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Friday 20th November 2009
AIDC Gets Double Accolade

One of the region’s leading technology companies has been named as a winner in a Government-run research competition. The Government-sponsored Technology Strategy Board (TSB) has announced that DMC client company the AIDC European Centre of Excellence in Barnsley has been awarded £25,000 to carry out research into a new system to allow users with disabilities improved access to public service information. The competition was part of the Government’s “Digital Britain” programme, which is looking to develop new applications, services and business models which can make best use of a new digital infrastructure in the UK.

Since its opening in 2007, the AIDC Centre has developed an international reputation as a leader in automatic identification and data capture. It works with businesses across the region to advise them on the best applications of technologies such as barcodes, 2D codes, RFID, smartcards and biometrics. The company recently relocated from Halifax to a suite of offices in the Digital Media Centre in Barnsley to be part of the Digital Region developments in South Yorkshire. Digital Region is the first major regional deployment of 'Superfast Broadband' in the UK, not only bringing improved access to a whole range of entertainment, business and public sector services, but importantly attracting new investment and new jobs into the region. The project marks the start of a new 'Digital Age' in South Yorkshire putting the region at the Digital centre of the UK and Europe. The network is being designed, built and operated by Thales UK, with funding from Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency. It will bring Superfast Broadband to 1.3 million people, 540,000 homes and 40,000 businesses right across the region.

AIDC received a further boost this month by being accredited by Business Link as a supplier under the Innovation Voucher scheme. The scheme provides support for small and medium enterprises in the region who want to introduce innovation into their business. The AIDC European Centre of Excellence in Barnsley has become the latest accredited organisation to be able to offer guidance and advice on innovation of new technology under the Business Link scheme

Peter Collins, Marketing Director for AIDC feels that this latest recognition shows how highly regarded AIDC has become within the business community. “The majority of organisations accredited with the Innovation Vouchers scheme are universities with large research departments,” he said. “Compared to them, AIDC is a small technical consultancy. But we are delighted that Business Link recognises the value we can bring to clients by being independent, not-for-profit experts in our area of specialism.”

Tuesday 17th November 2009
DMC to attract a host of celebrities

December will see the start of a new two week exhibition starting at the DMC showcasing the work of Barry Tillott who specialises in detailed pencil drawings of famous celebrities and sports stars.

Barry was born in Maidstone, Kent, but relocated to Barnsley 2 years ago and is continuing to promote his work through Celeb-Art Ltd. Barry is a self taught pencil artist with a keen eye to detail and his work is now in much demand. Barry will be exhibiting his artwork which includes drawings of Charlie Chaplin, Elvis, Robbie Williams and Lewis Hamilton at the DMC from 30th November until 11th December.

Barry will be at the DMC on three dates in December where you can come down and have the opportunity to watch Barry at work. Please see the event page for details.

To view some of Barry's work go to www.celeb-art.com

Thursday 22nd October 2009
Digital conference delegates celebrate achievements of pioneering IT partnership

In 2006 Barnsley Council and DMC client company Bull formed a groundbreaking joint venture company, Bull TCL, to manage the council's information technology operations, and to compete for IT support contracts in the wider world.

Early successes including substantial efficiencies under the government's efficiency agenda, and the securing of commercial contracts worth several million pounds, laid the foundation for improvements in both council services for Barnsley residents and further economic development in the borough.

Furthermore, Bull has invested in a new, state-of-the-art data centre in Barnsley because it sees the business opportunities being created as the borough embraces digital technology. To mark the official opening of this facility at Pontefract Road, and to discuss how businesses can benefit from digital investment, Bull’s chairman and chief executive Didier Lamouche travelled from Paris to the Digital Media Centre at County Way.

Didier Lamouche said: "This is the first time I've visited the Digital Media Centre and I'm very impressed. There are very many places that would be delighted to have such a place. The event itself, The Future is Digital, Digital is the Future, was very well organised and the attention it has attracted is shown by the fact I have spoken this morning to delegates from Fife, York, and elsewhere. Bull TCL - the partnership model between Barnsley Council and Bull - is a pioneering one. This conference gives us the chance to look at what has been achieved over the last three years and we can now see concrete results. This is very satisfying to see."

Barnsley is at the heart of a new superfast broadband network which will cover 97 per cent of South Yorkshire’s domestic and business properties and put it at the forefront of digital technologies. The high-speed service is seen as vital to developing the region's economy. The high speed network is being built by Digital Region in partnership with technology company Thales UK. Digital Region is wholly owned by Yorkshire Forward and the four local authorities of South Yorkshire, who attracted investment of over £90million, including £30million from the European Region Development Fund.

The Digital Region network will also attract inward investment and enable the delivery of more effective public services. Building work began recently and with a phased implementation programme will be available in some areas from the end of the year, and completed in 2012. Once in place the network will bring a broadband service with speeds in the region of 25Mbit/s to 550,000 homes, 40,000 businesses and 1.3 million people in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.

Wednesday 7th October 2009
High-tech business re-locates to Barnsley in partnership with University Campus Barnsley

The AIDC European Centre of Excellence has relocated from Halifax to a suite of offices in the Digital Media Centre (DMC). Since its opening in 2007, the AIDC Centre has developed an international reputation as a leader in automatic identification and data capture. It works with businesses across the region to advise them on the best applications of technologies such as barcodes, 2D codes, RFID, smartcards and biometrics.

The AIDC Centre has formed a strategic alliance with the University of Huddersfield and it was the strength of the University’s Barnsley Campus which was the deciding factor in making the move happen. AIDC Marketing Director, Peter Collins said, ‘The AIDC Centre works across a huge range of complex technology which can be applied in almost every area of business. In order for us to provide the best possible advice to our clients we needed a partner that not only had strong technical and research skills, but also understood the needs of business. The University of Huddersfield’s with its research expertise and experience was the ideal partner for us.”

The University’s Head of Campus, Dr Cathy Doggett coordinated the move which was also supported by Barnsley Development Agency and Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council. “It’s a great coup to bring a business like the AIDC Centre to Barnsley,” commented Dr Doggett. “The University is delighted that its strength in this area has been recognised, and we look forward to working closely with the AIDC Centre to develop new and innovative projects in the field of automatic identification and data capture.”

Barnsley is quickly developing a reputation as a home for creative and digital businesses. The Digital Media Centre provides state of the art space for both fledgling and growing businesses. Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre (BBIC) also supports the development of innovative technology businesses. The town is also central to the developments surrounding Digital Region, which will see superfast broadband for South Yorkshire in the near future.

Tuesday 15th September 2009
Barnsley Digital Media Centre takes a dive for charity

The team at the Digital Media Centre in Barnsley were joined recently by friends and family to participate in a tandem skydive at Hibaldstow Airfield in North Lincolnshire at an event to raise funds for Leukaemia Care. Eight people underwent a brief training session before taking to the skies and jumping out of a plane at 15,000ft, which is the highest skydive that it is possible for members of the general public to do in the UK.

Each participant was allocated an instructor to whom they were strapped throughout the jump, and during freefall they experienced terminal velocity of around 120 mph. The clear weather on the day meant the jumpers had excellent views across the Lincolnshire countryside including the Humber Bridge.

In total, £1,300 was donated to Leukaemia Care, which was raised from a series of events including a summer BBQ and Strawberry Tea afternoon at the Digital Media Centre.

Melissa Goodrich, Sales and Marketing Manager at the Barnsley Digital Media Centre, explained: “The team here at the Centre was keen to participate in an event for charity and after searching the internet we decided to sign up for the skydive. No-one had done anything like this before and most people were very nervous; however, on the day, the staff at the skydive centre put everyone at ease. It was one of the most exhilarating and memorable things I have ever done and I would recommend it to everyone”.

Friday 11th September 2009
DMC kicks off worldwide Twestival event

Barnsley's Big Twitter Debate was the first event to kick off Twestival yesterday and was a huge success with a number of delegates attending from across the region, each with their own knowledge, experience and opinions of Twitter.

Held in Barnsley, which is on a mission to be the first town totally online, the Twestival started with a seminar Kayla Kavanagh from Kaleidoscope Digital who introduced the audience to the basics of Twitter and other social networking sites. The Twitter Challenge seminar allowed users to actually log-on to the site to see how many followers they could get during the session. Nick Cable finished off the seminars with a presentation about the development of social networking sites and how they can form a part of companies marketing activity.

The Big Twitter Debate finished off the evening with two speakers pitching their argument for and against the use of Twitter. Etta Cohen from Forward Ladies spoke about the importance of meeting people face-to-face and building a trusting relationship with the people you do business with. John Popham from Sero Consulting argued the case for using Twitter as a means for getting introductions to people you don't know and sharing and gathering information on interesting topics. In the end though, the debate concluded that Twitter or face-to-face networking should not be used in isolation, but together as a way of building contacts, sharing information and doing business.

The event was broadcast live on the internet courtesy of Eye Digital and was even watched by people attending the Reading Twestival event who were watching us live via the live internet stream.

Barnsley Twestival Local was organised by the Digital Media Centre and Creative Barnsley and raised funds for Barnsley-based charity Action Space Mobile.

Thursday 3rd September 2009
Barnsley Twestival causes a Big Debate for Charity

As technology develops and companies need to be more creative to promote their business, sites such as Twitter have grown quickly in popularity. However, for every user there are numbers of people perplexed by this modern phenomenon. Companies and individuals who use social networking sites do so for a number of reasons, one of which is promotion of themselves, product or service.

At the Digital Media Centre in Barnsley, in conjunction with Creative Barnsley, Barnsley Twestival Local: The Big Twitter Debate will take place on Thursday 10th September from 3:30pm. The debate will examine just how to get the best out of networking via traditional methods and through the brave new online world!

Practitioners in the field will be providing practical advice and tips over four seminar sessions on how to use sites like Twitter and Facebook, as well as providing case studies on people who have successfully integrated social media into their everyday lives. Seminars will include a case study by Nikki Morris, a local artist and who has done well on Twitter getting over 1600 followers, using the site as a micro blog, charting her journey towards her first solo exhibition.
The Twitter Challenge will allow delegates to see how many followers they can get in 20 minutes.

Tickets are £5 and include seminars and The Big Twitter Debate which is a facillitated debate exploring face to face networking and online networking. Arguing the case for face to face networking is Etta Cohen, founder of Yorkshire based Forward Ladies a networking organisation for women in business; arguing for social media and online networking is John Popham of Sero Consulting.

The event forms part of Twestival, a programme set-up to encourage towns to organise events via Twitter to support local charities. This event will be raising money for Barnsley based charity Action Space Mobile which creates opportunities for communities to participate in the arts. All money raised from Twestival Local Barnsley will go to Action Space Mobile.

Creative Barnsley director Tracey Johnson said “Twestival Local Barnsley is a great chance for us to work in partnership and use these new technologies to help deliver an event that will have a direct benefit at local level.”

Friday 14th August 2009
DMC raises money for Leukaemia Care

With two successful events under its belt, the DMC is pleased to announce that it has raised over £1000 for Leaukemia Care which will be donated as a contribution to the worthwhile cause before 8 DMC staff, family and friends participate in a tandem skydive mid-September for the charity.

The DMC held a Strawberry Tea afternoon which was attended by client companies in the building. A BBQ evening was also held which was well attended by clients and friends of the DMC.

Donations can stil be made at http://www.justgiving.com/Barnsley-DMC-and-Co

Thursday 13th August 2009
DMC on Twitter!

The DMC now has a profile on Twitter. Follow the Centre and keep up-to-date with developments at http://twitter.com/Barnsley_DMC

Thursday 2nd July 2009
DMC to host sculpture on the roof terrace for Barnsley's Emergence Festival

In August, the DMC will be hosting a sculpture on the roof terrace as part of Barnsley's forthcoming Emergence arts festival.

Dedicated to promoting emerging artists, this annual programme proudly presents the work of ten contemporary practitioners from around the country.

On 12th August at 6pm to 8pm, the DMC will be holding a private viewing evening. This will be a chance to meet with exhibiting artists and chat with event organisers. For further information, please contact mail@emergence-online.co.uk

On 15th August at 11am there will be an Artist Led Tour around all of the venues exhibiting work including the DMC. Booking is required, please call 01226 242905.

Wednesday 1st July 2009
DMC staff, clients, family and friends to skydive for charity

On 12th September DMC staff, clients, family and friends will be doing a 10,000ft tandem skydive in aid of Leukaemia Care. This worthwhile charity supports the quality of life for sufferers of blood and lymphatic cancers and everyone in involved is looking forward, if not completely terrified, about the forthcoming day.

Donations can be to http://www.justgiving.com/Barnsley-DMC-and-Co

Wednesday 18th February 2009
HRH Duke of York visits Barnsley Digital Media Centre

The Digital Media Centre (DMC) in Barnsley has recently hosted a visit by HRH Duke of York KG. The Duke spent time finding out more about the Centre’s role in helping entrepreneurs and start-up businesses in the creative and digital media, as part of his role in promoting businesses in Yorkshire as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment.

The Duke was welcomed by Councillor Bill Newman, Cabinet Member for Development and Chris Wyatt, Remaking Barnsley Manager and before meeting with the client companies was shown a model of Will Alsop’s Master Plan for the regeneration of Barnsley.

Chris Wyatt said: “We are delighted that HRH Duke of York has visited Barnsley and shown such an interest in the redevelopment work that has been planned and taken place in the town. Our regeneration programme, is redefining Barnsley’s role in the global marketplace and it was an honour to meet with him to show him the vision for the town and one of our landmark projects”.

The Duke then visited three of the client companies based in the Centre: Intelitap, which has developed an innovative technology for monitoring the supply chain for the brewing industry, Webmart, which has developed an online print management system, and Marc Wilmot, who runs his own photography and design company.

All three companies have demonstrated significant growth and development since locating at the DMC with both Intelitap and Webmart having more than doubled the number of staff they employ over the past 18 months.

Ross Banerjee, Project and Incubation Director at Oxford Innovation, said: “The Duke of York’s visit was exciting for everyone based at the DMC. There are a number of companies who are currently thriving despite the economic climate and it was great to show him examples of business success in Barnsley”.

Thursday 15th January 2009
Qdos opens new Civic with Holocaust Memorial Day Event

DMC client company Qdos Dance Theatre is participating in the National Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration, the first performance at the new Civic in Barnsley, on Saturday, January 17 in the brand-new Assembly Room.

Organised by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council’s Community Safety Service and Berneslai Homes, the event will feature Holocaust survivor Arek Hersh, and James Smith, the director of the Aegis Trust’s Holocaust Centre in Nottinghamshire, who has kindly agreed to speak. The Aegis Trust is an international organisation which campaigns against genocide.

“It is a great honour to be asked to create such an important piece of work for this event, “ says Anjie Taylor, artistic director of Qdos. “We have a long-standing partnership with the Community Safety Service, and value our collaborations with them. This commission has come at a very exciting time for Qdos as the company is about to be re-born under the name ‘Qdos Creates’.

Qdos Dance Theatre was formed by Barnsley resident Anjie Taylor, 38, with three other performers in 1995. It specialises in bringing topical issues into the open through a mixture of dance, drama, music and design.

It runs free weekly sessions with its own groups of young people, who create performances with the company, and delivers workshops and performances for community groups, public sector organisations, schools and the youth service, led by the company.

Wednesday 7th January 2009
Webmart wins prestigious European award

DMC client company Webmart has won an prestigious European business award in recognition of its outstanding growth strategy. The company is one of ten from across the continent to receive the Ruban d'Honneur accolade, given to organisations that are defying the current economic climate with their outstanding results.

Isidoro Unda, CEO of awards sponsors Atradius – providers of trade credit insurance worldwide – said:

"Despite current economic conditions, the Ruban d'Honneur winners have demonstrated that the European business scene is still very much alive".

"They are remarkable examples of exceptional organisations, whose blend of excellence, best practice and innovation are key to their success".

Simon Biltcliffe, Managing Director said: "Our sustainable business model of making printers more money whilst guaranteeing best price for clients is unique and it's smashing to get our first pan-European award for it. We are looking to franchise Webmart throughout the EU in 2009, so this is a great start to the year!".

Webmart now progresses to the finals of the European Business Awards and is up against organisations from the UK, France, the Netherlands and Poland. All are fighting to be crowned Europe’s foremost company to demonstrate outstanding sales, profit and market share improvement due to their organic growth.

The European Business Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in European enterprise. The winner of the Atradius Growth Strategy of the Year Award will be announced in April to an audience of Europe’s top business leaders, politicians and media.

Friday 19th December 2008
Blockblaster winner announced

Congratulations to Milan Bogic from University Centre Barnsley whose name was drawn from entries from winners of the Blockblaster game which has been doing the rounds via email. Milan managed to complete all 3 levels and had the chance to submit his name into the prize draw to win a Nintendo Wii. His name was drawn at random along with 5 other small prize winners.

Monday 24th November 2008
DMC shorlisted in Best Overall Business category at the Barnsley Business Awards 2008

The DMC is proud to announce that it was shortlisted at the recent Barnsley Business Awards which took place at Brooklands Hotel on 21st November 2008. The nomination was a culmination of a year of hard work by everyone involved with the centre.

Client company Sushisushi.co.uk was shortlisted in the Best Newcomer category. Congratulations to Stuart Turner.

Friday 31st October 2008
DMC shortlisted in Best New Incubator category at UKBI Awards

The DMC is excited to learn that we have been shortlisted in the Best New Incubator category at the UKBI Awards. Only one other incubator has ben shortlisted (Berwick Workspace), so our fingers are crossed that our name is read out at the awards ceremony on 20th November.

Tuesday 21st October 2008
Blockblast to win a Wii

The DMC has developed a new game, giving you a chance to win a Wii. Click on the following link and see how well you can do.

Thursday 4th September 2008
Digital Media Centre raises funds for Barnsley Hospice

The Digital Media Centre has presented a cheque for £3,000 to Barnsley Hospice from a charity casino evening held recently at the Centre. The event, which was held in the stunning main atrium area of the Centre, was attended by representatives from the building’s client companies and the local business community. The money raised was made up from ticket sales, an auction with prizes donated by local businesses and other donations given on the night.

The black tie event kicked off with a complimentary champagne reception, which was sponsored by Barnsley Partnership for Learning. Guests then enjoyed a three course meal before the gaming tables opened which were sponsored by Oxford Innovation, the company that manages the Digital Media Centre, and C& D Cleaning Services. The games, including a Roulette Wheel, were played with fun money that could be purchased in exchange for a donation to the Hospice’s charity fund.

Auction prizes were kindly donated by a number of local businesses and volunteers from Barnsley Hospice were on hand during the evening to assist with the fundraising.

Jane Townsend, Project and Incubation Director for the DMC, said: “The Barnsley Digital Media Centre was pleased to host and support this event in aid of the Barnsley Hospice and we were amazed yet again by the generosity of Barnsley’s business community – we would like to thank them for their support. Everyone who attended had a wonderful time and several client companies have told us it also proved to be an excellent networking occasion”.

Theresa Barrett from Barnsley Hospice said “We are delighted that staff from the Digital Media Centre chose Barnsley Hospice to be the beneficiary of funds raised at their Casino Evening. Their valued contribution has helped us tremendously in reaching our target of £4,000 to purchase a specialist mattress – and for this we are very grateful”.

Wednesday 23rd July 2008
Open Day Success

An Open Day was held at the centre to allow companies and the local community the chance to have a look round the centre and find out more about what goes on and to learn about the facilities and services on offer to creative and digital start-ups and the local community.

A variety of visitors attended the day from residents of the town, through to regional business support providers and of course, individuals involved in the creative and digital industries.

Local partner organisations and service providers had trade stands on display during the day promoting the links between themselves and the centre and also the services they offer to new and growing businesses. These included stands from Business Link Yorkshire, HSBC, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, Gibson Booth Accountants with Salary Solutions and Huddersfield University. Catering was provided on the day by Classic Cuisine.

The centre's client companies had work on show in the Technology Showcase area and tours were provided of the building to the event visitors.

Further open days will be held through the course of the year, so please contact the centre for details if you would like to attend.