Project Spotlight

New research highlights infrastructure challenges

Research just published by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) highlights some of the major infrastructure issues that will need to be addressed to ensure sustainable economic development and growth in the future.  

[ Click here for the whole story and more projects. ]

Get into shape this summer with a free business review

The emda-funded regional Business Link is offering East Midlands businesses the opportunity to get into shape with a free business review. For many businesses summer can see a severe drop in trade. A free, impartial review can help businesses cope with the impact on their business and cashflow. A Business Link Adviser will investigate key areas, including skills, finance, marketing and operations processes and identify areas for improvement.

For more information contact Business Link on 0845 058 6644 or visit the  website.

Latest 2012 business opportunities

The latest opportunities for East Midlands businesses to supply goods and services to the London 2012 Games include providing:

  • A barge for transporting freight
  • Over 400 mixed fleet all terrain vehicles and golf buggies
  • 750 'pigeon holes' for athletes, officials and the media
  • Site investigation services to assess ground conditions at venues.

The closing date to express an interest is early September. Visit the link below to register and find details of all London 2012 procurement opportunities.
[ Business Link website ]
[ www.competefor.com ]

£400k rural broadband fund

emda has set up a £400,000 fund to help rural communities and businesses get connected to 21st century broadband technology. This additional funding has come from the European Union and is being managed by emda through the existing Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE). To apply for funding, applicants need to complete an expression of interest form by Monday 13th September 2010.

£20m East Midlands Urban Development Fund (EMUDF) open for business

emda is the first region in England to have set up an Urban Development Fund that is open for business and is taking advantage of new European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) flexibilities.

The EMUDF will support the development of innovation, science and technology facilities. This will provide much needed investment – in the form of equity, loans or guarantees rather than grants – for schemes hit by the recession and lack of available finance.
[ Visit the RDPE pages for more ]
[ Visit the EMUDF website ]