European Regional Development Fund

The East of England has been allocated approximately £83 million under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The fund is to be invested in the region under the European Union "Competitiveness and Employment" objective.

Under this objective, the ERDF programme aims to strengthen the competitiveness and attractiveness of all regions in the UK, promote employment and economic growth through promotion of the knowledge economy and investment in human resources.

The main theme of the ERDF programme throughout the seven year funding period, is supporting low carbon economic growth in the region.

Funding will support initiatives that meet the programme's three priorities;

• promote innovation and knowledge transfer with the intention of improving productivity
• stimulate enterprise and support successful business by overcoming barriers to business creation and expansion
• ensure sustainable development, production and consumption.

Visit www.eeda.org.uk/erdf for more information.