COLLABOR8 delegates from Ireland, England, Wales and the Netherlands took part in a transnational exchange meeting and workshop with their Belgium partners between the 12th and 15th October 2009. Partners were joined by representative enterprises to share ideas, knowledge and new insights into developing and supporting cluster working within the creative arts, culture, countryside, recreation, local food and hospitality sectors.
Delegates took part in workshops that spanned subjects including;
- Different ways to develop and support cluster working
- Developing a Code of Practice to strengthen the links between enterprises and set consistent standards of service delivery - (wiith presentation)
- Using the power of networking and exploiting new technology to support on-line networking
- Understanding the use of the internet for marketing
- Sharing a new approach to marketing cycle ways and walking routes
- Understanding market segmentation with a case study
- Developing a strategy for "Destination Management"
- Using "Diagnostic Reviews" as a tool to find out what enterprises need
- Reviewing the baseline survey results of the different approaches and progress made by the partners, supported by a report
Partners and their enterprises also took part in site visits to meet and talk with entrepreneurs to find out how they have joined up to work together and hear about the benefits and the issues that they have had to date.
This exchange visit and workshops is part of an ongoing programme to support and develop cluster working, based on quality of service/products, sustainable development principles, using local distinctiveness or sense of place for marketing and publicity as well as exploiting new technology and the creative industry.
