Outset Cornwall has been working hard to launch new businesses through its fully funded, ERDF Convergence business start-up programme since October 2009.  The annual conference, to be held at the Pavilion Centre, Royal Cornwall Showground on 20 October, will mark the programme’s two-year anniversary, as well as showcasing some of the businesses started.

> Speakers announced

> To register for a free place

Cornwall Works for Learning Disabilities, a successful European Social Fund (ESF) Convergence investment, co-financed by Jobcentre Plus/Department for Work and Pensions, has won a top national award.  The project helped people identify a route into employment based on their individual skills and aspirations.
The ESF Equal Opportunities Specialist Project Leader Award - part of the ESF Equal Opportunities and Sustainable Development Mainstreaming Leader National Awards 2011 – will be presented on 7 October.

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Cornwall’s Clear About Carbon project is a joint winner of the 2011 ESF Sustainable Development Specialist Project Leader Awards.  As government legislation has changed to encourage public sector purchasers to consider sustainability, this European Social Fund Convergence financed project is focusing on new ways to increase carbon and climate awareness within businesses and the public sector.

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A social enterprise that specialises in surfboards, skate ramps and bespoke projects such as quality garden and office furniture is also supporting young people to gain carpentry skills.  XtraVert Social Enterprise was set up in 2009 and this summer moved to Wooden Waves in Newquay, through RIO (Real Ideas Organisation). RIO is one of the partners that deliver Cornwall Works for Social Enterprise which receives European Social Fund Convergence investment, co-financed by Jobcentre Plus/Department for Work and Pensions.  Jack Latham Byrne has benefitted from the project and has now not only succeeded in a carpentry business but also mentors other young people.

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"As part of the 2011 Committee of the Regions Open Days the Greater London Authority held a conference on 23 September that looked at Europe 2020 and the potential shape and nature of the post 2013 structural fund programmes. All set against the backdrop of the considerable changes brought about as a result of the ongoing global financial and economic shocks. Speakers included representatives from the European Commission and from the UK’s Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Department for Communities and Local Government, the Department for Work and Pensions, as well as the Greater London Authority. Key points made by the speakers included:

• Economically we are all strongly inter-connected, hence the importance of the Europe 2020 as a strong collective policy response, with the economic development goals of structural funds playing their part in investment for economic growth;

• Structural Funds are not money to be spent as you wish, but for the achievement of shared objectives and agreed impact – with a focus on additionality and effectiveness; justified by a clear analysis of need and market failure; need a clear co-ordination with the fish and rural funds; all for the outcomes of greater business productivity and competitiveness, and more people into work with better skills;

• Given the pressure on public expenditure and the delays in private sector investment as a result of reduced business confidence the role of structural funds in economic development likely to be more important than ever, no matter what the size of the budget, and therefore they will need to work even harder;

• In response to Europe 2020 – the ESF contribution to the Welfare to Work agenda and the ERDF contribution to Research & Development for business competitiveness and growth, must both be made more visible;

• The UK was looking for at least a freeze in the EU budget with a reduction in that for structural funds;

• Expecting budget and Regulations to be agreed towards the end of 2012, with partnership agreements and operational programmes following in 2013;

• The balance between thematic and different spatial levels for delivery in the UK has yet to be decided – functional economic areas are not administrative or statistical ones.

“It is clear that much remains to be finalised, however, there will clearly be opportunities to further the economic development of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly all underpinned by a great deal of work required to ensure that whatever is available is invested to ensure the maximum effective impact on our economy."

To date there have been over 60 ‘business led’ projects approved in Cornwall ranging from £5.7million for the Trewithen Dairies Milky Way project to £9,000 for a cattle foot trimming service.

There are a number of ‘commissioned schemes’ which cover Skills, Healthy Livestock, Resource Management, tourisms and Local Action Groups.  There are 4 Local Action Groups in the Convergence Area, East Cornwall, Clay Country, West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

For further information contact the RDPE Delivery Team in Truro on tel: 03000 0604326 or there are a number of useful websites:

> RDPE Network

> South West Agricultural Resource Management

> South West Healthy Livestock Initiative

There is currently approximately £20 million available to projects in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly for businesses with projects that meet the eligibility criteria of RDPE. 

In order to facilitate delivery of this programme a new small grant scheme is due to be launched in the autumn likely to focus on farming competitiveness and animal health and welfare.  This will be alongside a new strategic grant programme for larger projects.  For further information on either of these schemes please contact the RDPE delivery team in Truro. 

The Local Action Groups will be able to give advice on projects in their area and the availability of grants to businesses operating in the areas above.

Defra's Director of Wildlife, Landscape and Rural visited Helston last week to check on the progress of one of the town's flagship projects.  Robin Mortimer made the trip to see construction at The Old Cattle Market Building.  This new South Kerrier Alliance Community building, currently under construction at Coronation Park, is being part funded through the Rural Development Programme for England.

> Read more

Information about the Rural Development Programme (RDPE) can also be found via Business Link Rural Business Support and on the Convergence website.

For contact details and information about the fisheries programme visit:
> Convergence website