The second Annual Information Event for the East Midlands
2007-13 European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Programme took
place on Wednesday 13th October 2010 at the newly opened University
of Derby Enterprise Centre at Bridge Street in Derby.
Over 150 ERDF stakeholders, partners and project managers from
across the East Midlands heard about past, present and future ERDF
Programme developments, including presentations from inspirational
projects funded by the Programme, and took part in workshops to
share experiences.
East Midlands Development Agency (emda) was given responsibility
for managing the East Midlands 2007-13 ERDF Programme in 2007. ERDF
helps to tackle regional disparities and support regional
development across the European Union's (EU's) Member States,
providing funding for projects which contribute to economic
development and regeneration, promote competitiveness and deliver
sustainable development.
Stuart Creedy, Head of ERDF at emda said: "This event was an
excellent opportunity to showcase some of the excellent projects
being supported by the Programme, as well as providing networking
opportunities and practical workshops for ERDF project
managers."
One of the projects showcased today was NVision, a centre of 3D
modelling and visualisation at the University of Northampton.Stuart
Wayne from the University told delegates about the centre, which
provides local businesses with access to a demonstration suite and
product development modelling, product testing, failure prediction
and analysis and 3D visualisation services - collectively helping
businesses to achieve resource, environmental and manufacturing
efficiencies.
Ann Hilton of Business in the Community spoke about the ERDF
funded ProHelp project. ProHelp is a national network of
professional firms who give their time and expertise for free to
local community groups and voluntary organisations.
In the East Midlands, ERDF funding is supporting ProHelp in
making a difference to communities in Lincolnshire, Nottingham,
North Nottinghamshire, Derby and Corby through the provision of
professional services to a wide range of community and voluntary
sector organisations in these areas. Delegates then heard from
Mackworth Estate Community Association in Derby - one of the
projects supported through ProHelp
Stephen Hillier, Regional Director of Government Office East
Midlands (GOEM), and emda's Chief Executive, Jeff Moore, also spoke
at the event.