er
D
f
€580 million (£394 million)
from the european regional
development fund (erdf) will
be invested in the region bY 2013,
with a focus on innovation and
enterprise. inform reports
finanCe to forge
the fUtUre.
from transforming industrial heartlands to creating Link. It might help, for example, a high-tech company
high-tech hotspots – years of european funding have with a new product idea to work with an expert who
already impacted on the region in a variety of ways. can help take it forward into the market. Or perhaps
now a new round of funding is aiming to help the it might purpose-build incubation facilities that will
region’s entrepreneurs push forward into the next accommodate fledgling businesses and foster a
decade with confidence. creative environment in which to grow.”
One initiative going through the new round of
The story so far: since 2000, ERDF-backed projects funding is the groundbreaking Digital Region project.
have ranged from the striking Sheffield Station Currently at the last stage of the funding application,
Gateway to smaller scale projects such as the Hull confidence is high that Digital Region will be
Creative Music Complex or assisting high-growth successful and will highlight the type of project
start-ups such as Ceramysis Ltd, a bio-ceramics funded under the new round. The project would
manufacturer in Sheffield. Other notable projects in enable businesses and residents in South Yorkshire
the region have included: to access next generation broadband, creating a
l Adv anced Manufacturing Park, a 40 hectare platform that delivers advanced services for digital
manufacturing technology park on the Rotherham/ TV, computers and phone.
Sheffield border This project would put South Yorkshire ahead of
l Wakefield Waterfront redevelopment the UK and most of Europe in terms of digital next
l Barnsley interchange generation broadband infrastructure, as it would be
l Finningley Business Park. one of the largest public sector led initiatives of its
Traditionally, the focus of funding has been urban type in the world.
regeneration, but in this new round, the emphasis Project director Graeme Dent explains: “Digital
has shifted towards generating wealth though Region would make it much easier for small
innovation and enterprise. businesses in South Yorkshire to access digital
Yorkshire Forward’s Richard Holmes, who is ERDF services. It costs less, is more flexible and is easier
communications manager, explains: “There are four to set up. By entering into this new digital world and
priorities in this new round of funding: making the most of new applications businesses can
l pr omoting innovation and research and broaden their customer base.
development “The Digital Region project would significantly
l s timulating and supporting successful enterprise raise South Yorkshire’s profile in today’s vast digital
l sustainable communities world. Having the latest infrastructure in place and
l ec onomic infrastructure for a competitive economy. leading the way means our region would be more
That fourth priority applies only to South Yorkshire. attractive to digital organisations. This in turn
“For the region, the new ERDF stage represents would create jobs, help to grow the economy
sustainable long-term funding for business support, and give the region sustainability in what is a
accessed through organisations such as Business relatively new industry.
inform september 2008 page 8
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