THE north west's two leading audiovisual organisations - North West Vision and Media Training North West - are to merge.

Steve Morrison, chairman of North West Vision, and Margaret McClelland, chairman of Media Training North West, said the new strategic partnership would deliver a highly-focused, fit-for-purpose organisation, able to drive forward north west TV, radio, film and digital media businesses.

Mr Morrison added: "The north west is already the largest production centre outside London. By bringing our two organisations together we will be able to maximise further the opportunities of the BBC move north.

"This is not only good news for the region's businesses and media professionals, but for the broadcasters, too."

It is hoped that the two companies will be working together as one, combined force by next spring.

Ms McClelland said: "As a combined force, we will continue to develop the talent and skills base of the north west, as well as developing new creative, technical and craft talent in the region."

It is anticipated that the two combined agencies will be able to attract even more high growth media businesses to the region, helping them to establish a base in the region and to create more jobs in the industry.

Media Training North West aims to ensure the north west media industry has a highly skilled workforce, capable of leading it into a 21st century, multi-media landscape.

It offers a range of training solutions for media companies, employees and freelances, acting as a one-stop shop to provide the industry with solutions.

Since its inception in 2001, Media Training North West has developed more than 1,000 individuals, supported 250 companies (with training plans, mentoring, business development training) and supported 120 new entrants into industry placements.

In a recent training scheme working with some of TV's top dramas, including Life On Mars and Waterloo Road, 70 per cent of trainees went on to gain employment contracts.

North West Vision is the film, TV and digital media development agency for the north west. It works behind the scenes, supporting, funding and promoting film, TV and digital production.

Tweet