Digital Mission Blog

Digital Mission The Digital Mission series is run by Chinwag to support UK-based digital companies expand into new markets and attract overseas investment.

Traveling to Washington for the Digital Mission? You Need ESTA

ESTA Logo

Next week some of the UK's leading digital firms will be making their way DC for the Digital Mission to Washington. 

The week takes in a heap of activities designed to bring companies up-to-speed on the US market, make heaps of introductions and build their international profile.

For those taking part in the Digital Mission, and anyone travelling to the US from the UK, the forms for immigration have changed and it's now obligatory to complete the snappily titled Electronic System for Travel Authorization for (or thankfully, ESTA form).

You will not be allowed into the USA without having completed one. ESTA is designed to determine your eligibility to enter the USA before you travel. The US Customs & Border Protection website explains that:

"ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program. The ESTA application collects the same information collected on Form I-94W"

Further information and FAQs can be found here: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/

We would recommend that, if you haven't already, you apply for your ESTA as soon as possible, you can do it really easily online here: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html

Topic:
5 July 2011 by Francesca Heath

Digital Missions: The Story So Far, Future Plans, New Initiatives

Digital Mission Bus

A little over three years ago, preparations for the very first Digital Mission to New York were just starting. A lot's happened since then, so what better time to reflect on the past, and ponder the future?

In this post (sorry it's quite long), we're reflecting on the story so far, looking at the future, how the missions are funded and the work to make them sustainable in the long-term, our plans for the next Digital Missions and three exciting new initiatives, plus how to get involved.

Read on, and do comment, we'd love your feedback.

== Digital Mission: The Story So Far...
Starting on a process for the first time with less than 12 weeks to spare, it looked like a daunting proposition: take 25 small UK digital firms to New York for a week's worth of events covering investment, industry, government, the startup scene to discover the challenges and opportunities of expanding their businesses across the pond.
Despite some spectacularly inauspicious timing - the first day of our trip coincided with the collapse of Lehman Brothers, welcome to New York everyone! - it proved successful and several of the firms involved have gone on to start US operations, gain investment and take on new staff.
Now, three years and seven Digital Missions later, over 140 companies have taken part in a Digital Mission and when we asked them how they'd fared, the stats show a sector growing rapidly, with global ambitions for the future - a good thing too, in the current economic climate. 
Of the Digital Mission companies responding (so far):
* 8 companies raised over $18 million investment
* 19 awards won and 7 award nominations received
* 12 companies have hired or are hiring new full-time staff
* 25 companies have told us they've received investment
== Digital Mission: The Future
You might be asking, as are we, what does the future hold? Good question! We surveyed the industry to find out which destinations UK digital firms were considering for their expansion plans.
We'll publish the results in full, but it won't surprise you to find the US market was by far the most popular. If the East and West coasts were considered as individual countries, they were still more than twice as popular as the next contender. In order of popularity, the destinations were:
  1. USA
  2. Australia
  3. France
  4. Germany
  5. India
  6. China
  7. Singapore (need to confirm the order of these)
These results have been taken into account when putting together the potential destinations for the next series. Whilst the US features prominently, the process of building connections with the East is critical if the UK's digital sector is going to remain healthy. In the future, we'll be looking to balance visits to new markets with the feasibility of successfully expanding a UK business there.
For that reason, a potential Digital Mission to Singapore (and possibly Hong Kong) is high on our priority list for the next few months. South East Asia and China represent a complex market, very different from our own and whilst the opportunity is enormous, so are the challenges. The best way to face these is by engaging both virtually and on a face-to-face level. An area where activities like Digital Missions come in to their own.
== The next Digital Missions
Our aim is to put together a series of Digital Missions through the Autumn and early 2012, building on previous trips and extending the opportunities for UK firms into new markets, particularly looking East. Don't forget to read the caveat!
In addition to the Digital Mission to Washington, DC (11-15th July), focusing on digital government, we're also planning:
Digital Mission to LA/San Francisco (Autumn 2011) - digital design, creative, content, animation, games
Digital Mission to New York (Nov 2011) - digital media, advertising, content, apps, mobile
Digital Mission to Singapore (Autumn 2011) - all digital sectors
Digital Mission to SXSW Interactive (March 2012) - all digital sectors
If you're interested in attending any of the above Digital Missions, please let us know:
// Register your interest in Digital Mission Autumn Series 
<link to get involved here>
*CAVEAT*
In an ideal world, we'll be able to run all these missions, but sadly this really isn't an ideal world. A successful trip is dependent on timing, funding, partners and many other factors.
We'd love to have your input and expressions of interest, they're a crucial part in developing and improving the trips as well as helping us figure out the feasibility of adding new destinations.
== Funding the Digital Missions
If there's one thing that keeps us up at night, it's the challenge of making the programme sustainable, well that, and whether British Airways or Virgin will call a strike when everyone is flying out. 
Becoming sustainable and maintaining the incredible value for money is definitely a challenge.  Our aim is to make the trips incredible value for money. If you've taken part, you'll know that the cost of attending (usually between £500 and £850) represents a fraction of the cost in putting everything together.
The rest of the funding comes both through government, primarily, UK Trade & Investment, the agency responsible for promoting UK trade internationally and attracting investment into the UK. The in-kind support and sponsorship from commercial partners enhances the trips and adds on events and connections that add significant value to the trips.
As everyone knows, there's heavy pressure on public funding and it's likely that the cost for SMEs taking part in the Digital Missions will rise. Hopefully the government will continue to support initiatives like the Digital Missions and it'll be possible to more than match the shortfall through private sector support.
If you'd like to find out more about sponsoring a Digital Mission, hosting events at your offices inside or outside the UK, or have any other queries, do drop us a line.
== Getting Involved
The ingredients that make the missions possible is the companies, the sponsors and the mission supporters. Without these the recipe just wouldn't work.
If you want to get involved in future missions, please fill out our Expression of Interest questionnaire, follow @digitalmission on Twitter or sign-up for the free, Digital Mission email newsletter.
For sponsors, there are many ways to get involved with the missions from supporting the entire series, through to hosting events during a particular trip. As well as the benefits of engaging as a brand, and developing strong relationships with leading entrepreneurs, there are opportunities to develop market knowledge and support staff development. Drop us a line (missionatchinwag [dot] com) for more info.
== Announcing Three New Initiatives
After ruminating on the results of our surveys and the general change in the economic environment, we're announcing two important new initiatives to the Digital Missions. We'll cover these in more detail in the future, but here's a run-down:
Digital Mission Board - drawn from experts across industry, both in the UK and overseas, we'll be forming an advisory board to drive the success and sustainability of the programme.
Digital Mission Observer Programme - the missions are aimed squarely at UK-based digital SMEs, this programme provides an opportunity for larger corporates, NGOs, government agencies and academics to take part and benefit from the interaction with leading industry figures and the mission programme.
Chinwag Mini-Missions - building on our experience of overseas groups heading to digital events, we're planning to run a series of group trips to the top digital conferences outside the UK. The first event will be announced shortly, so keep your eyes peeled and join your fellow digital professionals on a trip to some of the leading conferences.
== With Thanks To
The Digital Mission series was originally developed for UKTI, based loosely on their trade missions in other sectors. Our belief was always that the digital sector has embraced a more open and collaborative style of working, which we aim to reflect in the way the Digital Missions are organised. Over the years we've worked with UKTI teams all over the world, without whom much of what's been achieved wouldn't be possible. Our peers at Webmission helped inspire us and with their brilliant trips to Silicon Valley set a great benchmark. 
== Don't Forget
If you're interested in attending any of the Digital Missions mentioned, please let us know:
// Register your interest in Digital Mission Autumn Series 
<link to get involved here>
or if you need any further information, feel free to email missionatchinwag [dot] com or call +44 (0)20 7183 2923.
N.B. If you run alternative trade missions, do drop us a line. Where possible, we're happy to promote other international trips to our audience. Our belief is that these links are critical to building the long-term future of the UK's digital sector.

Digital Mission: The Story So Far...

Starting on a process for the first time with less than 12 weeks to spare, it looked like a daunting proposition: take 25 small UK digital firms to New York for a week's worth of events covering investment, industry, government, the startup scene to discover the challenges and opportunities of expanding their businesses across the pond.

Despite some spectacularly inauspicious timing - the first day of our trip coincided with the collapse of Lehman Brothers, welcome to New York everyone! - it proved successful and several of the firms involved have gone on to start US operations, gain investment and take on new staff.

Now, three years and seven Digital Missions later, over 140 companies have taken part in a Digital Mission and when we asked them how they'd fared, the stats show a sector growing rapidly, with global ambitions for the future - a good thing too, in the current economic climate. 

Of the Digital Mission companies responding (so far):

  • 8 companies raised over $18 million investment
  • 19 awards won and 7 award nominations received
  • 12 companies have hired or are hiring new full-time staff
  • 25 companies have told us they've received investment

Digital Mission: The Future

You might be asking, as are we, what does the future hold? Good question! We surveyed the industry to find out which destinations UK digital firms were considering for their expansion plans.

We'll publish the results in full, but it won't surprise you to find the US market was by far the most popular. If the East and West coasts were considered as individual countries, they were still more than twice as popular as the next contender. In order of popularity, the destinations were:

  1. USA
  2. Australia
  3. France
  4. Germany
  5. China
  6. India
  7. Singapore

These results have been taken into account when putting together the potential destinations for the next series. Whilst the US features prominently, the process of building connections with the East is critical if the UK's digital sector is going to remain healthy. In the future, we'll be looking to balance visits to new markets with the feasibility of successfully expanding a UK business there.

For that reason, a potential Digital Mission to Singapore (and possibly Hong Kong) is high on our priority list for the next few months. South East Asia and China represent a complex market, very different from our own and whilst the opportunity is enormous, so are the challenges. The best way to face these is by engaging both virtually and on a face-to-face level, where activities like the Digital Missions come in to their own.

The next Digital Missions

Our aim is to put together a series of Digital Missions through the Autumn and early 2012, building on previous trips and extending the opportunities for UK firms into new markets, particularly looking East. Don't forget to read the caveat!

In addition to the Digital Mission to Washington, DC (11-15th July), focusing on digital government, we're also planning:

  • Digital Mission to LA/San Francisco (Autumn 2011) - digital design, creative, content, animation, games
  • Digital Mission to New York (Nov 2011) - digital media, advertising, content, apps, mobile
  • Digital Mission to Singapore (Autumn 2011) - all digital sectors
  • Digital Mission to SXSW Interactive (March 2012) - all digital sectors

If you're interested in attending any of the above Digital Missions, please let us know:

// Register your interest in Digital Mission Autumn Series 

*CAVEAT*

In an ideal world, we'll be able to run all these missions, but sadly this really isn't an ideal world. A successful trip is dependent on timing, funding, partners and many other factors.

We'd love to have your input and expressions of interest, they're a crucial part in developing and improving the trips as well as helping us figure out the feasibility of adding new destinations.

Funding the Digital Missions

If there's one thing that keeps us up at night, it's the challenge of making the programme sustainable, well that, and whether British Airways or Virgin will call a strike when everyone is flying out. 

Becoming sustainable and maintaining the incredible value for money is definitely a challenge.  Our aim is to make the trips incredible value for money. If you've taken part, you'll know that the cost of attending (usually between £500 and £850) represents a fraction of the cost in putting everything together.

The rest of the funding comes both through government, primarily, UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), the agency responsible for promoting UK trade internationally and attracting investment into the UK. The in-kind support and sponsorship from commercial partners enhances the trips and adds on events and connections that add significant value to the trips.

As everyone knows, there's heavy pressure on public funding and it's likely that the cost for SMEs taking part in the Digital Missions will rise. Hopefully the government will continue to support initiatives like the Digital Missions and it'll be possible to more than match the shortfall through private sector support.

If you'd like to find out more about sponsoring a Digital Mission, hosting events at your offices inside or outside the UK, or have any other queries, do missionatchinwag [dot] com (drop us a line).

Getting Involved

The ingredients that make the missions possible is the companies, the sponsors and the mission supporters. Without these the recipe just wouldn't work.

If you want to get involved in future missions, please fill out our Expression of Interest questionnaire, follow @digitalmission on Twitter or sign-up for the free, Digital Mission email newsletter.

For sponsors, there are many ways to get involved with the missions from supporting the entire series, through to hosting events during a particular trip. As well as the benefits of engaging as a brand, and developing strong relationships with leading entrepreneurs, there are opportunities to develop market knowledge and support staff development.

Drop us a line (missionatchinwag [dot] com) for more info.

Announcing Three New Initiatives

After ruminating on the results of our surveys and the general change in the economic environment, we're announcing two important new initiatives to the Digital Missions. We'll cover these in more detail in the future, but here's a run-down:

  • Digital Mission Observer Programme - the missions are aimed squarely at UK-based digital SMEs, this programme provides an opportunity for larger corporates, NGOs, government agencies and academics to take part and benefit from the interaction with leading industry figures and the mission programme.
  • Chinwag Mini-Missions - building on our experience of overseas groups heading to digital events, we're planning to run a series of group trips to the top digital conferences outside the UK. The first event will be announced shortly, so keep your eyes peeled and join your fellow digital professionals on a trip to some of the leading conferences.
  • Digital Mission Board - drawn from experts across industry, both in the UK and overseas, we'll be forming an advisory board to drive the success and sustainability of the programme.

With Thanks To

The Digital Mission series was originally developed for UKTI, based loosely on their trade missions in other sectors. Our belief was always that the digital sector has embraced a more open and collaborative style of working, which we aim to reflect in the way the Digital Missions are organised.

Over the years we've worked with UKTI teams all over the world, without whom much of what's been achieved wouldn't be possible. Our peers at Webmission helped inspire us and with their brilliant trips to Silicon Valley set a great benchmark. 

Don't Forget

If you're interested in attending any of the Digital Missions mentioned, please let us know:

// Register your interest in Digital Mission Autumn Series 

or if you need any further information, feel free to email missionatchinwag [dot] com or call +44 (0)20 7183 2923.

N.B. If you run alternative trade missions, do drop us a line. Where possible, we're happy to promote other international trips to our audience. Our belief is that these links are critical to building the long-term future of the UK's digital sector.

Photo (cc) Darcie Tanner.

4 July 2011 by Sam Michel

VIP Showcase Completes Packed Digital Mission to Washington, DC

VIP by Gerard Girbes

The companies joining the Digital Mission to Washington are gearing themselves up for a packed week in and around the US capital meeting with numerous federal agencies, major corporates and a host of movers'n'shakers in DC.

We're delighted to announce a VIP Digital Mission Company Showcase (Mon 11th July - RSVP here) to close the first night of the mission. It follows a highly successful event organised by UKTI to promote TechCity a few weeks earlier. 

Working closely with FutureGov, UK Trade & Investment, Fairfax County EDA and Deloitte, the guest list will feature senior staff from across DC including speakers from sessions later in the week and key influencers in this sector from government and industry.

After the official presentations and introductions there will be a spot of speed networking with some of DC’s leading digital agencies and government officials continued with a casual networking session, with a chance to relax with a beer and carry on the all-important conversations.

UK Trade & Investment
Deloitte

The reception, kindly supported by UK Trade and Investment and hosted by Deloitte will see some of the most influential bodies from across government and the digital sector gathering to hear high-speed pitches from the Digital Mission companies, followed by the chance to meet and find out more from some of the UK's leading companies working in digital government, open data and social innovation.

Where/When?

Venue: Deloitte, 1919 N Lynn St, Arlington, VA, 22209 (map) 
Time: 5pm for a 5.30pm start

Register

It would be great to celebrate the start of the mission with you and we'd love for you to come along to the event.                   

You can RSVP on the event page but don’t hang around, spaces are limited and they are going quick!

Photo (cc) Gerard Girbes.

4 July 2011 by Francesca Heath

OpenAir Summer Announced, Rooftop Networking Session To Close Digital Mission to DC

OpenAir Summer, a night of networking, engaging conversations, cocktails and a rooftop sunset, what more could you want from an evening?

The event, taking place at 6pm on Thursday14th July, fits nicely with the end of the Digital Mission to Washington and is being organised by Tech and Innovation advisor Justin Herman and Director of FutureGov Dominic Campbell. 

OpenAir Summer, is the first OpenAir DC event to celebrate international OpenGov and an adventurous summer in DC tech innovation.

Throughout the night attendees will be able to forge new partnerships, hunt for new talent, find out what other innovators are up to, listen to new ideas and make those all important lasting connections all while cooling down on Ozio’s air conditioned rooftop lounge with a complimentary Martini.

It will be a chance to say "Bon Voyage" to the Digital Mission to Washington gang, and hello to a very exciting summer ahead. 

Big thanks to event sponsors, UK Trade and Investment, Rock Creek and Beekeeper Group for helping this event happen.

      

RegisterIf you are in DC on the 14th July, why not come along and enjoy the fun. You will get a chance to mingle with the DC community as well as the Digital Mission companies. You can register for the event here: http://openairdc.eventbrite.com, but you better be quick tickets are going fast! 

For more information on the Digital Mission to Washington, check out:

// Digital Mission to Washington, DC Agenda
// Digital mission to Washington, DC Companies

Topic:
29 June 2011 by Francesca Heath

Digital Mission to Washington, DC 2011 - The Companies Announced

Congratulations to the 10 leading UK digital companies that have been selected for the Digital Mission to Washington, DC 2011.

This trip will see the companies travel out to Washington, DC for a packed five day trip. To find out more about what the companies will be getting up to while over in DC, check out the Digital Mission Activities page.

Each of the companies is listed below, don't hesitate to drop them a line directly to arrange a time to meet up in Washington, or follow their progress via their Twitter accounts below. You can follow the coverage of the mission on Twitter @digitalmission and we've put together a Twitter list (@digitalmission/dc11) for all the companies and speakers taking part.

Digital Mission to Washington, DC 2011 Mission Companies

  • AMEE
  • Anywhere.me
  • CarbonCulture
  • Firmstep
  • Huddle
  • Locality
  • Open Cinema
  • Our Say
  • Public-i Group
  • WebsEdge

    • AMEE

    gavinatamee [dot] com (Gavin Starks) TwitterAMEE
    http://www.amee.com/

    AMEE aggregates and automates access to the world's environmental and energy information, providing trusted, comprehensive and timely answers to millions of environmental questions. Its unique partnerships with world-leading standards providers including the World Resource Institute (WRI), UK Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and Carbon Disclosure Prject (CDP), make AMEE the most comprehensive and advanced web-based solution for greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency, and other environmental data.

    Anywhere.me

    paulatanywhere [dot] me (Paul Quelch)anywhere.me logo Twitter
    http://www.anywhere.me/inc

    Anywhere.me is a free, secure and scalable web publishing platform.Their solutions include personalised startpages, desktop dashboards and web browser toolbars. The software is used by public libraries, universities and government agencies to produce portals and micro-sites which promote services and resources, engage with users and enhance web experiences. In addition to this the products also generate revenue, bringing in thousands of pounds and dollars in new income streams for their partners.

    CarbonCulture

    lukeatmoreassociates [dot] com (Luke Nicholson )Twitter  carbon logo
    http://www.carbonculture.net/

    CarbonCulture is a community platform that helps organisations embed sustainability across their communities to deliver cost and carbon savings. It is designed to deliver efficiency improvements while driving employee satisfaction and brand equity for public and private organisations. CarbonCulture helps energy professionals to make better decisions (saving as much as 20% on the basis of better information), but uniquely it is also built for non-experts: the vast majority of people who could strongly influence energy and carbon efficiency, yet do not have the motivation or knowhow to contribute effectively. CarbonCulture gives them engaging and user-friendly web-based and physical tools to make sustainable behaviours easy, relevant, salient and rewarding for ‘the rest of us’. 

    Firmstep

    bretthusbandsatfirmstep [dot] com (Brett Husbands) Twitter
    https://www.firmstep.com

    Firmstep supply a third of UK Municipal government with e-government software and continue to innovate ways of improving customer service and saving money. Most recently launching (announcement pending) a free hosted CMS for governments to make it easier and less costly to provide better websites and transactions to citizens.

    Huddle

    alastair [dot] mitchellathuddle [dot] com (Alastair Mitchell) Twitter
    http://www.huddle.com

    Huddle is the leader in cloud collaboration and content management for the enterprise and government. Huddle is used by more than 85,000 organisations worldwide to securely manage projects, share files and collaborate with people across the firewall. Huddle is the most widely used cloud service in UK Government with more than 70% of central departments using it and tens of thousands of users in local government, health and affiliated bodies.

    Locality

    sarah [dot] eustaceatlocality [dot] org [dot] uk (Sarah Eustace )Twitter  
    http://locality.org.uk/ 

    The Place Station (TPS), an online dating service for social entrepreneurs, asset owners and professional supporters. TPS is a new initiative from Locality that helps people to freely access available and expert help to kick-start community projects across the UK. Partly developed in response to UK central government's initiative to make public data more open and transparent, TPS comprises a map-based web platform that helps people to find publicly owned land and buildings; share and collaborate innovative social enterprise ideas; campaign to save important local assets and services; and find local and national supporters to help turn their project into reality.

    Open Cinema

    christophatopencinema [dot] net (Christoph Warrack) Twitter    Open cinema logo
    http://www.opencinema.net

    Open Cinema is a network of cinemas for homeless people. Operating since 2005, they enable members to programme seasons of films, meet high-level filmmakers and experts, and make films of their own which are seen at major festivals and on television. The results are increased mental health and skills, and improved access to further training, education and work.

    OurSay

    eyal [dot] halamishatoursay [dot] org (Eyal Halamish) Twitterour say logo
    http://oursay.org

    OurSay is a website where people post, vote and share questions and decision-makers respond to the most popular questions.

    Public-i Group

    Catherine [dot] howeatpublic-i [dot] info (Catherine Howe) Twitter public i logo
    http://www.public-i.info

    Public-i are a research led organisation who build tools and services to help government join the conversations that are happening online. They have a track record of 10 years and deliver reliable and innovative results for clients. Their current focus is on creating online civic spaces which are open, co-productive and democratic but we also work with clients on digital engagement projects. The core product is a content rich webcasting service which makes streaming of formal meeting content open and accessible to the public. 

    WebsEdge

    stephenatwebsedge [dot] com (Stephen Horn) Twitter
    websedgehttp://www.websedge.com

    WebsEdge links issues and audiences through the power of television. For six years now WebsEdge have been developing digital television channels for specific communities in government, education and health. During that time they worked with leading organisations across the globe in areas as diverse as global health, further education and law enforcement. All their channels have high quality content at the heart. For the next generation of channels, WebdEdge are very much focusing on community engagement marrying content with social media and distribution technologies. 

    24 June 2011 by Francesca Heath