Partners go off to Cannes for a blethr

ENTREPRENEURS David Sim and Geoff Wilcock have swapped the sleepy Moray town of Forres for the bright lights of the Cannes film festival to launch a new piece of software.

Their "Blethr" product is designed to help conference, event and festival organisers to promote their gatherings on social networking websites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, including via mobile phones.

Sim says: "Cannes is a huge event and, as well as providing a stunning backdrop in which to launch Blethr, it provides an opportunity for us to meet event organisers from around the world. During our time in Cannes, we will be Blethr-ing one or two conversations with important people in the film industry, demonstrating just how useful this application will be for events of all sizes around the world."

The pair have meetings lined up with companies from Malta, France, the Middle East and Ireland. Back in 2005, Sim and Wilcock launched MovieSite, a film marketing service that they said has been popular, at Cannes.

But the software tycoons aren't the only ones hoping that a bit of celluloid magic will rub off on their business.

Glasgow Science Centre has enlisted the help of big screen stars Wallace and Gromit to launch a roadshow, which will be touring firms in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Lanarkshire in the weeks ahead.

The events are designed to showcase the centre's services for businesses, which include sessions on strategic thinking, resource – and time-management and "cross-team communications".

Oscar winners Wallace and Gromit are starring in a new exhibition at the centre and will be used to promote innovation inside businesses.

Science centre corporate events manager Judy Rae says: "Being innovative and creative within business is a must and our new programme of events is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to align themselves with a fun and iconic brand which epitomises these qualities."