Such has been the success of Wired Wessex, the network for companies operating in new media and screen-based media markets, that the organisation has appointed its first board of directors.

It follows the appointment of Jeremy Gould as first executive manager and transforms the network into a limited company.

The appointment of the board and transfer to company status is a major milestone in the growth of Wired Wessex. The service has been enormously successful to date and is now ready to expand its services and membership in a major way,"" said Mr Gould.

It stages its southern media careers day at Southampton Guildhall on Wednesday, providing information on careers in television, film, video, radio, multi-media and print journalism.

The new board of directors comprises: David Barlett, business Link Wessex; David Stewart, DVA; John ReesEvans, Hampshire County Council; John Chasey, IO Productions; Professor Christopher Turner, King Alfred"s College of Higher Education; Mary McAnally, Meridian Broadcasting Limited; Stephen Davis, Southampton Enterprise Hub; Michael Blakstad and Anne Dixon of Workhouse.

Wired Wessex boasts a membership of more than 230 leading edge technology businesses through-out Hampshire, Dorset, and the Isle of Wight, including the Daily Echo's associated Southern Digital Media, which runs the This Is Hampshire website at www.thisishampshire.net.

Wired Wessex can be accessed at: www.wiredwessex.com and is financed by the European Social Fund, Business Link Wessex, GOSE, Hampshire County Council, King Alfred"s College, Meridian Broadcasting, SEEDA and Southampton City Council.