Convergence News

Ongoing Success for Cornwall�s Social Entrepreneurs

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Two members of the first group of students to graduate from the Cornwall School for Social Entrepreneurs (CSSE), Annette Rule and Jane Yeomans, have been awarde... Read more

Tackling youth unemployment � an update

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Graduate InternshipsAdditional help is now in place to support unemployed graduates. Anyone claiming Jobseekers Allowance who graduate... Read more

Nominations open for Cornwall Works WISE Awards 2010

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

01.03.10 Nominations are being invited for the 2010 Cornwall Works (*) WISE Awards – a celebration of achievements in employmen... Read more

Sustainable design agency boosted by Journalism graduate

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

22.02.10 An award-winning design consultancy based in St Austell which aims to create exceptional work for clients using sustainable... Read more

Tackling youth unemployment

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

February is young people’s month in Jobcentre Plus. In response to the challenge to reduce youth unemployment set out in the White Paper \'Building Britain’... Read more

Graduate supports international expansion for organic company

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

04.02.10 A 100% organic and natural skin care company in Cornwall is looking to streamline production to support an ambitious expansio... Read more

South West European Social Fund award nominations open

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

22.01.10 Nominations are now being invited for the 2010 South West European Social Fund (ESF) Awards. The awards are an annual celebratio... Read more

Senior workers key to economic recovery

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Carleen Kelemen looks at the impact of the rise of the over-50s in our working population in today\'s Western Morning News.... Read more

1000th participant starts work

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Jobcentre Plus is pleased to inform partners that October saw the 1,000th participant on the \"Cornwall Works\" Convergence ESF programmes leave to start work. ... Read more

Consultation on EU 2020 Strategy for a smarter, greener economy

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The European Commission has launched a consultation on the 2020 Strategy for building a smarter, greener economy in which prosperity will result from innovatio... Read more

Adult Learners� Week Awards 2010

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

14.12.09 If you know extraordinary and inspiring adult learners and want to give them the recognition they deserve, nominate them fo... Read more

2007 GVA statistics released

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

09.12.09 Carleen Kelemen, Director of he Convergence Partnership Office said, “Today (December 9th) saw the publication o... Read more

Total re-brand for Creative Edge boosted by graduate

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

04.12.09 An award-winning design and web consultancy based in Truro that has been in business for 20 years, has benefited from a ne... Read more

Can you support the Future Jobs Fund - helping young people in Cornwall into work

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The Future Jobs Fund is one of four strands of the Young Persons Guarantee – a commitment by Government to ensure any 18-24 year old approaching one yea... Read more

Coodes Seminar: Make the right New Year�s Resolution for your business

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

02.12.09 Coodes Solicitors has teamed up with CPR Regeneration to host an event which aims to get businesses into shape for the new year.... Read more

Partnership Office congratulates winning businesses

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

27.11.09 The Convergence Partnership congratulates all the shortlisted and winning businesses in last night’s (Thursday Novembe... Read more

Former Truro Mayor Becomes Leader of Small Business Organisation

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

23.11.09 The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is pleased to welcome former Mayor of Truro, Lorrie Eathorne-Gibbons as the new Chairma... Read more

Cornish businesses urged to seize export opportunities

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

13.11.09�� Business Link’s Convergence service has teamed up with HSBC and U... Read more

Partnership Office supports Global Entrepreneurship Week

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

10.11.09 November 16th marks the start of Global Entrepreneurship Week with the Convergence Partnership Office supporting several events... Read more

Falmouth broadcast journalism alumni strike gold in BBC Local Radio Awards

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

09.11.09 Two graduates of University College Falmouth’s long-established MA in Multimedia Broadcast Journalism have struck gol... Read more

Wonderland event marks Successful Launch of High Growth Business Programmes

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

26.10.09150 delegates joined Oxford Innovation at their Wonderland event held recently at the stunning Caerhays Estate near St Austel... Read more

Investments to support over 50s launched at Jump on the Bus event

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

21.10.09 Initiatives to support those over 50 and working or wanting to work have been showcased at an innovative event. Jum... Read more

Jump on the Bus for 50+ event to launch two Convergence investments

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

01.10.09 Two projects designed to transform work for people over the age of 50 are to be launched later this month (October). Cornwal... Read more

International business expanding with Convergence investment

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

09.10.09 An expansion to globally successful Saltash-based business Spinnaker International has been approved for almost �200,00... Read more

New workspace in Clay Country

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

01.10.09 Brand new workspace for small businesses is being built near St Austell with the support of more than �314,000 of ERD... Read more

Honorary Doctorate for Nigel Ashcroft

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

28.09.09 Congratulations to Nigel Ashcroft who has been presented with an Honorary Doctorate of Technology by the University of Plymouth. M... Read more

Mineral Tramways Mining Trails Celebration

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

21.09.09 A �6million regeneration project to develop a network of multi use trails and restore and conserve historic mine structure... Read more

Cornish Crabbers at the Southampton Boat Show

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

14.09.09 A Cornwall based boat builder celebrated at the Southampton Boat Show after becoming one of the first companies to receive ... Read more

Communication Station event

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

11.09.09 A growing voice in the world of Cornwall’s Business networking held its 8th event in Cornwall on Wednesday (Sept 9th). Communicatio... Read more

Partner to Succeed launches to business groups

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

07.09.09 Partner to Succeed, the business collaboration project funded by ERDF Convergence and the South West Regional Development Agency... Read more

Cornish Crabbers expansion investment

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

01.09.09 Ambitious expansion plans for a traditional style yacht building company include a �150,000 investment from the ERDF (Europea... Read more

Looking ahead to the Newlyn Fish Festival on Bank Holiday Monday

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

27.08.09 The Newlyn Fish Festival celebrates the Cornish Fish Industry on Bank Holiday Monday 31st August, amongst the surroundings o... Read more

Dyson boss to address Cornwall�s engineering businesses

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

28.08.09 James Dyson’s right hand man will be addressing Cornwall’s engineering sector at the launch event of business collaboratio... Read more

Pool Innovation Centre Sets Excellent Environmental Standard

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

25.08.09 The �12 million Pool Innovation Centre has just been awarded one the UK’s highest environmental standards for ... Read more

Carleen�s views on the value of education

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

19.08.09 Ahead of thousands of student’s receiving their A-Level results this week, and next week even more young people lookin... Read more

QES business growth boosted by graduate

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

18.08.09 A business specialising in environmental hygiene - particularly Legionella compliance and swimming pools - has seen its turnove... Read more

NetInsight expands business and takes on new graduate

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

14.08.09 An Internet consultancy business that has doubled its turnover each year since being set up is looking to expand even faste... Read more

ESF Works website focuses on Fifteen Cornwall: an iconic and successful example of partnership working at its best

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

11.08.09�The ESF Works website has chosen Fifteen Cornwall as its featured project in the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly projec... Read more

UCF shines in national student survey

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

10.08.09 University College Falmouth (UCF) has significantly improved its performance across the board in the National Student Survey... Read more

Graduate talent pool will strengthen Cornwall's economy

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

05.08.09 The Convergence Partnership Office has welcomed today’s (Wed July 29th) Government announcement unveiling the nationa... Read more

Co active offer free business clinics on the 6th and 13th August at The Melting Pot Caf�, Krowji, Redruth

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Co active, with support from Business Link, is offering free and informal one-to-one business advice surgeries offering no-obligation, practical advice for anyon... Read more

Interview with Fifteen Cornwall�s Jamie Oliver in 22 European languages

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Jamie Oliver, founder of the restaurant Fifteen Cornwall which offers apprenticeships to young people, talked to Panorama magazine about the importance of creativit... Read more

Danuta Hubner is new chair of European Parliament�s Regional Policy Committee

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

For further information about Danuta Hubner’s appointment, please follow the link below.... Read more

National recognition for ESF investments in Cornwall

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

ESF investments in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly were covered recently in ESF at Work, the European Social Fund’s UK e-newsletter.� To rea... Read more

New European Commissioner for Regional Policy

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Mrs Danuta Hubner, who has served as a member of the European Commission since 2004, has recently been elected to the European Parliament. She will be succeede... Read more

St Mellion Business Needs and Support Exhibition, 1 July 2009

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Following a �20m redevelopment, St Mellion International Resort is to host the Business Needs and Support Exhibition on 1 July 2009.� Carleen Kelemen... Read more

Finance Solutions for Business - Call for Expressions of Interest

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

A new Call for Expressions of Interest has been issued to deliver a Finance Solutions for Business programme in both the Convergence and Competitiveness Operationa... Read more

European Social Fund call for proposals - innovation and transnationality

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The European Social Fund (ESF) innovation and transnationality call for proposals was launched on 31 October 2008. The call focuses on supporting a small rang... Read more

ESF Convergence partners and stakeholders event

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Jobcentre Plus held a European Social Fund (ESF) Convergence event for partners and stakeholders on 24 October. Over 100 people attended the event which aime... Read more

Learning and Skills Council ESF Convergence investments

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Further ESF Convergence investments focussing on raising skills levels have been agreed by the Learning and Skills Council.ACE i... Read more

Investment Framework established for Bodmin

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

A Strategic Investment Framework (SIF), which outlines potential Convergence investments for the Bodmin area, has been agreed. Its overall aim is to develop Bodmi... Read more

ESF Convergence investments in skills

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

A number of ESF Convergence investments to improve skills levels have been contracted by the Learning and Skills Council. Investments for young peopl... Read more

Strategic Investment Framework for Camborne, Pool and Redruth established

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Camborne, Pool and Redruth\'s Strategic Investment Frameworks (SIF), which outlines potential Convergence investments for the area, has been agreed.� Th... Read more

ERDF Convergence investment for Watson-Marlow Pumps Group

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Falmouth pump manufacturer Watson-Marlow has announced a �7.3 million expansion having secured �1 million of investment from the European Regiona... Read more

ERDF Convergence Programme investment in business support

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Convergence Programme is investing �4.6 million in specialist business support to boost business productivit... Read more

ESF Works website focuses on Fifteen Cornwall: an iconic and successful example of partnership working at its best

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0000

11.08.09The ESF Works website has chosen Fifteen Cornwall as its featured project in the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly project showcase.... Read more

ESF Convergence investment for Graduate Placement Scheme approved

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0000

A project to place graduates with businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has received approval for a �4.25 million investment from the Europea... Read more

ERDF Convergence investment for Peninsula Dental School

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0000

More than �4.7 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Convergence Programme will be invested to help develop a state-of-the-art denta... Read more

Truro-Falmouth branch line receives ERDF Convergence investment

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Services on the rail branch line between Truro and Falmouth are set for major improvements with the construction of a passing loop at Penryn to double the frequenc... Read more

First three ESF Convergence Programme contracts announced

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The Department for Work and Pensions has announced its first three European Social Fund Convergence Programme investments, which aim to encourage people int... Read more

Higher Education Themes call for proposals published

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Government Office for the South West has published a call for proposals for Higher Education investments for the ESF Convergence Programme in Cornwall and th... Read more

Business Support in the Convergence Programme

Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The Pre-Commissioning phase for Business Support in the ERDF Convergence Programme is nearing its conclusion as the initial report is considered by the Sout... Read more

Rural Development Programme for England to be promoted at the Royal Cornwall Show

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The South West Regional Development Agency will be promoting the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) at this year\'s Royal Cornwall Show from 5 - ... Read more

Call for Grant Administration Services for Rural Programme

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The South West Regional Development Agency has advertised for an organisation to provide Grant Administration Services for the Rural Development Programme fo... Read more

Graduate Placements Theme call for proposals published

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Proposals are invited from organisations, or consortia of organisations, to deliver activity in the Graduate Placement Theme for the ESF Convergence Programm... Read more

Convergence Programmes Begin

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The first formal meeting of the Joint Programme Monitoring Committee, held on 30 January 2008, marked the beginning of the ERDF and ESF Convergence Programme... Read more

ERDF Convergence Operational Programme Approved

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The ERDF Convergence Operational Programme has been approved by the European Commission and is expected to begin early in 2008. The final version of the Operationa... Read more

Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) agreed

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) has been agreed by the European Union Rural Development Committee. Implementation of the Programme is likel... Read more

Budget for European Fisheries Fund Programme agreed

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The budget for the European Fisheries Fund Programme 2007-13 has been agreed. England has been allocated �26.42 million and Cornwall and the Isles of Scill... Read more

ERDF Convergence Operational Programme formally re-submitted

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The ERDF Convergence Operational Programme, detailing priorities for ERDF Convergence investment in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, has been formally re-submitte... Read more

ESF Operational Programme agreed by European Commission

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 00:00:00 +0000

On 9 August the European Social Fund (ESF) Operational Programme for England 2007-13 was agreed by the European Commission, following a period of negotiation... Read more

NSRF approved by European Commission

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The European Commission has approved the UK\'s National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) which outlines how €9.9bn will be invested between 2007 an... Read more

Report on ERDF Convergence consultation published

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0000

A report collating responses to the consultation on the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) Convergence Operational Programme has now been published. Th... Read more

European Social Fund Framework for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly finalised

Sun, 01 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The European Social Fund (ESF) Framework for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, outlining how ESF investment can support employment and skills priorities in th... Read more

Draft Rural Development Programme for England submitted to European Commission

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The England Rural Development Programme document, which outlines the aims of European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) investment in England fro... Read more

Consultation on Convergence ESF Framework

Tue, 08 May 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The South West Regional Skills Partnership is holding an electronic consultation on the draft ESF Framework for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and the draf... Read more

Government response to ESF consultation

Fri, 04 May 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The Government\'s response to the consultation on the draft England ESF Operational Programme (which was held from 30.10.06 - 22.1.07) was published on 4 Ma... Read more

Convergence ERDF Operational Programme submitted to the European Commission

Tue, 01 May 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The final draft of the Convergence ERDF Operational Programme was submitted to the European Commission in May 2007. This marks the beginning of a formal negotiatio... Read more

March 2007

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The South West Regional Skills Partnership, working with partners in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, will prepare an ESF framework to inform the delivery o... Read more

England ESF Operational Programme 2007-2013 submitted to the European Commission

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The England ESF Operational Programme 2007-2013 was submitted to the European Commission by the Department for Work & Pensions and is expected to be agree... Read more

Post 2006 Co-ordination Group meeting held

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Click here to view a presentation on the Draf... Read more

The Department for Work and Pensions launches consultation on the draft European Social Fund programme for England in 2007-2013

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0000

The draft Programme contains separate objectives for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. You are invited to respond to the consultation. The deadline for respons... Read more

DTi publishes National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF)

Thu, 23 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0000

The NSRF outlines the broad priorities, management arrangements and funding allocations for the European Structural Funds 2007-2013.For more informatio... Read more

ERDF Convergence Operational Programme Consultation launched

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Click here for further information.Deadlin... Read more

Final Structural and Cohesion Funds Regulations published

Tue, 01 Aug 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Available at: www.eur-lex.europa.eu/JOHtml.do?uri=OJ:L:2006:210:SOM:EN:HTML... Read more

Danuta H�bner, EC Commissioner for Regional Policy congratulates Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly on the success of the Objective One Programme

Mon, 22 May 2006 00:00:00 +0000

\"These projects are tremendous examples of what can be achieved with the will, the ideas and the financial assistance. If projects like these are able t... Read more

DTi launch consultation on draft National Strategic Reference framework

Tue, 28 Feb 2006 00:00:00 +0000

The NSRF is available fromwww.dti.gov.uk/consultations/page28796.html... Read more

Defra launch of consultation on the next Rural Development Programme (2007 - 13)

Mon, 27 Feb 2006 00:00:00 +0000

The consultation document considers how the next RDP could be used to make a difference in rural areas. The consultation period lasts until 22 May 2006.... Read more

Defra launch of consultation on the draft UK National Strategic Plan for Fisheries

Mon, 19 Dec 2005 00:00:00 +0000

The consultation document proposes strategic objectives for the management of fisheries on which to base the UK priorities for the use of the European Fisherie... Read more

Agreement on the EU budget

Thu, 15 Dec 2005 00:00:00 +0000

More information is available at www.ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/hubner/focus/focus_en.htm... Read more