CSW1 Project: "Support for ICT developers through microclusters"
(For UWSP (University of Warwick Science Park) and WMG, University of Warwick)

Project description
The CSW1 project was almost unique amongst regional development projects in its delivery of effective networking activity between interactive media and ICT SMEs in the West Midlands. This was due to a unique "leading from behind" methodology which focused starting from the SMEs actual position and expressed needs. A programme was then built on that, leading to ten opportunistic microclusters of companies working together to develop business.

The legacy of the project includes:
An active serious games group now moving forward to become established region-wide.
An active Health group now supported regionally by MedilinkWM, Health-tech and WMITA.

In the words of a few of those involved:

Axcessten:
"Has improved and focused our networking behaviour. It has given us competitive advantage in networking situations"
Phil Briggs, Marketing Director, AxcessTen

BankSearch:
"Shifted our paradigm"
Simon Anderson, Managing Director, BankSearch Information Consultancy Ltd.

Fish in a Bottle:
"We have gained at least one 2005-6 project due to the microcluster"
Drew Wilkins, Director, Fish in a Bottle