As film sales company trade assocation Film Export UK celebrates its first birthday, there are a number of initiatives to celebrate.

Chairman Ralph Kamp notes: 'We have just had the go-ahead from Skillset for a placement scheme for new entrants which will deliver £100,000 worth of training directly to the sales sector.' That scheme was developed jointly with Film London and will match aspiring workers in the sales sector with companies wanting to develop new talent.

Film Export UK is also contributing to Screen South and Skillset's Cine Euro Co-Production Training Programme.

The group has also been selected to participate in the new $1m Digital Innovation in Film partnership between NESTA and the UK Film Council.

Film Export UK has also been recognised with Accredited Trade Organisation status by UK Trade & Investment. Kamp added: 'This is a further confirmation of their confidence in our ability to make a difference to companies taking UK films to market.'

Film Export has 31 member companies, ranging from smaller outfits like Omega Entertainment and Carnaby International to larger outfits such as Pathe, Focus and IM Global.

Topics