UK's leading digital companies beat the crunch with Digital Mission export boost

PRESS RELEASE: London, UK, Monday 10th November 2008

2869995048_15c46000c2_m.jpg Digital SMEs will get a timely export boost courtesy of the Digital Mission to South by South West interactive taking place in March 2009 in Austin, Texas.

Following the success of the Digital Mission to New York in September 2008, this second venture – also organised by Chinwag for UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) will assist firms to develop new business channels, partnerships, investment and detailed knowledge of the local market.

Chinwag and the UKTI will coordinate high profile networking events and marketing campaigns, and offer the opportunity to exhibit at South by South West Interactive. A unique ‘Nuts and Bolts’ masterclass will help British companies understand how to establish and develop their business in the USA, taking guidance from a panel of American and British experts.

The forty slots on the Digital Mission are open to any SME working in the digital sector ranging from web application developers, widget specialists, game developers through to web agencies, ecommerce operators, mobile developers and analytics providers. Companies will be selected by an expert panel of advisors including Techcrunch UK Editor, Mike Butcher, ex-Dragon Doug Richard and Codeworks CEO, Herb Kim.

The closing date for entries is Monday, 24th November. Further information, entry criteria and the application form is available through the Digital Mission website: http://digital-mission.org

Chinwag CEO Sam Michel said, "The first Digital Mission provided great opportunities for the companies attending with several follow-up meetings, investment opportunities and insight into working in the US. The mission companies worked collaboratively to get the most out of it for each other and really proved the dynamism of the UK’s digital sector. The Digital Mission to SXSW interactive is an opportunity to build on this with a fantastic programme of events at one of the world’s most influential digital gatherings"

Both Digital Mission events are generously supported by official sponsors Sun Startup Essentials (http://uk.sun.com/startups) and legal experts, Winston & Strawn (http://www.winston.com).

For more information, or to enter your company, please visit:

http://www.digital-mission.org

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

About Chinwag
The Chinwag community is a focal point for digital media practitioners in the UK and beyond (http://www.chinwag.com). Founded in 1996, it has grown into a community media company that publishes websites, discussion forums and blogs supporting the people and companies who work in the digital industry. In February 2007 the Chinwag Live events series launched (http://live.chinwag.com), topical panel discussions that have also gone on tour to the Internet World and Ad:Tech conferences, and recently extended to Manchester. Chinwag also publishes Chinwag Jobs (http://jobs.chinwag.com), the leading recruitment website for digital marketing, media, technical and design positions.

About UKTI
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) can help you rise to the exciting opportunities and challenges that globalisation offers. We work with UK-based businesses to ensure their success in international markets. We also encourage the best overseas companies to look to the UK as their global partner of choice. UKTI offers expertise and contacts through our national and global networks. It's our goal to enhance the competitiveness of companies in the UK, and to attract a continuing high level of quality foreign direct investment.
http://www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/

About SXSW Interactive
The SXSW Interactive (SXSWi) festival and expo offers five days of panels, keynote discussions, Trade Show, and exciting evening events. Founded in 1994, SXSWi is one of the longest established and most influential gatherings of digital developers, creatives, marketers and thought leaders, a who’s who of the US Internet scene which last year saw over 9,500 delegates attending. SXSWi is part of SXSW week which includes a film festival and the world-famous music festival.
http://www.sxsw.com/interactive/

For further information, please missionatchinwag [dot] com (contact us).