BIMA – the British Interactive Media Association – is a UK-wide organisation representing the digital sector, and it’s ramping up its Northern activity.

Ian Finch of Liverpool agency Mando is on BIMA’s national board, and is focused on developing a North West member community. The organisation is already well established in Chester and Liverpool, but he believes there’s scope for it to expand more broadly across the region, starting with Manchester.

“We want to build on the success of BIMA elsewhere, to help North West England,” says Finch. The organisation offers member-only networking and events opportunities. For example, at ‘Directors Dinners,’ senior executives share their perspectives on industry issues and develop relationships. These relationships can have real benefits, like aiding with recruitment or establishing inter-agency rates.

BIMA also engages with the wider community. Member agencies visit schools and universities to increase awareness of the digital sector. The organisation also supports drives for great diversity in the sector. To this end, it’s been working with Liverpool Girl Geeks and Innovators Hub in Liverpool.

Recent events have included a Liverpool Directors Dinner, a Project Manager Practise Community launch event, and an AR/VR get-together.

Upcoming events include:

May:

• 18 May: Inbound Marketing event, Chester
• 23 May: Directors Dinner, Manchester

June:

Dates TBA – contact Louise Finch at louisefinch@bima.co.uk for more details.

• Finance Practise Community kick-off with a roundtable with Forrest Brown
• Client Services Breakfast Briefing, Manchester @Amaze
• BIMA Northwest Summer Party – Friday 30th June, 5.30 to late

July:

• 12 July: Director’s Dinner , Liverpool

Most events are open to non-members. Some, such as ‘think tanks’ that share valuable insights, and niche communities around roles like project management & client services, will require a membership.