BIMA, the industry association representing the digital and interactive media industries, has announced members of its core council in Scotland, and confirmed its strategy, following the council’s first meeting in Glasgow.
The BIMA Scotland Council comprises of seven industry leaders from across the country, representing a broad spectrum of the creative and digital industries including public sector and start-ups, publishing and media, creative consultancies, training and research bodies, marketing and digital agencies. The council includes: Gerry McCusker, CEO at Dog and BIMA Scotland Chair; Nathan Fulwood, Strategy Director at CreateFuture; Stephen Lepitak, Editor at The Drum; Jessica Mullen, Managing Director at CreateFuture; Claire Scally, Joint Managing Director at TRCmedia; Darcie Tanner, Digital Director at Stripe Communications; and Alisdair Gunn, Director at Framewire.
“Driving excellence”
Gerry McCusker, Chair of BIMA Scotland and CEO at Dog, said creating the council provided an opportunity to gather individuals that are committed to “driving excellence across Scotland”.
He said: “We’ve taken our time and been careful to approach individuals who are not only leaders in their respective fields, with the experience and expertise that that brings, but those who are influencers and those who demonstrate the energy and passion required to make things happen. Creating a council is not a tick box exercise, but an opportunity to gather a group of individuals who will be committed to driving excellence across Scotland through our ambitious programme. It also helps to have a genuinely nice bunch of people who enjoy what they do. I’m delighted to welcome Alisdair, Claire, Darcie, Jessica, Nathan and Stephen into the council and thank them for making the commitment to supporting the sustained growth of an ever stronger digital community here in Scotland.”
With a mission to drive innovation and excellence across Scotland, the council is united in setting a country-wide agenda that aims to boost the Scottish industry around BIMA’s four key pillars:
- Recognising excellence to showcase the outstanding work being produced by Scottish businesses and students.
- Building connections both within Scotland and nationwide to facilitate collaboration and commercial opportunity.
- Promoting home-grown thought leaders on a national stage and encourage global thought leaders to share their knowledge and expertise with the Scottish community.
- Driving positive industry change within Scotland.
Talent is core focus
The council has confirmed that its core focus for the coming years is talent, promoting young talent, improving the skills within the community, encouraging collaborations, and promoting the digital and creative industries as a viable career choice to students.
McCusker continued: “BIMA is an inclusive organisation, one that is open to collaborations and partnerships with those who are committed to the same mission as we are, and one that hopes to facilitate connections and nurture individuals, businesses and communities across Scotland and UK-wide. We hope to work closely with other industry organisations, hubs and communities to break siloes and open up opportunities for everyone involved in digital across Scotland.”
The BIMA Scotland council is one of four councils in the UK, which implement the nationwide strategy which aims to drive innovation and digital excellence across the UK to ensure the industry retains its position as a global leader. The organisation also boasts nebulous Think Tanks, Communities and Groups to aid industry leaders and practitioners to fuel the future, and change in the industry on topics such as gender, diversity, and young talent.
Related posts
Interviews
Comment
Why innovation and marketing are the perfect partners to make changes that matter
With the rapid evolution of traditional marketing and the appearance of digital marketing, technology and innovation has become part of any marketer’s life without the need of working for a…
Transitioning to a four-day week – CEO’s vow to strike a healthier balance in the workplace
I came to Scotland nearly 20 years ago from Ireland, with no contacts but a lot of determination. While Ireland will always be my home, Scotland has given me amazing…
Women Lead: The female-led company championing intuitive working
Over the last two years, the pandemic forced a shift to more remote and flexible working practices. Whilst we might be seeing a “return to normal”, some companies are choosing…
Women Lead: My passion for young people to consider a career in digital
Twenty years ago, I stumbled across my career in digital marketing almost by accident. It was during my honours degree in marketing at Glasgow Caledonian University. I was on work…
Women Lead: Inclusive Silicon Valley cohort gives hope to entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds
Things are happening on the Scottish tech scene. Big and small initiatives are creating a fantastic ripple effect on the sector, bottom up and top down, thanks to the recommendations…
Women Lead: The story of an entrepreneurial scientist
I first arrived in Scotland over 20 years ago. I had £75 in my wallet and a scholarship offer to do a PhD at the University of Edinburgh. Sometimes I…
Please mind the gap… or healthcare may fall
Imagine sharing a lengthy train journey with others. From beginning to end, imagine how often you might hear ‘mind the gap’ messages about embarking and disembarking safely. Picture how navigating…
Women Lead: My journey from Dragons’ Den to Silicon Valley
Following her appearance on Dragons’ Den, Sheila Hogan, serial entrepreneur, founder and chief executive of digital legacy vault, Biscuit Tin, shares her experience of her time in the Den and…