£6m funding pot risked being unclaimed warns LEP
Funding support totalling more than £6m could go abegging unless firms in Greater Birmingham come forward to claim it.
The funding is part of the local European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Operational Programme, which has been set up to stimulate economic development across Greater Birmingham.
Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP (GBSLEP) said organisations only had until November 10 to apply, after which the funding would no longer be available.
Part of the programme, worth £2.8m, aims to fund the low carbon economy across all industries. The LEP estimates there are more than 1,500 firms across Greater Birmingham operating in the sector. Eligible companies could claim grants worth at least £250,000.
Eligible firms will be focussed on:
· Promoting the production and distribution of energy derived from renewable resources
· Promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in enterprises
· Supporting energy efficiency, smart energy management and renewable energy use in public infrastructure
· Promoting low-carbon strategies for all types of territories, particularly urban areas
· Promoting research and innovation in, and adoption of, low carbon technologies
A second funding package – valued at £3.4m – aims to promote research and innovation across all sectors. Again, organisations can apply for grants of at least £250,000.
This package covers the following areas:
· Enhancing research and innovation infrastructure and capacities to develop research and innovation excellence
· Promoting business investment in research and innovation
· Developing links and synergies between enterprises, research and development centres and the Higher Education sector
· Supporting technological and applied research, pilot lines, early product validation actions, advance manufacturing capabilities and first production
Pat Hanlon, GBSLEP board director for access to finance, said: “These funding packages will help local organisations to innovate, and also enable a wide range of providers to develop greater carbon efficiency.
“I would urge all organisations that could be eligible for the funding, to get in touch with GBSLEP for more information before the deadline passes.”
ERDF offers financial support through match-funding for projects in the Greater Birmingham area that meet its objectives. Of the £6.2m available, £4.3m is ring-fenced for organisations across Tamworth, Lichfield, Cannock and East Staffordshire, with the remaining £1.9m on offer to organisations in Birmingham, Solihull, Redditch, Bromsgrove and Wyre Forest.
