The inspiring success stories of eight Midlands businesses have been spotlighted in a new video to show how Advantage West Midlands is delivering on its vision.

Managers from companies such as SecureBox, The Character Shop and SenSelect speak frankly in the ten minute production about the valuable support they have received through the scheme which has provided the Midlands with new hope for the future.

Produced by Midlands based iceni Productions Ltd, the short documentary creates an inspirational overview of what Advantage West Midlands has achieved in the area, both in raising its business profile and in creating a greater sense of pride for those living and working within it.

Andi Jepson, managing director at iceni, said: “The thought-provoking selection of interviews provide proof that stories of one man bands becoming global enterprises are no longer the stuff of dreams and that re-locating to the heart of the country can provide an economically viable alternative to setting up in London.

“It is poignant that Advantage West Midlands chose a local company to promote the area and I hope our genuine interest in the success of the project, and our empathy with fellow Midlands business-people, comes across in the video’s production.”

Through focusing support, funds and expert advice on new businesses the video shows how Advantage West Midlands is helping transform the region’s economy by returning its reputation as a front-runner in innovation, creativity and industry. Now high technology companies and dynamic manufacturing enterprises can be found side by side within the equally diverse settings of buzzing cities and beautiful shires.

The video was first shown at Advantage West Midlands’ annual conference on October 20, 2005 at Ricoh Arena in Coventry, which provides AWM with a platform to show exactly what they have achieved over the last twelve months and look forward to their goals for the next year.

Neil Skitt, head of PR at Advantage West Midlands said: “About 800 delegates attended the event with representatives covering the private, public and voluntary sectors and everyone was hugely impressed with the content of the video.

“The production team at iceni really understood the brief we gave them and they captured the essence of our message, showing the extent to which AWM supports business, in a clear, concise and interesting way.

“It’s one thing for us to tell people what a difference we are making to the region’s businesses, but it is another for the businesses themselves to provide anecdotal evidence.

“In fact, the response to the video was so positive that we intend to keep using it throughout the year as a marketing tool, to give other businesses an idea of how their own aspirations could be realised through a partnership with AWM.”

Mr Jepson added: “The innovative companies highlighted in the video provide an insight into the far reaching projects AWM are involved in.

“From revolutionary fingerprint and mobile phone technology to film archives and special effects animation, the video shows how partnerships with AWM have provided invaluable contacts, advice and grants that have turned people’s visions into reality.

“The people involved were incredibly engaging and the interviews were an absolute pleasure to do.

“I’m really pleased the feedback has been so positive and I hope the video continues to drive this exciting and essential project forward.”

Ends.

For more information contact Andi Jepson on 01283 792 990 or visit iceni a UK video production and DVD design company