Pictured above: Nottingham cartoonist Pete Dredge, who is the Nottingham NUJ branch freelance officer 

Freelance media professionals in Nottinghamshire have joined forces to promote their expertise to local businesses and organisations.

The photographers, writers, broadcasters, designers and cartoonists are showcasing their skills on a new website www.nottsmedia.co.uk under the name of Notts Media Freelance.

They aim to highlight the wealth of freelance talent available in the county for a wide range of services, from commercial photography to corporate writing and design, and from media training to illustrations and cartoons.

The pool of talent was drawn up after one local freelance heard how a large Nottingham company, seemingly unaware of the skills on their doorstep, had gone to the time, trouble and expense of hiring a photographer from Paris to carry out its commercial work.

Around 20 professionals, all members of the National Union of Journalists and with decades of experience between them, are so far listed on www.nottsmedia.co.uk, which has just been launched.

"There is a wealth of freelance expertise available in the media industry in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire," said Diana Peasey, chairman of the Nottingham branch of the NUJ, and a former BBC broadcaster.

"By setting up www.nottsmedia.co.uk we aim to highlight the pool of talent we have locally and urge local businesses and organisations to consider looking at the expertise on their doorstep. 

"Among those listed on www.nottsmedia.co.uk are award-winning journalists and highly experienced media professionals who can offer a great service to local businesses and organisations."

Notts Media Freelance members have drafted promotional material to raise awareness about the new website and are aiming to target companies and public and private sector organisations across the city and county.

The project has been backed by the Nottingham branch of the NUJ.

Branch freelance officer Pete Dredge, a cartoonist based in Lady Bay, said: "Freelance journalists working in different areas of the media have a wide range of skills. 

"These skills can be applied in many ways in the commercial world, and we are delighted that we now have a one-stop shop to showcase our talents to businesses and organisations in Nottinghamshire who could benefit from our expertise."