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Silicon Roundabout on tour

  • Publish Date: Posted over 13 years ago
  • Author: Emma Dadswell

Last week, Industry leaders from the UK creative sector arrived in California for the first ever LA Innovation Forum, hosted by Founders Forum and UK Trade & Investment. The event, in conjunction with Universal Music Group, brought together top names in the film, entertainment, music, global media and technology industries from both sides of the Atlantic to encourage closer working. But what will this new relationship mean for UK digital start-ups?

The UK produces the second-highest number of start-up entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley after the US - evidence that British companies have stayed at the forefront of innovation as content and services have migrated online. Here at Handle Recruitment, we understand the unrivalled talent that the UK can offer international digital industries. And evidence that these companies are at the forefront of the global digital arena is hard to ignore, Shazam and Songkick have created new ways of engaging with music and Rightster is developing new, innovative ways of marketing, distributing and monetising online video. Meanwhile, Michael Acton Smith’s ambition to create a ‘digital Disney’ with Moshi Monsters is now fast becoming a reality.

During the trip, fast growing tech start-ups met with executives from SonyDreamWorksGoogle and Spotify. As a result, this delegation has allowed British companies to forge stronger links with their contemporaries across the pond to generate ideas, interest and investment. Innovation is a collaborative entity, and by joining forces with California’s leading players, UK enterprise is safeguarding its continuing growth and success in the global arena.

Joanna Shields, CEO of Tech City - London's digital business hub - urged delegates at the forum to seize the opportunity to forge new business links. And Will.I.Am told the forum that next generation technologies would completely transform future audience demand, media consumption habits and use of digital platforms.

Commenting on the trip, Trade Minister Lord Green says, “The creative industries are a priority for Government. They are a real exporting success story, which is a key part of our growth strategy.”

This is an exciting time for digital industries in the UK, and the signs are positive that the recent growth we have experienced in this area shows no sign of slowing down. If you are looking to further your career in the digital industries contact digital@handle.co.uk.