Regional Growth Fund
Round 3 of the Regional Growth Fund is due to be launched in February 2012....read on....
The Regional Growth Fund is a major element of the Government's Strategy for Growth which aims to support:
- projects with significant potential for economic growth and private sector employment; and
- areas dependent on the public sector to make the transition to private sector led prosperity.
It is a competitive fund available to bids from private sector organisations and public-private partnerships based in England. Eligible activities are deliberately drawn very widely but include in particular:
- support to business growth and productivity (such as R&D, training, technology, and plant and equipment), and
- basic infrastructure (such as energy, transport, land remediation, and improvements to the physical environment) which, as part of a wider investment, unlocks specific business investments. In this regard, housing (including social housing) and other construction projects may be eligible.
It is expected that Round 3 worth up to £1bn will be opened in February 2012, and that the application process will be in two stages, with initial Expressions of Interest (EOI) followed by detailed applications for those successful at the EOI stage.
AMION has supported a number of applications to the Fund under Rounds 1 and 2 and has been successful in assisting projects that have secured some £70m in RGF grant aid. Our detailed understanding and appreciation of the Fund means we can give clear and straightforward guidance regarding:
- criteria and processes;
- project development and synergy with the Fund's objectives;
- required analysis to support applications, in particular economic impact and financial appraisal; and
- appropriate assistance with bid preparation, from general advice through to full preparation.
If you would like to discuss the potential for projects under
the Fund, please contact Tim Johnston or Graham
Russell.