Programme Review for 2009 from Paul John
As the year comes to a close it is an appropriate time to reflect on the status of the ERDF Programme, acknowledge the achievements to date and recognise the challenges we face going forward into 2010.
This review starts with the excellent news that sufficient claims for expenditure have been submitted to Government in order to achieve the Programme’s first N+2 (spend) target. This is a significant achievement – as any unspent funds are returned to Europe and lost from the Programme. Historically, achieving the ERDF N+2 is big challenge every year, but, the impact of the recession, and a reduced amount of available public match funding, has meant that this first target for the 207-13 Programme has been particularly challenging to achieve.
I’d like to thank our Partners and colleagues at AWM for their support in achieving this target and in particular colleagues who went out of their way to accommodate our requirements and deadlines for the year end claims process; I am aware that an awful lot of time and effort has been invested across the region to ensure that together we delivered.
Of course, it is about so much more than just spending the money – the funds have to be allocated wisely, more so now than ever. It is equally important to note therefore that the investments made by the Programme to date will result in a demonstrable increase in GVA (economic gross value add), represent a good return on public sector investment and remain entirely consistent with the region’s policy objectives.
During the year we have continued to award funding to projects across the whole Programme. The total amount of funding approved to date is £90 million.
This funding has been awarded to a variety of projects supporting activity ranging from facilitating collaboration between SME’S and the region’s knowledge base, helping companies with business in high value markets and restoring the fabric of the regions urban crease. Also, the 2007-13 Risk Capital Programme has been established and has ensured that there is continued provision of investment funding available to provide equity and debt finance to SMEs.
Whilst it is important to share and celebrate our achievements, we must also recognise the key challenges that this year has presented - the economic downturn and the reduced amount of available match funding. This has had an impact on the ERDF Programme but we have endeavoured to turn a challenge into an opportunity.
The Programme responded quickly and flexibly to the challenges – a limited bidding round was initiated in order to make ERDF provision for those projects who experienced a reduction in public sector budget. Similarly, private sector resource was introduced as an eligible source of match funding for the Programme and projects have already benefitted from this enhancement. ERDF also made a significant contribution towards the package of interventions initiated by the West Midlands Economic Task Force which was established to provide extra support for businesses during the recession.
Delivering in partnership remains the most important feature of the Programme. In May we held our first Partnership event. Attended by over 80 people, the European Programme Management team from AWM hosted a number of interactive workshops designed to raise awareness and share best practice. This assistance was extended during the remainder of the year with a series of Capacity Building events designed to support partners by providing ‘hands on’ guidance for ERDF project development and delivery. The workshops covered areas such as producing claims, procurement, eligibility and calculating overheads. We have received very positive feedback from these events.
All that is left for me to say is to wish you a peaceful Christmas and happy New Year. I look forward to working with you on the ERDF Programme next year.
Paul John
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