We’re looking forward to the Chinwag Live: Skills Emergency on 29th Jan, in particular to ruminate with the good and great of the industry on how we overcome the dearth of experienced talent. One thing’s for sure, the digital industry as a whole will need to be more creative.

Amongst the many discussions we’ve had with companies in 2007, a trend has emerged of UK companies working with agencies, or even opening their own offices in Estonia.

I’ve been intrigued by this ever since I was invited to Tallinn by Robin Gurney from Altex to talk to a gathering of 200 new media folk. Aside from being a lovely city, I was surprised to see so many people- Estonia is a teeny country - interested in new media and the average level of knowledge was at least as good as I’ve experienced at most UK events, if not better.

Robin’s coming along to Skills Emergency as a guest contributor to share his perspective on how UK firms have used Estonian talent.

He’s also organised another event at the Estonian Embassy in London on Friday 11th at 3.30pm. The event is to launch www.angloestonian.com which is the website for a project which matches some of the best Estonian new agencies with the best companies and agencies in the UK. Already senior people from companies like Virgin Games, Lateral, Ogilvy Interactive have confirmed they will attend and I’ll be popping along.

It’s free and invite only so you will have to contact him direct (via email or give him a buzz on 07894 997925) for a ticket (about 15 left as I write this so be quick) or for more information.