Next ICT/Digital Media meeting will be hosted at again at the Sandbox in the Media Factory, UCLAN on the 25th November - 5.30pm onwards.

Dr Danny Connaughton – Winning Pitch
High Growth Companies Programme

This is a 3-year programme, funded by the NWDA and by ERDF monies, aimed specifically at high growth companies. It involves an intensive package of support targeted at budding entrepreneurs and existing SMEs who have both the desire and the potential to achieve high rates of growth.

“High growth companies are defined as either new businesses that have the scope to grow to £0.5m within three years or established SMEs that have the ambition and capability of achieving a minimum of 20 per cent per annum growth.

“The project aims to provide intense coaching and support to businesses in the Northwest that demonstrate this high growth potential.”

“Winning Pitch, which floated on Plus Markets late last year, has now won the three-year contract. Dr. Danny Connaughton is an Associate of Winning Pitch, is a well-qualified scientist and businessman with a wide range of experience in Science & Technology (S&T), Intellectual Property (IP) exploitation, business start-up and line management. Danny will give an overview of the programme and support that is available”.



Neil Hickson – Director, Creative Mixed media

Creative Mixed Media provide a wide range of technical and creative media solutions combining photography, illustration, graphic design, video production, web design and motion graphics to produce content for web, print and traditional broadcast.

Neil started his career in Telecommunications where he worked his way from Telecommunications Technician to Technical Director with a staff of around 20.

In 2000 Neil decided to set up his own business as a photographer. Most of his work has been freelancing for Magazines and PR companies. He has a large portfolio of work in the following areas; documentary, landscape, architecture, interiors, portraits, events, products (especially food and jewellery), general press and PR.

Neil will highlight how to take advantage of the huge marketing benefits that digital media can bring to small businesses.