Download a PDF Factsheet of FAQs or see below.

Please contact your Cluster Co-ordinator for any other questions.

1) What are ICT Cluster groups?

Lancashire & Cumbria ICT Clusters are groups of local businesses who meet together regularly and engage in a free and open exchange of knowledge, information and business opportunities.

Lancashire & Cumbria ICT Clusters are supported by Business Link North West, local Councils, local Chambers of Commerce, Lancashire Economic Partnership and the Northwest Regional Development Agency.

For more information see About Us 

2) What does it cost to join a cluster?

Nothing.

3) Who funds the ICT Clusters?

Lancashire & Cumbria ICT Clusters incur administrative costs that are shared between Cluster Supporters like Business Link NW and Lancaster University’s InfoLab21.

4) Who can join the ICT Clusters?

Companies in the digital industries sector who want to work collaboratively, network and share best practice. There are no limitations on size of company.

5) What are the benefits of joining?

For full details see the information for new members section Join and Benefits.

6) How can I join a cluster?

Please use the contact form or speak to your local cluster administrator.

Contact us

7) What do clusters discuss and provide?

Cluster groups provide their members with support and information on various topics such as Technology, Skills & Staffing, Support, Business Opportunities & Business Growth.  Topics vary from cluster to cluster and meeting to meeting and agendas for meeting are publicised to the cluster membership before each meeting.

See About Us for a detailed list of topics and here to view previous presentations.

8) How are clusters run?

Meeting are run by the chairperson. By chairing a cluster meeting it gives you the opportunity to showcase your own company with a 20 minute presentation.

9) For how long can I be a member of a cluster?

There is no set time limit on membership, some cluster members have been with us for years.

10) How do I communicate with other members?

Communication with other members can either be done on a personal one to one basis or via the cluster co-ordinator. We welcome your success stories for the news section of this site.

11) What level of involvement is expected from a member?

A member can be as involved as they want to be – simply by attending the meetings they feel are appropriate to them, or hosting/chairing a meeting if they have the space.

12) How often do cluster groups meet?

This varies from monthly to every two months, depending on the cluster.

13) Where are cluster meetings held?

This varies between clusters some members offer to host the meetings to showcase/promote their own business to the rest of the cluster group.