BIMA, the UK’s digital trade body, today announces a strategic partnership with Microsoft to provide the UK’s digital community with market leading creative technologies, new funding initiatives and input on the design and direction of future technologies.

The partnership, effective immediately, will present BIMA members with new opportunities that already have the BIMA team “buzzing with excitement.” Tarek Nseir co-president of BIMA, says, “Microsoft created a vision for how they could engage with BIMA and the benefits of this new initiative are really exciting.”

The partnership is set to deliver a range of engagement initiatives this year, from briefing events and technology roadshows, to access to Microsoft’s experts and wider partner network, and new funding incentives. BIMA members will also have early access to software in development, meaning digital agencies will now have direct influence on how core Microsoft software, including AI and other digitally transformative technologies, are developed.

Through the partnership BIMA members will also have direct access to Microsoft customers outside the industry who may require digital support, allowing them to expand their own network, win new business and boost profits.

BIMA and Microsoft recognise the hugely important contribution that digital agencies provide to the UK’s economy, especially the creative and technology sectors. This partnership will enable Microsoft to connect with those companies at the creative cutting edge, providing market leading technology, education and support from a vendor they know and trust.

Paul Bolt, SMB director at Microsoft, says, “Microsoft has always been a partner-led company and we’re proud to join forces with BIMA and help the UK’s already thriving digital sector get under the hood of disruptive and game changing technology.

This new initiative opens opportunities to build genuine agency partnerships with Microsoft and utilise cloud platforms that offer significant value for the end brands they serve through technologies such as Artificial intelligence, Machine Learning , IoT, Blockchain and Conversational UI. Agencies of all sizes can benefit from our commitment to building platforms that deliver meaningful customer outcomes, with our full support, and drive the digital agenda by having disruptive, creative technology at the heart of their businesses.

I’m sure that this time next year we will be reflecting on a truly transformative partnership, for BIMA, our members and the output of the British digital industry.”          

Natalie Gross, president of BIMA, adds, “Part of BIMA’s vision is to create strategic partnerships with key players who have something to say, something to offer, and the desire and ability to drive Britain’s digital agenda forward. We are delighted to announce that our first partnership is with Microsoft. I know that Microsoft’s commitment to this partnership will bring immediate benefits to BIMA members and will help address many of the key issues faced by our industry.”

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