Growth boost for Indies
Press Release
20 October 2003
A scheme to help Indies bolster the sustainability of their businesses has been launched by Skillset. Forty small to medium sized independent TV companies will benefit from the Business Growth Opportunity scheme gaining access to expert consultancy to produce a strategic business plan; financing and funding options master classes; and discounts on training over a 6-9 month period. Developed in consultation with PACT, major broadcasters, Regional Screen Agencies and a selection of successful Indies, the scheme represents more than £10,000 of consultancy reduced to a cost of just over £1000.
John McVay, Chief Executive of PACT, said of the scheme:
"The Communications Act signals positive changes to the playing field for Indies. This scheme is a chance for Indies to capitalise on the changing marketplace, helping to position their business to take new opportunities, resulting in long term commercial viability."
Peter Bazalgette, Chairman, Endemol UK said:
"Simply put, this scheme is intended to help your bottom line. Take full advantage of it."
Philip Clarke, Chairman of IPTF and Managing Director of Feelgood Fiction, added:
"This scheme is a long overdue support mechanism for Indies, helping develop a strategic direction, control costs, and even helping raise capital. All vital to our long term success."
To be eligible companies must have been in existence for more than two years and had at least one commission. Twenty of the companies must be based in London and twenty in the English Regions. Interested companies should contact Asma Shah on 020 7520 5778 or e-mail asmas@skillset.org. The scheme is funded by the European Social Fund and London Central Learning and Skills Council.
The Independent Production Training Fund is supporting extra subsidy for places on this scheme for black and minority ethnic owned companies -12 bursaries worth £600 each are available to assist companies in making the contribution that is required of them for participation.
-ENDS-
For more information please contact the SKILLSET Press Office:
Eve Ragout 020 7520 5752 / 07968 010 325 eve@skillset.org
Notes to Editor
1. Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. Audio visual industries in this context means, the Broadcast, Film, Video and Interactive Media Industries. Skillset was the first Sector Skills Council to be licensed by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills and by Ministers in the devolved administrations in 2002 to tackle the skills and productivity challenge. Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are independent, UK wide organisations developed by groups of influential employers in industry or business sectors of economic or strategic significance. SSCs are employer-led and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the sector.
20 October 2003
A scheme to help Indies bolster the sustainability of their businesses has been launched by Skillset. Forty small to medium sized independent TV companies will benefit from the Business Growth Opportunity scheme gaining access to expert consultancy to produce a strategic business plan; financing and funding options master classes; and discounts on training over a 6-9 month period. Developed in consultation with PACT, major broadcasters, Regional Screen Agencies and a selection of successful Indies, the scheme represents more than £10,000 of consultancy reduced to a cost of just over £1000.
John McVay, Chief Executive of PACT, said of the scheme:
"The Communications Act signals positive changes to the playing field for Indies. This scheme is a chance for Indies to capitalise on the changing marketplace, helping to position their business to take new opportunities, resulting in long term commercial viability."
Peter Bazalgette, Chairman, Endemol UK said:
"Simply put, this scheme is intended to help your bottom line. Take full advantage of it."
Philip Clarke, Chairman of IPTF and Managing Director of Feelgood Fiction, added:
"This scheme is a long overdue support mechanism for Indies, helping develop a strategic direction, control costs, and even helping raise capital. All vital to our long term success."
To be eligible companies must have been in existence for more than two years and had at least one commission. Twenty of the companies must be based in London and twenty in the English Regions. Interested companies should contact Asma Shah on 020 7520 5778 or e-mail asmas@skillset.org. The scheme is funded by the European Social Fund and London Central Learning and Skills Council.
The Independent Production Training Fund is supporting extra subsidy for places on this scheme for black and minority ethnic owned companies -12 bursaries worth £600 each are available to assist companies in making the contribution that is required of them for participation.
-ENDS-
For more information please contact the SKILLSET Press Office:
Eve Ragout 020 7520 5752 / 07968 010 325 eve@skillset.org
Notes to Editor
1. Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. Audio visual industries in this context means, the Broadcast, Film, Video and Interactive Media Industries. Skillset was the first Sector Skills Council to be licensed by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills and by Ministers in the devolved administrations in 2002 to tackle the skills and productivity challenge. Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are independent, UK wide organisations developed by groups of influential employers in industry or business sectors of economic or strategic significance. SSCs are employer-led and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the sector.