EU Connects is now open for business

EU Connects is a new and dedicated resource for local authorities, the voluntary sector and Local Enterprise Partnerships, to improve access to and take up of EU funds in the East of England.

EU Connects provides hands on assistance for project development and applying for EU funding, whilst at the same time building capacity within the public and voluntary sectors to bid for further EU funding in the future.

EU Connects is delivered by 4 Project Associates:

Michelle Armstrong - michelle.armstrong@eelga.gov.uk or 07709 483445
Nick Burfield - nick.burfield@eelga.gov.uk or 07799 415720
Alan Corbett - alan.corbett@eelga.gov.uk or 07872 184028
Matt Jones - matthew.jones@eelga.gov.uk or 07738 697528

The Associates work closely together to ensure comprehensive coverage of the key EU funding programmes and of the region. Each of the key EU programmes and each geographical area has its own dedicated Associate contact, who will be pleased to provide support and assistance to the relevant partners. Associates can provide one to one support, or liaison with relevant officer groups, strategic bodies etc. as appropriate.
 
The contacts for each of the EU programmes will shortly be listed on our web pages hosted at www.eelga.gov.uk. The geographical responsibilities of the Associates are:

.    Nick Burfield: Essex, Southend-on-Sea, Suffolk and Thurrock;
.    Alan Corbett: Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Luton; and
.    Matt Jones: Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Peterborough.

Another key element of the new EU Connects advisory service is the provision of a series of targeted awareness raising events and seminars, dealing with both specific EU programmes as well as capacity building workshops addressing key European project development and management principles. These will be developed and coordinated by Michelle Armstrong and held at various locations across the East of England. The events will allow potential applicants to access a range of advice and guidance from EU Connects Associates, funding professionals and project managers.

To help focus the new service we consulted with partners asking which EU programmes, and what support services, we should prioritise. Our initial priorities for EU programmes and services, and a schedule of events together with a news page, will also be available on our web pages in the very near future.

We will always be pleased to receive your suggestions with regard to targeting the resources of EU Connects, and we look forward to hearing from you!