WIRED Wessex, the regional network which promotes and supports companies working in the fields of new media, has appointed a new chairman.

Frank Colson, founder of MacKenzie Ward Research, a Winchester-based new media company, has taken the appointment and been charged with the task of taking the network on the next important phase of its development. He succeeds the Wired Wessex founding chairman, Michael Blakstad.

Wired Wessex brings together leading-edge business involved in TV, corporate communications, e-commerce, leisure software and web development, as well as companies active in broadcast and communication technologies.

The Wessex region is a hotbed for this sector and Wired Wessex aims to foster this important industry cluster, ensuring it grows at a healthy pace and providing a forum for collaboration between member companies, encouraging strategic partnerships and promoting new technology.

Says Mr Colson: "This appointment is very exciting for me. I am looking forward to taking this important service the next step. We already have a number of exciting landmark developments in the pipeline to improve and enhance the services we offer our members.

"In particular I would like to develop the network as a facilitator for companies to be able to synergise and work hand-in-hand to achieve success. Success breeds success and the region can then only go from strength to strength."