Economic development agencies Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise have joined forces with Channel 4 in a unique move to expand the creative economy in Scotland. The public agencies aim to capitalise on Channel 4's reputation as an innovative and cutting edge broadcaster in order to tap into the younger market which the creative industries tend to attract.

Scottish Enterprise's Director of Creative Industries, David Reilly; Highlands and Islands Enterprise's Senior Creative Industries Manager Iain Hamilton and Channel 4 Director Stuart Cosgrove unveiled details of the ambitious partnership initiative today (14 January) at Channel 4's offices in Glasgow.

With initial support from Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), totalling £1,000,000 over two years, a new project called Ideasfactory Scotland will be launched by Channel 4 in April. Additional funding is being provided by some city councils and other organisations. With match funding from Channel 4, the total value of the project is more than £2 million.

The project will provide access to information and links into an innovative series of industry related events to be organised in towns and cities throughout the country. The initiative is designed to help individuals, companies, entrepreneurs and freelancers to enter or further their career in the creative industries. A national UK-wide website www.channel4.com/ideasfactory was recently launched by Channel 4 and Ideasfactory Scotland will be dedicated to growing the creative cluster in Scotland.

In addition to creating a national website, the two enterprise networks are working with the broadcaster to create city-based 'productions' in Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, and a regional hub for the Highlands and Islands, in partnership with participating Local Enterprise Companies (LECs), higher education institutions, further education colleges and universities and other stakeholders in each area.

The national Ideasfactory website will include a calendar of events, career information, online learning modules, details of where to access funding, a discussion forum and online advice. Two national co-ordinators will be appointed, one based in Channel 4's offices in Glasgow and the other in the HIE network.

In addition, each participating area will have a dedicated section on the site promoting a particular part of the creative industries identified as holding the most potential for growth in their area. Users in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and the Highlands and Islands will be able to access information, events and opportunities focusing on key areas of the creative industries.

The initiative will include a series of events - focusing on, for example, television, design and technology, animation, script-writing, film - backed up by online guidance and advice via the Ideasfactory Scotland website.

A national steering committee for Ideasfactory Scotland, which will lead the initiative, is to be headed by Channel 4's Director of Nations & Regions, Stuart Cosgrove, who commented:

"Scotland has taken a lead role in supporting creative industries. Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen and the Highlands and Islands already have clusters of creative talent, which need to be developed. We're delighted that the LECs representing these key cities are backing this unique initiative so enthusiastically to help inspire and guide this talent. There are so many disparate development programmes operating through different organisations but this package of activities brings so many elements together under one umbrella, which can only improve their effectiveness."

Robert Crawford, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, said:

"Scotland is a hotbed of creative talent, and we are delighted to be supporting this project, which imaginatively connects young people with ideas and enthusiasm to the wealth of training, employment and business opportunities in the creative industries. Scottish Enterprise has long recognised the growth potential of the creative industries, and this innovative initiative increases our support for this important cluster."

Iain Hamilton, Senior Creative Industries Manager with Highlands and Islands Enterprise said:

"This project will help strengthen an important sector of Scotland's economy as well as offering vital support to people who are involved in the creative industries. In the Highlands and Islands we already have a very good track record of collaboration between the different branches of the creative industries and with the enterprise network.

"Advanced technology means that a creative business can be run successfully from a rural location, but without an adequate support network, it's not surprising if people can feel isolated. With the participation of Channel 4, Ideasfactory will not only enable us to keep up the present momentum in this field, it will also offer a new way to support and develop creative talent in the Highlands and Islands."