12 January 2009

CWEA Appoints ERDF Project Development Manager

Cheshire & Warrington Economic Alliance (CWEA) has appointed Jane Baker to the new post of ERDF Project Development Manager.

Jane, who started her new role on 15th December, will help to bring forward projects within Cheshire and Warrington for the ERDF North West Operational Programme 2007-2013 which is managed by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).

Joining CWEA from The Mersey Partnership, Jane has extensive experience of developing and managing projects including more than 50 for the £100 million Mersey Waterfront Regional Park Programme. With a project management and accountancy background, Jane is also familiar with working with partners having previously worked with the NWDA and public sector partners in Liverpool and with a number of funding organisations during her five years at National Museums Liverpool.

Jane has a BA Honours degree in Business Administration and is a qualified Accounting Technician (AAT). She is currently studying for the Chartered Institute of Management Accountant (CIMA) qualification and lives on the Wirral.

Jane says “I am looking forward to working with everyone in Cheshire and Warrington and the European Team at the NWDA and hope that my experience in working with such a unique project as the Mersey Waterfront will stand me in good stead for developing new and innovative projects that will be successful in securing ERDF funding.”

Martin Lee, Chief Executive, CWEA says “We are delighted that Jane has joined us to take up this exciting new post. This is a great opportunity for Cheshire and Warrington organisations to access ERDF funding and we want to maximise the take-up of funds for the benefit of the sub-region.”

This post has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the NWDA.

For further information contact:
Tina Johnston, External Relations Manager
Cheshire & Warrington Economic Alliance
Tel: 01606 734187; Email: Tina.Johnston@cwea.org.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

Cheshire & Warrington Economic Alliance (CWEA)
Cheshire & Warrington Economic Alliance is funded predominantly by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA). CWEA brings together leaders and influencers from both the public and private sector to work in partnership on a wide range of economic development issues in the sub region to ensure a dynamic, high quality environment for both business and residents. Visit www.cwea.org.uk.

European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Between 2007 and 2013 the Northwest of England is set to receive a total of £521million of ERDF funding. The Northwest ERDF Programme 2007-2013, known as the Northwest Operational Programme (NWOP), has a single set of objectives that supports the EU ‘Growth and Jobs’ agenda and is aligned to the Northwest Regional Economic Strategy. The NWOP has 4 Priorities and 11 Action Areas and aims to create 26,700 net additional jobs, improve the region’s annual Gross Value Added (GVA) by £1.17billion, and ensure a 25% reduction in additional CO2 emissions generated from Programme investments. The ERDF Programme 2007-2013 is administered by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).
http://www.erdfnw.co.uk

Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA)
The NWDA leads the economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is responsible for:
• Supporting business growth and encouraging investment
• Matching skills provision to employer needs
• Creating the conditions for economic growth
• Connecting the region through effective transport and communication infrastructure
• Promoting the region’s outstanding quality of life
For further information visit: www.nwda.co.uk, www.englandsnorthwest.com