Firms go to 'matchmaking' event

A showcase event bringing together technology companies has attracted more than 1,000 delegates.

The gathering at the SECC in Glasgow was designed to bring together people wanting explore business opportunities.

A matchmaking zone, similar to speed dating, brought technology producers and users together.

Scottish Enterprise, which hosted the whole event, said it was a chance for companies to see what opportunities were out there.

Jan Reid, head of enabling technologies at Scottish Enterprise, said: "We know it's a really difficult time for companies just now, we're at the tail-end of a recession and things can look bleak but the areas we've picked for this event, like the health and digital industries, are all showing signs of growth."

A total of 140 companies were exhibiting at the showcase.

The Dunfermline based software company Bitwise sees the showcase as a networking event.

Bitwise employs more than 80 people worldwide and develops software for a number of products including home health testing equipment and chip and pin machines.

Jeff Wright, Bitwise business director, said: "Obviously we're on the look-out for new business relationships and I've already spoken to a couple of companies that might turn into something - it's a case of promoting what we do and looking for new clients and partners and reaquainting with previous contacts."

Muvizu, the Glasgow animation firm saw the event as an opportunity.

All the artwork has been created by the company's artists which means that customers simply choose the set and characters they want and then direct their own film.

The package is free for most consumers, but corporate clients pay and Royal Mail uses it for its inhouse training video.

Vince Ryan, managing director of Muvizu, commented: "It's part of putting ourselves about, just random meetings with people who are interested in us and with whom we can do business with or share technology."