MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
In our latest Develop Awards partner spotlight we speak to NSBI business development executive for gaming and interactive media Stephen Hilchey about the organisation, its work and its message to this year’s finalists.
NSBI has signed up to support this year’s Develop Awards as Event Partner. The event will take place on July 10th.
Company/organisation name: Nova Scotia Business Inc. (Nova Scotia, Canada)
Website: www.novascotiabusiness.com
Could you introduce your company to our readers who might not know your role or goals?
Nova Scotia Business Inc. is Nova Scotia’s business development agency. Five years ago, we identified the game development sector as a key opportunity for Nova Scotia and now we are home to a thriving base of local companies in the digital media sector – HB Studios, Fourth Monkey Media, Silverback Productions, and many more.
Just recently, we attracted Frontier Developments to our province, the studio behind titles like Kinectimals and LostWinds. They selected Nova Scotia for its first North American location.
We work closely with companies that decide to choose to locate in Nova Scotia. From our client-centric approach, to fostering relationships between industry and academia, supporting companies with financing and programs to explore new markets, Nova Scotia Business Inc. has been and continues to be instrumental in growing the sector.
What distinguishes your company from similar outfits? In other words, what’s unique about your organisation?
We are unique in that we are a private-led government agency with a president and CEO as well as a governing board. We have a team of labour strategists on hand that works closely with provincial departments like the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration.
The Nova Scotia Office of Immigration is also active in recruiting and they attend international recruitment events focused on the digital gaming sector.
In addition to attracting people to the province, Immigrant Settlement and Integration Services (ISIS) is the province’s leading community organisation that welcomes immigrants once they arrive in Nova Scotia. ISIS offers services and creates opportunities to help immigrants to participate fully in Canadian life.
What excites and/or encourages you about the game industry today?
It’s an exciting time to be in Nova Scotia. The industry in the province is growing in diversity and a lot of the game development skills are being applied in other industries across the province.
A recent study by Nordicity (2013) says that the majority of interactive media firms in Nova Scotia are generating revenue by developing products and services in education, training, simulation and gaming, with most work being done on proprietary platforms, mobile platforms or web-based platforms.
Do you have a message for the Develop Awards finalists?
We welcome you to discover Nova Scotia for yourself! Request a tailored information package and see how Nova Scotia can fit into your business growth plans. Come for a visit – book your trip to Nova Scotia and we’ll work with you to develop a meaningful itinerary to help you experience Nova Scotia’s business advantages.
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The Develop Awards will take place on July 10th at the Hilton Metropole Hotel in Brighton.
To book a place, contact Kathryn.Humphrey@intentmedia.co.uk or call 01992 535 646.
For sponsorship and partner opportunities contact Alex.Boucher@intentmedia.co.uk or call 01992 535 647.
You can read the the full set of this year’s Develop Awards finalists here.
For more information, visit the official Develop Awards website.
