A web design company is using its new media expertise to put some of
the Royal Shakespeare Company's (RSC) oldest and most treasured possessions online.
Lewes-based bn2web was selected to create a web site with a digital databank of the best items from the archives and collections of the RSC and the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
It is hoped the site, funded by the National Lottery's New Opportunities Fund, will increase public understanding of Shakespeare and encourage online learning.
bn2web was formed two-and-a-half years ago by Eric Clack who had previously worked for a London web agency.
Its technical director Martin Wilson, who joined a year ago, said it was cheaper to build a business in Sussex but still possible to do business in London.
The company specialises in managing the technical issues behind web site design and joins up with graphic design companies where necessary.
Brighton-based Wild Dog will be helping design the site for the RSC.
Mr Wilson said the collaborations with other companies had helped bn2web build its business.
He said: "A mistake many companies make is to offer everything from the back-end technology to the graphic design.
"We treat graphic design companies as collaborators, not competitors, which means everyone ends up doing what they do best."
There were many advantages to doing business in Sussex compared to London.
He said: "The business environment here is more relaxed and friendly but also very professional."
There was a strong sense of community in Brighton and Hove, which helped companies to forge partnerships.
Mr Wilson said: "I am not convinced our collaborative model would have worked as well in London because companies there compete rather than collaborate.
"But there's more of a community feeling here and it feels pretty creative."
The company has four full-time staff but plans to expand as it moves towards bigger projects.
Mr Wilson said: "Smaller projects are our bread and butter but we hope the project with the RSC shows small, talented teams are the way forward, even for larger projects."
Mr Wilson said a limited knowledge of Shakespeare hadn't stopped bn2web clinching the deal.
He said: "My knowledge is limited to studying Romeo and Juliet at school.
"At our first meeting with the RSC, we considered turning up in Shakespearean costume but in the end went for something more conventional."
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