New funding opportunities available for Cumbrian businesses
Businesses and organisations across Cumbria now have access to two new rounds of economic
development funding opportunities, thanks to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
A total of £5.5m is available as part of the overall funding allocation secured via the Cumbria Local
Enterprise Partnership, £2.5m of which is being allocated for research and innovation to assist
companies to bring new, innovative products to market.
The remaining £3m is for investment in the creation of new business premises and space, including
through business incubators, and for helping SMEs to grow.
Cumbria LEP is a partnership between businesses and local authorities established to determine
local economic investment priorities, and to lead economic growth and job creation across the
county.
Graham Haywood, director of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, says: “Under the research and
innovation investment scheme, successful applicants can secure support for piloting and testing new
product lines, including advanced manufacturing and preliminary production. The funding can also
help them develop links and synergies with R&D and higher education centres to get their goods to
market more quickly.
“The second scheme is designed to help create new or redeveloped high quality premises for
businesses to establish and develop.”
For further information about the specifications of the research and innovation investment call, visit:
https://www.gov.uk/european-structural-investment-funds/research-and-innovation-call-incumbria-oc07r15p-0275
For further information about the specifications of the SME development call, visit:
https://www.gov.uk/european-structural-investment-funds/sme-support-call-in-cumbria-oc07r15p0276
The closing date to apply for funding under either of these schemes is 29 January 2016.
Meanwhile, Cumbria County Council’s economic development team is working in partnership with
the North West Universities European unit to secure additional funding for European Regional
Development Fund Technical Assistance. EU strategy manager for Cumbria LEP Corinne Watson
says: “This type of funding is a valuable addition which would provide support to organisations
seeking to develop their applications for ERDF investment.”
Those who are interested in exploring the potential for an application should contact
sam.bramwell@cumbria.gov.uk
The Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership Cumbria has been awarded an allocation of £87.2m from
the European Structural Funds Programme 2014-2020. This includes the European Regional
Development Fund (ERDF), European Social Fund (ESF) and European Agriculture Fund for Rural
Development (EAFRD).
European funding streams are managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government
for ERDF, the Department for Work and Pensions for ESF and the Department for Environment Food
and Rural Affairs for EAFRD. For further information on European Funding in Cumbria, please
contact Corinne Watson at Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership corinne.watson@cumbria.gov.uk
Ends
For media information please contact Karen Gardner at Osprey Communications on 015394-42436.
Notes for editors
•
Cumbria LEP provides a strategic lead for all activities contributing to the growth and vibrancy of
the county’s economy and where appropriate takes positive action, using the skills, capability
and networks of LEP partners.
•
The LEP is keen to work with all partners and stakeholders (private and public) to undertake
actions, secure funding and implement initiatives to support sustainability and growth of
Cumbria’s economy.
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A copy of the Cumbria Strategic Economic Plan is available at: www.cumbrialep.co.uk/what-wedo/sep/