Talented Nina is ahead of the game

Jan 22 2008 by Gloria McShane, Evening Gazette

A TALENTED North-East boss has been named as a leading player in the UK videogames industry.

Nina Cliff, business development manager of games industry business network Codeworks GameHorizon, pictured, is celebrating her place in the media category of the Courvoisier Future 500.

This is a list of talented individuals in the UK who are expected to play key roles in their respective sectors.

The list has 10 categories - art and design, business, drink, fashion and retail, food, media, public life, science and innovation, sports and entertainment, and travel and leisure.

Nina, 30, a native of Middlesbrough who attended Nunthorpe School, has been vital to the growing success of Sunderland -based Codeworks GameHorizon.

This organisation is the leading business network for UK-based games companies – including developers, publishers, and other service providers.

The network brings together industry professionals and aims to strengthen the position of the UK industry on the global stage.

Nina said: “I was absolutely thrilled to find out that I’ve been recognised by the Courvoisier Future 500.

“The listing also recognises the impact that GameHorizon has made in a short space of time.

“Since launching in 2004, we’ve been able to help the North-east games sector grow substantially, with a 44% increase in workforce and a 20% increase in turnover.

“Every games company in the North-east is now a member, and we’re looking at extending that.”

Herb Kim, chief executive officer of Codeworks, said: “At Codeworks, we pride ourselves on finding and developing the best talent. “We’re really pleased and proud for Nina and for GameHorizon.”

Codeworks GameHorizon is part of Codeworks, a centre for digital innovation based in the North-east.