North West ERDF Operational Programme (NWOP) 2007 - 2013

Introduction

Following the launch of the North West Operational Programme (NWOP) 2007-13 on Friday 15 February 2008, an application process has now been developed to allow potential applicants to apply and benefit from the £521m ERDF funding allocated to the North West.

Partners can download the Expression of Interest (EOI) form from the new ERDF website - www.erdfnw.co.uk. There is also a link to the site at the bottom of this page. The EOI is aimed at gathering basic information however applicants are asked to review the Investment Frameworks, which you will also be able to access from the bottom of this page or the ERDFNW website, to ensure that project ideas address the main priorities and action areas of the North West Operational Programme.

EOIs should be submitted to both Manchester Enterprises and the NWDA's North West Operational Programme Executive. Manchester Enterprises, as the sub regional partnership, has a direct role throughout the application process in verifying strategic fit with the Sub Regional Action Plan (SRAP) and EOIs will be assessed, on a rolling basis, by the sub regional partnership and the NWDA. The NWDA will contact all applicants with the outcome after which successful applicants will be invited to submit a more detailed Concept Form, followed, if successful at concept stage, by a full application for which final approval rests with the North West Operational Programme Executive.

Expressions Of Interest should be sent to both:

• nwop@manchester-enterprises.co.uk; and
• erdf@nwda.co.uk

Background

The NWOP has four Priorities and 11 Action Areas. Overall the NWOP is focused on supporting and enhancing the competitiveness of the region, with a secondary focus on the creation of the right conditions for growth. Targets include creating 26,700 net additional jobs, improving the region's annual Gross Value Added (GVA) by £1.17 billion and a 25% reduction in additional CO2 emissions generated from programme investments.

Investment Frameworks (IFS)

Specific Investment Frameworks (IFs) for each Action Area has been developed in consultation with local, sub-regional and regional partners. The IFs identify the type of activity that could be supported under the programme and the types of organisations that are best placed to deliver these projects.

PRIORITY 1 - Stimulating Enterprise and Supporting Growth in Target and Markets

• ACTION AREA 1-1 Developing high value new enterprise
• ACTION AREA 1-2 Developing higher added-value activity in target regional sectors
• ACTION AREA 1-3 Increasing sustainable consumption and production

PRIORITY 2 Exploiting Innovation and Knowledge

• ACTION AREA 2-1 Exploiting the science and R&D base of the region
• ACTION AREA 2-2 Encouraging innovation to improve productivity in all companies

PRIORITY 3 - Creating the Conditions for Sustainable Growth

• ACTION AREA 3-1 Exploiting the economic potential of major gateways in Merseyside
• ACTION AREA 3-2 Developing high quality sites and premises of regional importance
• ACTION AREA 3-3 Supporting the improvement of the region’s visitor offer and image

PRIORITY 4 - Growing and Accessing Employment

• ACTION AREA 4-1 Stimulate enterprise in disadvantaged communities and under-represented groups
• ACTION AREA 4-2 Supporting linkages to key employment areas
• ACTION AREA 4-3 Supporting employment creation for areas of regeneration need

For further information please visit the NWOP website: www.erdfnw.co.uk.

Documents

Northwest Operational Programme - NWOP

Northwest Operational Programme - NWOP Appendices

Expression of Interest Forms