Wired Sussex launches the Brighton E-learning Alliance (BELA)

A number of the UK’s leading e-learning companies, based in Brighton and Hove, have joined forces with Wired Sussex to form the Brighton E-Learning Alliance (BELA) to promote the city as the European centre of excellence for e-learning.

Recent research, carried out by Wired Sussex and Brighton & Hove City Council, demonstrates that Brighton and Hove hosts an internationally significant e-learning cluster. The survey revealed that e-learning companies based in the city account for 10% of the UK market share, which is equivalent to London.

Emily Aitken, Executive Director of Wired Sussex, a business development agency for local companies working in the digital, media and technology sectors, commented: 'The city has an excellent track record in e-learning, and local companies have won a number of awards for their work with government and corporate clients. The e-learning development industry is worth more than £50 million per year to Brighton and Hove, and by promoting the city as an e-learning centre of excellence, we hope to build on this success in the future.'

As well as client lists that include star-studded arrays of blue chip and governmental organisations such as NHS, Royal Mail, Bupa and BBC, Brighton companies have won a number of awards including interactive Baftas, BIMAs and WOLCEs demonstrating the quality of the work being produced.

With a strong freelance network, excellent skills base and a mature supply chain, Brighton and Hove has the infrastructure and capacity that delivers high quality innovative e-learning content.

This progress, however, could be hampered by the various challenges facing the e-learning industry as a whole. According to the survey, more than 47% of companies believe overseas competition is the biggest challenge to the industry followed by the lack of understanding about e-learning and standards development. The ongoing recruitment of skilled staff is also considered a threat, which requires immediate attention.

To help local companies overcome these challenges, and improve the UK’s standing in the international e-learning market, Wired Sussex has set up BELA. The founding members include senior level representatives from Academy Internet, Brightwave, Cognitive Applications, Digitalbrain Plc, Epic Plc, Futuremedia Plc, Imparo, KnowledgePool eLearning and Worth Media.

BELA will help improve the conditions for further growth and innovation in the industry and connect people to knowledge through better training and skills development. It will also help Sussex-based companies maintain the current skills infrastructure by developing e-learning training programmes in partnership with Brighton and Sussex Universities.

Brighton and Hove e-learning Research
Funding Opportunities
Useful Resources
BELA Members