InfoTextX

Welcome to the December issue of InfoTextX – the e-newsletter from the Knowledge Business Centre at InfoLab21, keeping you informed about developments inside InfoLab21 and other news which we hope will be of interest to you. To subscribe or contribute news items to InfoTextX and our website, please contact the editor – Sarah Maginness.

Season's Greetings from the Knowledge Business Centre

"On behalf of the InfoLab21 KBC staff I would like to wish all our Associate Companies, Partners and Collaborators a Happy Christmas and prosperous 2008. We look forward to continuing to work with you in the New Year."

Steve Riches, Director of the KBC.

Join IT! New Associate Company Profiles

Here are the latest companies to submit their profile online to our Associate Company Scheme section of the website and take advantage of the eMarketing benefits of having a weblink from the InfoLab21 site.

Meantime IT

Meantime IT is a software house that develops specifically for the Internet. In addition to their development team, they have web designers and systems analysts plus a dedicated systems administrator managing their web servers.

The SEO Company

Providing search engine optimisation services including optimised web design, website optimisation and link building.

G1 Creative

G1 Creative is a graphic design business based in Cumbria offering a broad range of creative services to small, medium and large businesses, including complete brand development, logo design, brochure design and production, packaging, point-of-sale and much more.

 

Mount Recruitment Limited

Mount Recruitment Ltd is an IT recruitment consultancy that focuses on delivering bespoke recruitment services for each and every individual client or candidate they deal with.

JSE

JSE provide quality prototype and production pressed parts to the automotive industry. They have in-house multi axis laser cutting and tool making facilities.

UK Bathroom Store Ltd

UK Bathroom Store supply quality bathroom suites, taps, showers, accessories and bathroom furniture.

BCS IT Limited

BCS IT is a total solutions provider committed to providing quality products and services to its clients. The types of products and services provided include network administration, PC and server hardware, networking hardware, IT support/maintenance and security.

New 'Technology Matters' Presentations Available

A big thank you to all who joined us for part 2 of our Financing Innovation 'Technology Matters' event. The event was very well attended and provided some very interesting questions for our presenters. Mark Wyatt from Enterprise Ventures presented on The RisingStars Growth Fund which typically invests in early stage technology companies. Robert Sheffrin, adviser to Northwest Business Angels, followed with an introduction to business angels and tips on how to get the money from angels and funds. If you would like to view the presentations they are available on our website, and further feedback or suggestions for more Technology Matters event themes are welcomed.

ICT Cluster Update

The next ICT Cluster meeting will be Lancaster's. The date is to be confirmed but it will be either the 9th or the 16th January. The event will be hosted by associate company Savant at their new premise at Dalton Hall Business Centre in Burton-in-Kendal. If you would like to come along to any of our 5 regional ICT Cluster Groups, details can be found on our website:

Graduate Academy Profiles Now Online

Members of the InfoLab21 Graduate Academy (IGA) have compiled personal profiles about themselves which are now on our website. If you think you could match up a project with their areas of expertise contact Nick King or Colin McLaughlin to find out whether your business would be eligible for assistance.

Graduate Academy Case Studies

More IGA mini case studies including glowing testimonials have been added to the Graduate Academy section of our website. They show just some of the examples of assistance already given to eligible businesses in the region including expert technical advice, secure networking and an online Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database. If your business has received assistance from the IGA and you wish to discuss having a similar case study please contact Sarah Maginness.

Top Marks forTeachers' Day at InfoLab21

Teachers from around the region came to InfoLab21 as part of a programme to provide professional development and create links between schools in the North-West and the University. Christine James of Lancashire Education Business Partnership (LEBP) who co-ordinated the event said "This is the second event InfoLab21 has hosted once again has proved to be a great success, I look forward to planning similar events in the future, as teachers really value the links they are able to establish."

InfoLab21 Benefits Local Economic Growth

The Lancaster Guardian has described how the development of the University's business focussed centres such as InfoLab21 and LEC have "brought a wealth of employment and economic benefits" to the area. Steve Riches, Director of the Knowledge Business Centre (KBC) at InfoLab21 is proud of the way the KBC has intergrated with Lancaster's business community. He said; "We are trying to encourage inward investment and improve graduate retention."

Artificial Personality Goes Clubbing

An interactive Artificial Personality was installed at a Leeds nightclub. The installation (a giant projected human character) was a collaboration between Lancaster University Department of Computing, the Communication Systems Department, UCREL, KBC resident company BigDog Interactive and Leeds Metropolitan University's Department of Fine Art. Clubbers could send text messages to the character to change its facial expressions.

Aviation Security Expert Joins InfoLab21

InfoLab21 is set to become a leading European centre for aviation security research following the appointment of an international expert in communications technology. Professor Garik Markarian has joined researchers at Lancaster University's centre of ICT excellence where he takes up a Chair in Communication Systems.

eBusiness UK Celebrates Award

InfoLab21 Associate Company eBusiness UK is celebrating after being voted the top IT and Digital Media company in Lancashire. The much-coveted prize is extra special for the Blackburn company, capping a fantastic year which has seen business bloom and the launch of its first franchise in Edinburgh.

ICT Focus Enrolling Now For January

ICT Focus are currently enrolling for the following courses starting January 2008, which can be taken as independent Lancaster University-accredited certificates or as part of the Foundation Degree Programme. Places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Certificate in Microsoft Technologies £995.00
Certificate in Cisco Networking Technologies £925.00
Certificate in Network & Systems Administration £595.00

Tel: 01524 510425

New Business Support Website for Lancashire

Led by the Lancashire Economic Partnership (LEP), a new business support website has been launched supported by local authorities, leading businesses from the private sector and business support providers across Lancashire. Promoting Lancashire as a prime business investment location, www.makeitlancashire.com is a free, independent information source for businesses across Lancashire; offering directories of accessible funding, business support and commercial property.

Lancaster District Business Directory

Lancaster City Council is currently compiling a local business database which will form the basis of the Lancaster District Business Directory to be published in 2008.  All businesses located in Lancaster District and providing business to business products or services are entitled to a free entry in the directory and will receive a free copy following publication.  If you have not already completed and returned the forms and would like to be included in the directory please go to the link below. Or forms are available from Lucy Caldwell at Lancaster City Council on 01524 582279, email lcaldwell@lancaster.gov.uk.

International Council for Small Business - World Conference

The International Council for Small Business (ICSB) are calling for submissions for the 2008 world conference, to be held in Canada. The theme of the conference is "Advancing Small Business and Entrepreneurship: From Research to Results". A key aim of the conference is to bridge the gap between research and action. Submissions can be made for academic papers and workshops. The Abstract deadline is 18 January 2008.