The Creative Industries Opportunities Broker on the Web (COBWEB) is a one-stop portal for SMEs and professionals in the creative industries to access information about training and business growth opportunities. The website is managed by City University's Continuing Professional Development team online at www.cobweb.city.ac.uk.
COBWEB uses state of the art information and communication technologies to bring together training providers and change agents with creative industries people that want advice and guidance on how to grow their businesses.
COBWEB is quick, confidential and relevant; and provides a convenient gateway to:
* a database of relevant, individually rated internet sites
* training, career and business development advice
* networking facilities for peer sharing, discussion and information exchange
* discussion forum for information and services exchange
* e-learning opportunities
* opportunities to develop an online/internet presence.
Users of COBWEB can receive a fortnightly online newsletter: COBWEB Express. The newsletter highlights high level news items from the sector and providers, as well as signposting events in London and interesting web links. To receive the newsletter, log on to www.cobweb.city.ac.uk.
COBWEB's "Adviser" system is now live. If you are a small business working in the creative industries and would like some online advice on business development, log on to COBWEB and test out the Adviser. It will give you your own personal report to print off, as well as point you to a list of hot-linked web sites which are of relevance to you.
COBWEB's first online conferences have just finished - link in to the speeches and comments from the home page and find out what COBWEB users think about "Continuing Professional Development in the Arts", "Are Creative Industries Businesses Different?", and "The Migration of Creative Industries SMEs".
More information on COBWEB is available via the site, or contact lynn_blackadder@msn.com.
Lynn Blackadder
