On the eve of the Corporation’s first full year anniversary in Salford Quays, several of the North West’s most influential figures in the world of technology, media and telecommunications warned that MediaCity has to be seen as more than just "BBC Land".
Stephen Wild, managing director of MediaCityUK, highlighted ITV’s arrival and the growing number of SMEs relocating to Salford Quays as evidence of MediaCity’s wider appeal but admitted the BBC’s presence represented a huge opportunity. "If used properly it’s one of the greatest drivers for the regional economy in this sector and I’m hoping we’re going in that direction," he said.
Lou Cordwell, CEO of magneticNorth, said: "It’s early on and there’s lot to follow the BBC. It’s alright to have a flagship. If you’re going to have a flagship, particularly in digital, then I think the BBC is alright at that very big corporate end of it. There should be a place for the Sharp Project too. If we do that right and bridge the gap then I think it should be okay. The BBC’s arrival is a mark of confidence."
Rob Cotton, CEO of NCC Group, said: "It’s bringing some excellence to Manchester. The BBC is the starting point. If you push it out and bring it wider then ultimately it becomes what it set out to be." Mike Perls, CEO of MC2, said: "We have to find the areas where we do have a niche where we might have a global USP and exploit that."
Source: Insider
