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Free ERDF Information Event – 19 July, Exeter Racecourse

New ERDF funding opportunities for the Heart of the South West are expected to be launched this month. In support of these ERDF calls for project proposals, the Heart of the South West LEP is holding a free ‘ERDF Info Event’ on Wednesday 19 July in Exeter from 13.00pm – 16.00pmThe event aims to help prospective applicants understand the latest  funding opportunities and what is needed for a successful ERDF application. The event will feature speakers from the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) who manage the ERDF programme.

The session will particularly focus on ERDF calls for proposals for ‘innovation’ and ‘SME support’  activities due to be published  here  on or around 30 June  2017. Further provisional call details are given alongside.  Registrations  will close at noon  on Thursday 6th July  or when full – whichever is the sooner.

The Heart of the South West ERDF Info Event is aimed at potential ERDF applicants from across the public, private and voluntary sectors. Please note that, to be eligible for ERDF, applicants must be a  legally constituted body and not an individual or sole trader.
To register click  here
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      David Ralph

      Chief Executive

      David Ralph started as Chief Executive of Heart of South West LEP at the beginning of June 2018. Previously, he had spent 5 years as CEO of the Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire (D2N2) LEP from 2013 where he oversaw the development of the D2N2 Strategic Economic Plan and sector strategies, 3 Growth Deals with HM Government to deliver a £1billion capital investment programme, securing and implementing £200m ESIF programme, the Derby and Nottingham Enterprise Zone, the D2N2 Skills Deal and Time for Innovation programme, community fund and led the executive team to develop the HS2 East Midlands hub. He was also closely involved in the proposed North Midlands Devolution Deal and one of the key architects in establishing the Midlands Engine, chairing the officer steering group. Whilst in this role David was a NED of the Nottingham Enterprise Zone, and Marketing NG, the Outer Estates Foundation and a Governor of Nottingham College and on the advisory Board of Nottingham Business School.

      Before the East Midlands, David was CEO of the Have Gateway Partnership working closely with local stakeholders including the ports of Felixstowe, Harwich and Ipswich and BT Adadastral Park across Suffolk and Essex and prior to that was Chief Exec of the Barton Hill New Deal for Communities programme in Bristol and the Nelm Development Trust in Norwich.

      David is a keen sailor, walker and trail runner.