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Funding Guide

Priority 1 - Action Area 2 (AA1-2)

Developing Higher Added-Value Activity in Target Regional Sectors

Funding for projects which: provide tailored and targeted support to businesses and supply chains; support Sector Skills and Productivity Alliance activity to help businesses increase their market share; help businesses extend their customer base beyond the region (especially internationally); and help businesses strengthen their competitive position in the higher value aspects of target regional sectors.

Target regional sectors

  • Advanced Engineering & Materials: chemicals, aerospace, automotive, and advanced flexible materials
  • Biomedical: biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices
  • Business & Professional Services
  • Digital & Creative
  • Energy & Environmental Technologies
  • Food & Drink

There is scope for significant investment in key sub-regional sectors in Merseyside, such as maritime and tourism.

Rationale

The Northwest economy needs to compete in higher value sectors where our skills and cost base give us the strongest competitive edge. Emphasis needs to be placed on sectors that have the strongest likelihood of closing the Gross Value Added gap.

The regional priority sectors account for 55% of the Northwest Gross Value Added. They are knowledge based, widely traded and have international growth potential.

Eligible Activities

There are three types of project eligible for funding under AA1-2

  • Strand 1: Regional Pan-Sector Internationalisation Support
  • Strand 2: Regional Sector Programmes
  • Strand 3: Merseyside Sub-Regional Priority Sector Support
    • For more information on each of these strands, download the Investment Framework.

This Action Area is currently closed to new applications. For further information please contact Paul Davies.

Notes

There is scope for a small number of inter-regional projects in AA1-2, provided the project has developed from the region’s participation in a Fast Track network, or inter-regional or trans-national networks of regional significance. Such projects should influence programme delivery.