Support for Regional Growth Fund Bids

The Regional Growth Fund
The Regional Growth Fund is a three-year, £1.4 billion fund available to private sector companies and public/private partnerships to finance strategic investments that will act as a catalyst for private sector employment. £950m is expected to be allocated to Round 2 bids, to be submitted by 1 July 2011.

How Ecorys Can Help
As one of the UK’s leading independent research organisations, Ecorys can use its experience of success in RGF Round 1 to:

• Undertake feasibility assessments and bid writing.
• Help develop the analytical and evidence base through our tried and tested economic models.
• Demonstration of additionality, projected impact and value for money.
• Advise on governance and partnership delivery structures.
• Advise on State Aid compliance.
• Advice on alternative funding sources such as ERDF and JESSICA / JEREMIE.
  
  

Success Factors for Round 1 Bids
Our experience and analysis of Round 1 bids shows that the following factors are key to successful bids:

• Investments in R&D capacity are highly favoured.
• Advanced manufacturing is a key sector, including the automotive sector, chemicals and food and drink.
• Green is good but not essential.
• Housing is not a priority.
• Transport projects must be shown to deliver substantial economic benefits.
• Funding can be redistributed, the minimum RGF bid is £1m and there is an opportunity to split up and reinvest funds so that SMEs can also benefit.

For more information, please contact Chris Whitfield (Associate Director) at Chris.Whitfield@uk.ecorys.com or +44 (0)845 313 7455.