other local authorities so that they can help their communities, particularly the most deprived, to benefit from new technologies.
5. Calls for Interest: Developing a National Network of ‘Digital Mentors’: Following the commitment in Communities in Control: Real People, Real Power, Communities and Local Government is inviting formal expressions of interest from organisations willing to work with us and each other to develop the network of ‘Digital Mentors’ in deprived communities in England. For more information visit Digital Mentors.
6. For further details on Action Plan contact Andrew Mathias on 0207 270 0565 or 07973 303984.
7. For further details about Communities and Local Government initiatives contact their press office on 0207 944 3042.

[From Digital Britain is a necessity by Gordon Brown,
The Times 17th October 2008]

“During the global economic crisis, the attention of governments around the world is quite rightly focused on the financial sector. In the UK, we continue to do whatever is necessary to support our economy during testing times. But at the same time we need to ensure we have the right policies to equip the country with the physical and virtual networks to be innovative, prosperous and productive in the future.

Digital communications networks represent a crucial component of modern Britain’s infrastructure. Digital networks will be to the 21st century what the electricity grid was to the last. Convergence — the coming together of different means of delivering communications — is becoming a reality. Today, we are launching work on The Digital Britain Report, which will provide a converged strategy for a converged future.

Today, the ICT and broadcast sectors in their own right account for nearly 6 per cent of our GDP, £52 billion of turnover and over 500,000 jobs. More than that, they touch every part of the economy, enable every business and enhance the lives of everyone in Britain.

Digital communications are vital to business success and competitiveness, and enrich the social, cultural and educational landscape. Access to digital communications is an increasingly important driver of social mobility and inclusion. Availability of information, and the ability to interact with vast communities of people regardless of location, open up opportunities like never before.

The Open University, founded by Harold Wilson’s Government in 1969, was established in the belief that the “white heat of technology” could open up campus-quality learning to those unable to attend university. As the OU approaches its 40th anniversary, technology is moving us closer to a country connected as one by open, high-speed access to information, learning and entertainment in a way unimaginable 40 years ago.

As these benefits become widespread, it is important that we do not leave people behind. Today, 42 per cent of homes still do not have broadband access. This can have serious implications: OECD tests show that students with one computer at home perform significantly better than those without. More than 90 per cent of jobs now require ICT skills. And families able to e-retail could save nearly £300 per year.

We are already taking steps to address the danger of a gap. We will shortly be bringing forward a Digital Inclusion Action Plan, and we recently announced £300 million of funding to ensure all school-age children have access to the internet.

As a government, we are proud of the success story so far. Our policy to foster a climate for investment, innovation, competition and quality has today delivered choice and value to viewers, listeners, and users. But things are changing fast and we need to keep up.

Five years after the Communications Act 2003 set a world standard in creating a converged regulator (Ofcom), we are seeing yet more innovation as networks converge and the services people enjoy and businesses depend on — video, audio, music, news, interaction — are each delivered by many means, rather than one.

The Digital Britain Report (DBR) will be published in spring, setting out our strategy for harnessing this change. A team led by the Communications, Technology and Broadcasting Minister, Stephen Carter, will study what the current arrangements are delivering, identify where further action is needed and make recommendations for action across a wide range of policy areas. We will be working closely with the companies investing in digital communications, and those who use them and we will be focused on the twin goals of quality and economic success.

The objectives the DBR will look to deliver are open markets; empowered and informed consumers and citizens; universal access to high-quality content, a responsive, up-to-date regulatory framework and, importantly, a world-leading position for the UK in this critical sector.

At this time when the economic wellbeing of the country is under so much scrutiny, a plan for Digital Britain is something we cannot do without.”

The second annual Get online day is taking place this year on 24 October 2008.  Part of Campaign for Learning’s Family Learning Festival, it’s another chance for families to  log on and learn more about the world wide web.

One in three adults in the UK still aren’t online, and this includes an estimated 25% of parents. Not being online means those families aren’t taking advantage of the information and benefits the internet has brought to the rest of the population. And it’s disadvantaged or poorer families who are most likely to be missing out.

The digital divide between the ‘haves’ and ‘have not’ of ICT is bigger than ever, and has an impact not just on the individual but on families, the economic and social health of communities, on political processes and public services. It’s time everyone had the skills, access and motivation to make digital choices and take digital opportunities.

By targeting families, the idea is that the digital natives in a family – often the children – will get the digitally divided involved. It’s a chance for families to share their ICT and internet skills, spend time together and learn how the internet could keep on helping in everyday family life.

To find out more information about Get online day – its partners, supporters and some of the activities taking place – please visit the Get online day website: http://www.getonlineday.com/

Children from jobless and low income families will receive a free computer and free broadband access under major plans to close the digital divide amongst young people.

The £300m investment will help make England one of the first countries in the world to ensure every single young person can use a computer and the internet at home for their education.

Schools Minister Jim Knight said that the achievement gap between rich and poor can only be closed in the modern world if everyone has access to a computer and high speed internet access.

Jim Knight said:

“Home access to ICT has educational, economic and social benefits. In fact it is now clear that pupils without internet access are at a disadvantage to their peers. Home access is increasingly becoming an essential part of a good education and having a computer with internet access should be seen as equally essential as having a school bag, a uniform or a pen and paper. Many of us could not have even dreamed of having a computer in our own home when we were at school, but times have changed and young people are now at a significant disadvantage if they do not have a computer and access to the internet. They are no longer luxury items, but are essential for a good education.

“It is unacceptable that the digital divide is growing with 35 per cent of families having no access to the internet and around a million children having no computer at home. That’s why we are taking this unprecedented step.

“But this isn’t simply about handing out laptops and plugging them into broadband. Of course this is central to our plans but a laptop that’s never used will not close the digital divide. What’s important is what young people use computers for. I want young people using the internet to study and research their school work and to find information that would normally be difficult to get hold of.

“What I find particularly exciting is that young people can then show their parents and grandparents how to use the internet so they can benefit from the vast amount of information available at their fingertips.”

The announcement follows an independent report published today by leading industry and educational experts who make up the ‘Home Access Taskforce’. The taskforce recommended boosting educational equality by ensuring that every 5-19 year-old can log on to the internet at home by 2011.

While further investigation is being carried out into the requirements of learners aged 5-7, the initial ‘Home Access’ package includes:

• broadband for all young people between 7 – and 19-years-old whose families are eligible;
• a free laptop or other computer with relevant software and hardware bought with a ‘Home Access’ voucher; and
• support covering important areas such as internet safety, effective use of technology for learning and a technical support helpline.

The programme will begin in November 2008 with targeted funding available for all local authorities to provide home access for groups such as looked after children and others for whom the authority has special responsibility. The wider programme will be piloted in early 2009 in two local authority areas, with expansion to the rest of England starting in autumn 2009. Families in receipt of income support or unemployment benefits will be able to apply for a ‘Home Access’ Grant which they can use to purchase a package from accredited suppliers. The programme aims to work towards universal home access by 2011.

A new, cutting edge qualification in I.T. has just been launched by the Government for 14-19 year olds that has maximum value as it has been designed specifically by employers, is linked to business needs and so equips students with the attributes businesses are looking for.

The Diploma in I.T. will be taught in some Liverpool schools from September 2008 and has been driven by Microsoft, BT, Vodafone and Toshiba.

It is being championed locally by the digital sector agency Merseyside ICT and local company Rapid Technologies.

What is it?

The Diploma is an industry & skills focussed qualification and an alternative to traditional qualifications such as GCSEs & A’ Levels. Students will ‘learn by doing’ in the I.T. sector, through employer input and in the classroom. They will also gain universal skills that all employers seek, such as how to think creatively, problem-solve, communicate, work independently and work as part of a team. Students will also have an excellent grasp of English & Maths while applying these subjects to real business scenarios.

How can you get involved?

Business support is crucial to give students business insight, skills and experience. You can help!

Be it by giving a Business Talk about your field of expertise in the I.T. world or the projects your company has worked on, giving students a real business problem to research, offering Work Experience or becoming a ‘buddy’ to an I.T. Teacher.

Even if you can only offer one activity once a year it will be appreciated!

How will you benefit?

You will be able to recruit well prepared, knowledgeable school leavers that can make an immediate, positive contribution at work, lessen the need for basic training and allow you to focus on specialist training.

Working with schools on projects is great staff development for your existing staff and they will find it very rewarding and enjoyable.

If you think you could work with a Liverpool School please call Maria Hart at Liverpool Compact Education/Business Partnership on 0151 728 9454

Liverpool Chamber of Commerce is offering help to small and medium sized businesses that are looking to invest in their ICT hardware and software.

The Chamber has been awarded £500,000 via the European Regional Development Fund, which can be allocated to companies across Merseyside.

John Blades, ICT Investment Fund Administrator, said: “We will award grants of between £10-50K  which must be spent by 30 November 2008. The funding can be up to 40% of the total project cost and covers the costs of new technology investments. “

The funding is open to businesses in the Merseyside area, whether or not they are Chamber members.

If you would like more information about how the ICT Investment Fund can help your businesses please call John Blades at Liverpool Chamber of Commerce on 0151 227 1234 or visit  the ICT Investment Fund website at http://www.ict-invest.info/

[From: http://liverpoolchamber.wordpress.com/2008/06/16/new-funding-support-for-ict-investment/]

Digital Inclusion Minister Huw Irranca-Davies visited Liverpool and St. Helens last week to see how the Merseyside region is leading the way in making IT facilities more accessible to local communities.

Mr Irranca-Davies visited the Parents and Children Together (PACT) project, run by EverybodyOnline and held at South Liverpool Personnel, which runs a series of taster sessions to help local parents access the internet, learn new skills and find out how technology could improve their lives.

Following this he went onto St. Cuthbert’s Catholic Community College for Business and Enterprise in St. Helens to hear about the Community Grid concept, which provides the local community with easy-to-use, low-cost, low-energy home access to the internet and other computing resources.

Commenting on the projects he had seen Mr Irranca-Davies said: “The two projects I have seen today are great examples of how we can make the latest technologies accessible to people who, without projects such as these, would not have access to the internet and other computer resources.

“By teaching parents basic information about the internet they can make sure their children are safe online as well as finding out how they can use the internet for day-to-day chores such as online shopping and online money management. I hope other areas can learn from this innovative project.

“All too often we hear about the expense of the equipment and technology needed to connect to the internet being a barrier for many people. Thanks to the Community Grid project over 600 homes in St. Helens and Liverpool will have access to software applications and the internet.

“By providing people with all the connectivity, hardware, software, licensing and maintenance overheads Community Grid is removing these barriers and giving people the access they need.

“The PACT project and the Community Grid should be congratulated for their innovative projects which are helping people in the North West of England become more digitally included.”

The Community Grid digital inclusion project is led by AIMES, (a spin out of the University of Liverpool) and its technology partner, e-communications specialist OciusB2, more information here.  It is part of a wider initiative, the Digital Inclusion & Enterprise Programme (DIEP), which aims to roll the service out to over 5,000 households in Merseyside.

Huge congratulations to the ultimate winner of Alt Valley’s Got Talent, singer/songwriter Michelle Strahan! Michelle won £250 and the opportunity to perform at a star-studded Open Culture event in 2008.

Special Runners Up Kirsty Crook and Urban Street Stars Juniors won £50 each

To celebrate the success of ICDC’s digital inclusion project, Alt Valley Vision, a community talent contest was held for anyone over the age of 8 who lives, works, studies or plays in the Alt Valley area of Liverpool.

Auditions were held in the community during half term week and each audition was filmed and is available to view on Alt Valley’s Got Talent website for all to see.

The final will took place during the Alt Valley Music and Arts Festival on Sunday 22nd June, with guest judges, Professor Phil Redmond and Joanna Jones Director of Bananafish Management, a successful TV, theatre and film casting agency based in Liverpool.

On Thursday 19th June, Digital Inclusion Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies MP will visit two leading digital inclusion projects in Liverpool and St Helens. The so-called “digital divide” is increasingly seen as a major barrier to personal, community and regional economic well-being in the UK, which is the least skilled workforce in the EU. Mr Irranca-Davies’ visit will include:

• The AIMES Community Grid project. Acknowledged as a leader in its field, AIMES is leading the Digital Inclusion & Enterprise Programme (DIEP), established as a result of the Government’s 2007 “Digital Challenge”. Mr Irranca-Davies will visit St Cuthbert’s Catholic Community College for Business & Enterprise in St Helens where pupils and parents have been using the managed computing service provided by the Community Grid project since May 2007. As part of the wider DIEP, strategically supported by the GMDDA, AIMES will provide access for around 5,000 homes in the Greater Merseyside region via the Community Grid system over a 2 year period from May 2008.

• The EverybodyOnline Liverpool 8 project is another highly successful digital inclusion initiative focusing on internet and digital technology support for parents. It includes use of the internet, and day-to-day skills such as shopping and banking online, and email. Mr Irranca-Davies will visit a PACT (Parents & Children Together) session at South Liverpool Personnel in Liverpool to speak to users direct.

Mr Irranca-Davies’ visit underlines the importance placed on the Digital Inclusion agenda at Parliamentary level, as Professor Dennis Kehoe, Director of AIMES, explains: “Digital inclusion is a crucial enabler of economic regeneration and growth. Internet access can transform cities and communities, providing improved access to employment, education and health information. The internet can also help to combat isolation and increase a sense of community. We’re delighted to be able to demonstrate our digital inclusion work to Mr Irranca-Davies in person.”

The AIMES digital inclusion project provides a fully managed internet access service to users, a key element in its success and sustainability. AIMES and its technology partner, e-communications specialist OciusB2, provide broadband internet access, a range of software packages, all equipment required, plus training and support to users of the Community Grid. The first 125 homes are now live and for the first 12 months, the service is provided free of charge.

The i-techpartner eServices Forum is taking place this week at the new Liverpool Convention Centre.

The event builds on the success of the 2007 i-techpartner Academy at Daresbury Innovation Centre where over 120 delegates attended, including researchers, small businesses, innovation experts and investors.

Focussing on the areas of web services, mobile applications, web 2.0, software as a service and more, the eServices Forum will be of interest to you if you are:

• an innovative ICT/digital small business looking to grow your business
• a researcher from a university or research institute looking to commercialise your research
• a venture fund or business angel looking for investment opportunities in eServices
• an expert in technology transfer, innovation or business growth

The event is being held on Tuesday 3rd and Wednesday 4th June, more information on our previous story or on the i-techpartner website

A strategy to get the last third of unconnected UK citizens online is now being drawn up, according to Paul Murphy MP, Minister for Digital Inclusion, at yesterday’s National Digital Inclusion Conference, also attended by GMDDA. In his first speech since his appointment, he revealed the strategy could be in place by summer.

Some 17 million citizens in the UK did not have access to a computer, either at home or at work, he said, “Chances are these people come from an older or socially, economically or geographically disadvantaged group”.

The new cabinet committee set up by Mr Murphy met for the first time last week, “We came up with the following mission statement: To co-ordinate policies and a coherent strategy that all citizens, especially the disadvantaged, can benefit from new technologies,” he told the conference.

Delegates welcomed the appointment of the first cabinet minister to have responsibility for digital exclusion.

“The vision from government seems now to be bigger and bolder,” said Helen Milner, managing director of UK Online centres, community-based groups aimed at connecting the disconnected.

David Parr, Chair of the Greater Merseyside Digital Development Agency agreed, “This is a clear indication that the priorities of GMDDA, tackling digital exclusion in our communities, is also being addressed by central government.”

These views were echoed by Professor Dennis Kehoe, Director of the AIMES Centre at the University of Liverpool, “It is good to hear that Government is addressing digital inclusion at Cabinet-level, comments expressed today mirror exactly our objectives in the Digital Inclusion & Enterprise Programme for Merseyside. There is a clear link between digital inclusion and economic prosperity”

GMDDA and AIMES are currently working with other partners, including local councils, to digitally enable over 5,000 residents, as well as encouraging enterprise development and other initiatives, such as homeshoring. Read more about the programme here: http://diep.aimes.net/

Wirral TV is set to launch on Friday 18th April 2008 at the Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Road, Birkenhead, Wirral CH43 4UE between 11.30am and 2.30pm

The borough-wide community TV scheme means that residents of Wirral now have the opportunity to train in video production and see their own videos on a special website.

With the aid of grants from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, the Single Regeneration Budget and Riverside Housing, the two-year pilot scheme has provided the kit and specialist training for what could become Wirral’s own community television service.

The project, which was originally administered by Birkenhead Sixth Form College in association with local community trusts, is aimed at all sections of the community and for all age groups. Training courses have given trainees the basic knowledge to allow them to make their own videos.

The idea is that local residents will have the chance to make videos about anything they choose: a local band or football team; an environmental project; a campaign to clean up a local beauty-spot; local history… the choice is as broad as your imagination!

Canapes and refreshments will be served throughout the presentation of the new Wirral TV website, which will go live during the course of the presentation.

Wirral TV hope that you can set some time aside from your busy diary and come along on the 18th to celebrate the official launch of this new successful Social Enterprise and see for yourself how Wirral TV is set to serve the needs of the whole of the Wirral.

If possible please respond before 11th April 2008 for catering purposes either by phone or e-mail.

Telephone: 0151 644 4512

Email: info@wirraltv.net

Registration is now open for the i-techpartner eServices Forum which is taking place at the new Liverpool Convention Centre on 3rd & 4th June 2008.

This builds on the success of the 2007 i-techpartner Academy at Daresbury Innovation Centre where over 120 delegates attended, including researchers, small businesses, innovation experts and investers.

Focussing on the areas of web services, mobile applications, web 2.0, software as a service and more, the eServices Forum will be of interest to you if you are:

• an innovative ICT/digital small business looking to grow your business
• a researcher from a university or research institute looking to commercialise your research
• a venture fund or business angel looking for investment opportunities in eServices
• an expert in technology transfer, innovation or business growth

The event is a unique platform for eServices-focused high-growth companies, technology corporations, R&D organisations and international investors from across Europe to exchange knowledge and build effective business connections.

If you are an SME or researcher, presenting your technology offering at this event will mean significant exposure to an international audience of industry experts, investors, researchers and SMEs. Your attendance will enable you to access technology specific R&D and discuss how to grow your company with potential partners from research and industry. You will be able to book face-to-face meetings with potential business partners and develop new contacts with SMEs, multinationals, researchers, innovation experts and investors from across Europe. Overall the event provides a unique opportunity to receive valuable feedback and new knowledge regarding your technology.

The Academy is being led by AIMES, together with Daresbury Science & Innovation Campus, RTC North, Merseyside ICT and Vanguard Corporate Finance.

Register

For more information and to register for this event as a presenter or delegate, please visit http://www.i-techpartner.eu/ where you will be asked to create a profile and apply for the event.

For further information please contact Marie Mitchell at AIMES on 0151 795 0116 or marie.mitchell@liv.ac.uk.