European accolade for digital trade body ScotlandIS

ScotlandIS, the digital technologies trade body, has become the first organisation in Scotland to be accredited by a European scheme for 'cluster' excellence.

ScotlandIS chief Polly Purvis now has silver and gold in her sights. Picture: Chris Watt

The European Cluster Excellence Initiative (ECEI), launched by the European Commission in 2009, has given a bronze label to ScotlandIS, which is now the only creative industries body in the UK to hold this ranking. Previous holders include Creative England and Gateshead-based Design Network North.

Only three comparable organisations – in Belgium, Germany and Malta – are ranked as silver, while four trade bodies in Denmark, France, Germany and Greece hold gold labels.

ECEI rankings are allocated following an in-depth interview with management at each cluster and take account of factors such as management and the governance, financing and the range of services provided.

ScotlandIS chief executive Polly Purvis said: “Strong clusters promote economic growth, leveraging innovation and business potential to generate new employment opportunities, new products and services, new companies, new R&D activities and new patents.

“With the increasing importance of digital technologies to Scotland’s economy, it is essential that we at ScotlandIS continue to deliver the best service to our members. With this in mind, we have a goal of attaining the silver and gold level accreditation in due course.”