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The Sharp Project launched a competition in November, giving designers the chance to win a cash prize. The competition, which was open to all those in, or interested in, the digital sector offers creatives the opportunity to design a digital greetings card for the Festive season.

Rose Marley, manager at The Sharp Project commented ‘We thought this would be a great opportunity to offer companies and individuals the opportunity to work to a brief. It’s often hard for interns or junior members of staff to take full creative control on a client brief but it’s such a good experience and process to go through. It fits with the aims of SharpFutures to generate briefs  which can be used to take a risk and show off emerging talent. ‘

Please click here to view the winning entry, by Hogan Burrows at Mocapone

The Sharp Project Christmas Card will be sent out from The Sharp Project in December to their entire database enabling the winning designer’s work to reach hundreds of new regional, national and international contacts and potential future clients in the industry.

Photography by Joel Fildes & Andrew Marshall

The Sharp Project, home to 50 digital and creative companies, launches its Essential Debate series on Thursday 20 October with a debate on the future of intellectual property which is jointly hosted by leading law firm Ward Hadaway.

Experts from the media, music business, film industry and legal sector will take part in Whose Work is it Anyway? a no-holds barred discussion on the issue of intellectual property and the major changes that are on the way.

The Government is looking to overhaul the current system in an effort to unlock an estimated £7.9bn of additional GDP and promote greater innovation and growth in the UK economy.

The proposed changes include the establishment of a digital marketplace where copyright content can be licensed; greater access to so called ‘orphan works’ whose copyright owners cannot be traced; and allowing more lawful copying, such as from a laptop to an MP3 player.

The proposals follow recommendations from an independent report commissioned by the Government and led by Professor Ian Hargreaves, Professor of Journalism at the Centre for Journalism Studies (JOMEC) at Cardiff University and Chair of Digital Economy.

The panel for Whose Work is it Anyway? is chaired by Ward Hadaway partner Laura Harper, law expert and head of the specialist Creative Industries team based at The Sharp Project.

On the panel will be Ben Stoney, Head of Digital at The Mob Film Company; Maria McGeoghan, editor of the Manchester Evening News; Greg Robinson of Connect2Media; Christian Hill, Director of Project:Simply; Music Producer and co-founder of OGenesis Records, Jim Spencer and Music Producer Dave Tolan.

Laura Harper, Partner at law firm Ward Hadaway said: “Intellectual property is at the heart of the creative sector’s success so this issue is something no creative enterprise can afford to ignore. These recommendations will fundamentally change the core aims of intellectual property law and have a significant effect on day-to-day business. We’ve managed to put together a fantastic line-up for this debate, featuring some key players in the sector to discuss whether the proposed way forward is for the better. It promises to be a lively discussion and an event not to be missed.”

Rose Marley, from The Sharp Project said: “We are privileged to have experts Ward Hadaway as tenants and value their insight into with such a topical issue that could affect so many creative businesses. This is just one of a range of events we plan to host, that offer creative companies the opportunity to be informed, ahead of the game and therefore able to deliver best practice in their field.”

Please click here for further information.

Places are limited and registration is essential.  For enquiries and registration email events@thesharpproject.co.uk or call 0161 205 1717.

For more information on The Sharp Project visit www.thesharpproject.co.uk.  For more information on Ward Hadaway’s Creative Industries team visit www.wardhadaway.com.

The Sharp Project in East Manchester, a hub for digital and creative companies, has signed up the first new tenants, for the third and final phase of the 200,000 sq ft digital content complex.

The new companies moving into the ‘Gold’ Phase 3 section of the building include Playface, a sports software and digital media solutions company and Fac365 who provide crew, facilities and equipment for the broadcast industry.

The 30,000 sq ft space, which is located at the heart of the building, has a mezzanine level with light and airy offices and a glazed roof suitable for office or studio use.  In total there are 28 units that range from 500 sq ft through to 1300 sq ft. This phase has a large communal space in the centre, where a cafe will open later this year, creating a social and event space with wireless connectivity so tenants can get together over a coffee and network or hold meetings with clients.

New tenant, Mark Chadwick, Director of Playface said: “The Sharp Project is the ideal location for us.  It’s close to the city centre but also right at the heart of the Eastlands development area and world leading sports facilities.

Mike Hayes, Managing Director of fac365 said: “We chose the Sharp Project for the vibrant atmosphere and sense of community spirit it will bring.”

Sue Woodward, Director for The Sharp Project said: “This part of the building adds to the range of working environments we can offer new tenants and existing ones who want to expand into a larger space. It’s great that we also have companies who started off in shipping containers, and now want to move into bigger units as they grow.  Our vision, to create our own eco-system where start-ups can flourish within a vibrant business community, is becoming a reality, which is fantastic.  The Sharp Project has always been more than just a building and always will be.”

This not-for-profit initiative is led by urban regeneration company, New East Manchester on behalf of site owners Manchester City Council.  Eddie Smith, chief executive of New East Manchester added: “Phase 3 is at the heart of the building and will become an important hub for tenants to meet, network and socialise. With the glass roof, this part of the original building has been completely transformed into a modern, attractive space to work. By providing the right environment, Manchester will remain a key player in this growing sector, bringing jobs and investment to the city.”