TLT has been appointed to provide legal services to members of the South West Creative Technology Network, as part of its new programme of professional services support.
Members of SWCTN will now be able to access legal services and advice on intellectual property from Bristol-headquartered law firm TLT, while financial services advice will be provided by Saffery Champness, a firm of chartered accountants and business advisers that has operated in the region since 1998. The programme is being led by University of Plymouth and funded by Research England.
Tom Edie at University of Plymouth said: “We’ve teamed up with TLT and Saffery Champness to deliver core areas of business advice to SWCTN members, with confidence that their professional support will encourage the development of creative tech products and services across the region.
“This package of support from TLT and Saffery Champness is specially tailored to individuals working in the Creative Industries and Creative Economy and we look forward to members gaining skills in these areas.”
Lisa Urwin, legal director at TLT, says: “We’re delighted to be supporting SWCTN with this initiative, and are excited to play a part in its efforts to expand the use of creative technologies across the south west of England.
“The theme of automation that SWCTN fellows will be focusing on in the coming months raises some fascinating legal and IP issues and it will be really exciting to provide support as the fellows explore new business ideas that push the boundaries of how arts, design, technology and engineering can be combined.”
Michael Strong, partner at Saffery Champness added: “We’re are really excited to be involved with this programme to drive the growth in the creative technologies sector focusing on immersion, automation and data across the South West of England.
“One of the most common issues faced by technology startups is when and how to secure finance. We are looking forward to supporting the participants to understand the different options available and how they can use an understanding in accountancy to create opportunities to develop their ideas into successful businesses.”
The year-long support programme includes professional advice events which will run across five locations in the South West; Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Falmouth and Plymouth. SWCTN members will also benefit from and initial free face-to-face or phone consultation, have access to online support tools and receive discounted rates for ongoing support.
