WORKING as an IT consultant has its advantages, as it means I often get to see the latest, jaw-dropping software products before most other people.

AN audio and video production studio set up in the North East by a former BBC radio producer is celebrating one of the biggest contract wins in its short history - just weeks after being named as a finalist in a prestigious international competition.

STAR Wars fans around the world will soon have their hands on the work of an up-and-coming North East design agency.

A NEW social network for individuals and companies working in the North East's new media and gaming sectors has been launched.

A LEADING animation studio has moved to Newcastle following seven years based in Hartlepool.

AS LONG-TIME readers of the Tech Notes column know, I`ve been lucky enough to represent North East England at the world famous TED conference since 2006.

A NEWCASTLE creative agency has added an experienced member to its interactive department.

THINKING DIGITAL, the UK's answer to American-based 'technology and ideas conferences' such as TED and Pop!Tech, has announced it will return on 14 and 15 May 2009 following a hugely successful inaugural event last May.

AN award-winning cameraman best known for his work on BBC's Ground Force is bringing Hollywood-style filmmaking to production and corporate film companies in the North East.

A TEESSIDE marketing agency has been short-listed for a record-breaking number of awards in the prestigious Pride Awards, which recognise the best in the public relations industry.

A NORTH East online software specialist has agreed a partnership deal with another local firm as it begins a planned expansion throughout the UK and Ireland.

A SOFTWARE company is establishing offices in North America a year after being bought out by its senior management.

DIGITAL technology businesses from across the North East are being urged to enter one of the most prestigious awards competitions in the industry.

The Deloitte Fast 50 Technology awards, which recognise and rank technology companies with exceptional growth and turnover in the past five years, are now open for entries from companies in the region and throughout the UK.

Companies in the region will be looking to emulate the performance of Codeworks Connect member TH_NK, which was ranked an impressive fourth in last year's league.

David Halstead, Deloitte technology partner and chairman of the Fast 50, said: "The Fast 50 is an ideal way to showcase the success of your business, and we look forward to seing entries from across the country in all areas of technology, from internet specialists to life sciences, computers to semiconductors, software to telecommunications."

Brand technology company TH_NK, which was set up six years ago by entrepreneur Tarek Nseir, was the highest ranked North East business in the 2007 Fast 50 awards, and was featured in the Financial Times, along with several other publications.

Carri Cunliffe, head of sector development at Codeworks, said: "I would love to see more Codeworks Connect members entering this year's Fast 50 awards. The outstanding performance of brand technology company TH_NK shows what's possible for businesses in our region, and also the tremendous PR value of being listed in the league table."

For full details and an entry form go to www.fast50.co.uk