European Social Fund in England

Conference marks three years of Convergence

A conference has marked three years since the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and European Social Fund (ESF) Convergence programmes were launched for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

In that time £215 million worth of strategic investment aimed at strengthening the Cornish economy has been approved from the programmes which are worth more than £567 million. Spend targets have been achieved so far and 64 investments designed to strengthen the economy are underway.

Key partners involved in delivering Convergence ambitions include the South West Regional Development Agency (RDA), Cornwall Council, Jobcentre Plus and the Learning and Skills Council. Private and voluntary sector involvement and investment also contribute to the partnership work.

Representatives from these organisations as well as the Convergence Partnership Office were at the conference (see photo above), which was organised by the South West RDA at the Eden Project.

The ERDF and ESF Programme investments are providing focused support for business and creating better quality, higher paid jobs. Investment is also aimed at creating a more knowledge-based economy, building on established sectors such as tourism and local produce, and broadening Cornwall’s opportunities.

Support includes training and access to higher education, strengthening links between academia and business, improved IT infrastructure, and high quality workspace and specialist support to boost business productivity. Investments are also targeted at tackling barriers to work, improving workforce skills and research.

Examples of investments already being made to achieve these goals include the South West RDA-led Wave Hub - which will use innovative technology to harness the sea’s power from the seabed off Cornwall - and PRIMaRE, the marine renewable energy research institute.

Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Convergence Partnership Office for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “European investment in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has underpinned a reversal of a previously flagging economy. Even in times of economic global uncertainty there is a sense of optimism for the future of our ambitious businesses.

“The journey to a stronger economy is long but all partners are together on that road and we must remain focused to capitalise on the opportunities Convergence offers.” Carolyn Webster, European Programmes Manager for Jobcentre Plus, said, “Convergence ESF investment has helped us to respond quickly to support people affected by recession as well as continue to provide life changing opportunities for people who need more in depth support. Already over 1,300 people have left our ESF programmes to go into work.”

The Jobcentre Plus “Cornwall Works” Convergence ESF projects have supported more than 4,600 people through a wide variety of activities aimed at encouraging people into work and training.

In 2010 several more investments into workspace are due to be announced. Many of these are more than matched with investment by businesses wanting to expand.

Thelma Sorensen, Chair of the Cornwall Business Partnership, said: “The fact that ambitious businesses in Cornwall are willing to use Convergence to invest in future growth despite the downturn in the world economy underlines the confidence felt in business community for the future of our region.”