Media releases
Click on a date below to display media releases.
Conference marks three years of Convergence
25.02.10
Today (February 25th) a conference is taking place to mark three years since the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) and ESF (European Social Fund) Convergence programmes were launched for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
In that time £215 million worth of strategic investment aimed at strengthening our economy has been approved from the programmes which are worth more than £567 million. The spend targets have all been met – which means money will not have to be paid back to the European Commission - and 64 investments designed to strengthen the economy are already underway.
The ERDF and ESF Programme investments are aimed at boosting the region’s economy by providing focussed support for business and creating better quality, higher paid jobs. Investment is also aimed at creating a more knowledge-based economy to expand on the well founded industries including tourism and local produce and broaden Cornwall’s opportunities.
Support includes training and access to higher education, strengthening links between academia and business, improved IT infrastructure, high quality workspace and specialist support to boost business productivity. Investments are also targeted at tackling barriers to work, improving workforce skills and research.
Examples of investments already being made to achieve these goals include the South West RDA-led Wave Hub – which will use innovative technology to harness the sea’s power from the seabed off Cornwall - and PRIMaRE, the marine renewable energy research institute.
Key partners involved in delivering Convergence ambitions include the South West RDA (Regional Development Agency), Cornwall Council, Jobcentre Plus and the Learning and Skills Council. Private and voluntary sector involvement and investment also contribute to the partnership work.
Representatives from these organisations as well as the Convergence Partnership Office will be at today’s conference, which has been organised by the South West RDA at the Eden Project.
Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Convergence Partnership Office for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “European investment in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has underpinned a reversal of a previously flagging economy. Even in times of economic global uncertainty there is a sense of optimism for the future of our ambitious businesses.
“The journey to a stronger economy is long but all partners are together on that road and we must remain focused to capitalise on the opportunities Convergence offers.”
Gareth Grimshaw, Head of Convergence at the South West RDA, which manages the ERDF element of the programme on behalf of partners in Cornwall, said: “Convergence has maintained the momentum of previous European investment programmes and is helping to build a Cornish economy that has innovation and enterprise at its heart. Our goal is to create better quality, better paid jobs by investing in projects that have a transformational impact and support sustainable growth.”
Carolyn Rule, Economy Portfolio Holder, Cornwall Council said, “The Convergence investment to date has been great and has included the Council taking the bold step to safeguard and develop Newquay Cornwall Airport as a key resource for the whole economy of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We must continue to ensure that it makes a real difference to our people and businesses.”
Kevin Lavery, chief executive of Cornwall Council, said, “Convergence is a unique opportunity for Cornwall to develop its economy. Progress has been good - we must now ensure that it both retains its mission and is appropriate to the challenging economic circumstances.”
Carolyn Webster, European Programmes Manager for Jobcentre Plus, said, “Convergence ESF investment has helped us to respond quickly to support people affected by recession as well as continue to provide life changing opportunities for people who need more in depth support. Already over 1,300 people have left our ESF programmes to go into work.”
Mark Williams, ESF Director for the Learning and Skills Council said, “Both now, and increasingly so in the future, skills are a key driver of prosperity and a major determinant in the sustainability of employment. Convergence ESF is helping to build a modern skills profile for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, creating a springboard for the success of structural investments in the region.”
Other major investments so far include:
The Peninsula Dental School Dental Education Facility, which opened its doors to NHS patients earlier this year. The facility, which was approved for almost £5 million of ERDF Convergence investment, trains the dentists of tomorrow by providing free treatments performed by dental students under the supervision of qualified dental clinicians. The Peninsula Dental School is part of the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry - a partner in the Combined Universities in Cornwall which has had ERDF and ESF Convergence approved for projects
The Jobcentre Plus “Cornwall Works” Convergence ESF programmes have supported more than 4,600 people through a wide variety of activities aimed at encouraging people into work (and/or training).
Watson Marlow this business opened its purpose built, £7.3 million BREEAM excellent peristaltic pump manufacturing extension in October. In December the company celebrated export of the first orders to be manufactured in that building ahead of targets.
ERDF Convergence is also being used to build on the success of the former European Objective One programme in increasing transport links to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Already about £16 million has been approved for rail and Newquay Cornwall Airport improvements.
In 2010 several more investments into workspace are due to be announced. Many of these are more than matched with investment by businesses wanting to expand.
Thelma Sorensen, Chair of the Cornwall Business Partnership, said: “The fact that ambitious businesses in Cornwall are willing to use Convergence to invest in future growth despite the downturn in the world economy underlines the confidence felt in business community for the future of our region.”
For further information:
Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Convergence Partnership Office for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
01872 241379 / 07973 813647
cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk
