A Dingwall-based IT company that travelled to the Cannes Film Festival, along with international film stars in May, is still reaping the benefits from the trade show with a number of contracts confirmed and several more in the pipeline.

Strategic Integration Ltd's high-tech software package, specifically designed for the film industry, attracted international attention at the two-week event in France.

The firm, which specialises in consultancy and bespoke internet-based IT programmes for all types of businesses, has been developing the film commission portal since the company was set up in September 2000 by managing director Geoff Wilcock and director David Sim.

The software is broadband-based, which means that customers can use it from any location. It also meant that Strategic Integration was able to demonstrate their impressive programme to key film industry contacts from the beach in Cannes.

"There is much more to the Cannes Film Festival than just the movie stars," said Geoff Wilcock. "It's a huge trade event that runs for two weeks and one that film commissioners come from all over the world to attend. It's where a lot of the business behind the films is done."

The software consists of a digital image database of film locations, a customer relationship management (CRM) system specific to the industry and an industry directory, which lists everything from hotel accommodation to production companies.

The software is now being launched for other business sectors such as government and the construction industry.

There are seven companies already using the technology in the UK, three of which bought it after seeing a demonstration at the Scottish stand at the trade show.

Geoff added: "There was a lot of interest in our product at Cannes, and we have secured three contracts so far with the Bristol Film Office, Screen Yorkshire and the Bath Film Office. There are several others - some from overseas - that have been in contact since the event. It was a very worthwhile trip and we certainly plan to go back next year."

The trip to Cannes was made possible by a marketing grant from Ross and Cromarty Enterprise (RACE) to cover 50 per cent of the company's costs in attending the event.

Marshall Doig, senior development manager at RACE, said: "This was an ideal opportunity for Strategic Integration to demonstrate the appeal and flexibility of their software to the decision makers within the film industry. We were delighted to help the company attend this show, and are particularly pleased that the trip has paid off in terms of contracts secured."

Strategic Integration was part of a six-company consortium, which attended the event to represent businesses from the Highlands and Islands, organised by Trish Shorthouse from the Scottish Highlands and Islands Film Commission.

Strategic Integration and the Scottish Highlands and Islands Film Commission were joined on the trip by: Camcast Casting Company, from Lochaber, Alba Connections Location Services from Skye and Lochalsh, Argyll Catering and Island Focus Photography, both from Argyll and Bute.

Iain Hamilton, creative industries manager at Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said: "Trish has been attending this event for several years with the Film Commission, but this is the first time that they have introduced companies to the business possibilities of the show.

"It was fantastic that Strategic Integration was able to attend and show off this technology, and of course it was a great opportunity to show the world some stunning Highlands and Islands film locations."

More information about Strategic Integration can be found at www.siondemand.com