CURRENT NEWS

Priority 2

A new bidding round was launched on 18 April 2005. This is due to be the last round under Priority 2 for this programming period.

It may also be the last opportunity for community and social businesses to gain funds through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in the current, 2000-2006 programming period.

How much will be available?

All funds remaining under P2 are due to be committed in this round. This represents approximately £11.5 million.

Which measures are concerned?

• Measure 2.2: SME Business Development Programmes.
• Measure 2.5: Product, Process and Technology Innovation
• Measure 2.6: Environmental Technology

Will there be a particular approach for this bidding round?

As with other recent bidding rounds, the Government Office for London (GOL) are encouraging ‘partnership' bids bringing different organisations together.

If you are considering submitting a bid under this round, project idea must be discussed with your respective Area Partnership Coordinator as soon as possible.

What is the timetable for this round?

• On 18th April 2005, the round was launched. The bidding guidance and the EOI application forms are now available on the GOL website.
• 13th May is the deadline for submitting the EOI forms.
• By 27th May, AP should have notified applicants if their EOI has been selected to go forward to the full application stage.
• 8th July is the final date to submit full applications to APs.
• 30th July is the final date for APs to submit the full applications to GOL.
• From June to September, applications will be appraised by a specialist panel against the criteria in the Bidding Guidance.
• From October 2005, GOL will issue contract offer letters to successful applicants.

Where can I find more information?

The bidding guidance is available on the GOL website at this address:

http://www.go-london.gov.uk/european_structural_funds/objective_2/p2_bidding_guidance.asp

For further details on this bidding round, please contact Angela Heap at LVSTC (angelah@lvstc.org.uk or 020 7249 4441).