It is an exciting time for the northwest's digital and creative industries, according to a spokesman for the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).

Iain Bennett, sector leader for the digital and creative sector, told the Liverpool Daily Post that this sector is "pivotal" to the region's knowledge economy, employing one-tenth of its workforce.

He said the BBC's decision to relocate several departments to Salford Quays by 2011 has "captured the imagination" of creative business leaders across the world.

It has also "catalysed" efforts in the region to establish the northwest as "one of the world's most innovative production centres for digital entertainment and new media".

This summer, the NWDA will launch the Northwest Digital and Creative Industries - Sector Strategy and Action Plan.

Its main aim is to attract skills and investment from overseas in order to grow regional output by £1 billion a year by 2015.

This November, Manchester will host Media Festival, bringing together the leading lights in the film, music, gaming, television and digital industries.

On the advisory board are BBC Three controller Danny Cohen and Brian Greasley, managing director of Salford's Mediacity:uk.