There are currently no EU VAT rules on how transactions involving vouchers are dealt with, meaning national rules exist in each EU country, leading  to serious market inefficiencies. Instead of being able to really benefit from the Single Market, buinsesses face problems of double taxation and difficulties in expanding their business across borders. The EC’s new rules seek to redress this situation.

Under the proposed new rules, the different categories of vouchers would be clearly defined, along with their VAT treatment.  This would enable uniform treatment of transactions involving vouchers across Europe.  The proposal includes provisions on defining vouchers for VAT purposes and identifying when VAT is due on vouchers (i.e. at point of sale or redemption).  It also includes rules for vouchers passing through distribution chains and general means of payment. 

The new rules will enter into force on 1st January 2015.

The new rules will have a positive effect for businesses by eliminating situations of double taxation and uncertainty about tax compliance obligations.  It will also help to close loopholes which facilitate tax avoidance by certain companies exploiting the mismatches between EU Member States.

Further details of these proposals can be found here

This FREE workshop on 26th June 2012 at St John's Innovation Centre, Cambridge, can be booked by calling 0845 641 99 55 or you can book online

Further workshops are due to be held later in the year and dates will be announced soon!  Contact us if you want to be alerted on the new dates.

It is therefore a good time to remind businesses in the East of England that their local Enterprise Europe Network team also offers a free service to feedback to the EC their views and problems when trading with or in Europe. We also organise panels to consult businesses about forthcoming EU legislation and policies, gather the replies and submit the results to the EC. These are then used when preparing new legislative proposals.

Watch our latest video to find out more!

This month's issue includes articles on:

• Horizon 2020 timetable
• Draft work programmes released
• Death of ENIAC and Artemis?
• EU 2013 budget

SMEs will be able to apply for up to £1 million in government funding, which can be used to leverage additional private sector funding. The scheme will also provide support from experts on bringing new products to market.  The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) will run the scheme, taking advise from a panel of investors on which companies and ideas to back.

Of the £35 million fund, £20 million will initially come from DECC’s Buildings Innovation Programme to support energy efficiency technologies like advanced lighting, heat pumps and ventilation systems.

“The first wave is going to be in energy efficiency in buildings, things like advanced lighting, heat pumps, ventilation technologies and so on. This is a practical way that we can make sure we get to the low carbon economy,” said Energy Secretary Edward Davey, launching the initiative.

A further £15 million will be added to the scheme later to expand the scope to include power generation technologies.

The Energy Entrepreneurs Fund will be followed shortly by a £3 million competition in partnership with the Technology Strategy Board to assess the performance of advanced heat storage technologies that can be integrated with domestic heating systems.

Meanwhile, the government has also launched an online tool, Low Carbon Funding Landscape Navigator, developed by the Energy Generation & Supply Knowledge Transfer Network to help link up providers of and applicants for low carbon funding.

For further information:
www.decc.gov.uk
www.lowcarbonfunding.org.uk

Sales leads are the lifeblood of any business, which is why UKTI staff overseas in British Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates, are always looking for business opportunities in your chosen markets.

Over 400 Business Opportunities are published across all sectors and in over 100 markets each month, and range from market pointers, to private sector opportunities, multilateral aid agency tenders to public sector leads.

To access these leads all you have to do is register on the UKTI website www.ukti.gov.uk

Once you have registered you can set up your profile and select countries/sectors you are interested in. When an opportunity is put on by the UKTI overseas team you will be alerted by email. 

Useful tip: make sure you tick the data protection tick boxes in your account as well otherwise you will not get any email alerts!

Hosting a young professional in your organisation can offer many benefits, such as a boost in productivity and competitiveness thanks to the fresh ideas and high skills they bring as well as  giving you access to her/his knowledge of the Spanish language and the Spanish and European markets.  In a demanding, competitive market, enthusiasm, fresh ideas and new skills go a long way to help a company obtain great results.

The Basque Government are awarding grants to professionals in this region:

• Between 20 and 30 years old
• With a University degree or technical studies
• With a good level of  English and/or any other foreign language

The scholarship period is expected to be from October 2012 to May-June 2013 (8 months).

The Basque Government covers all costs, including:

• Previous specific training,
• Healthcare Insurance (policy) to cover illness and accidents, and also including repatriation cover and third-party risk insurance.

Any other costs, regarding the fulfilment of the regulations of the particular country, shall be at the organisation’s expense.

If you are interested in this opportunity contact Natalie Casey at n.casey@eeneast.org.uk or telephone 01707 398038

Through this bulletin it aims to provide you with information on sustainable energy policy and funding in Europe and in the UK.

For further information contact the helpline at:

EU Energy Focus
T - 0161 874 3636
F - 0161 848 0181
E - energie@enviros.com
www.energiehelpline.co.uk

RLN East provides a wide range of news, resources and information for business in the East of England to help them to improve their  language & culture capability to  grow their business internationally.
 

Eurostat's new figures found significant difference in the level of pay awarded to employees, with the average hourly rate fluctuating between €39.3 per hour (Belgium) to €3.5  per hour (Bulgaria).

Despite years of EU membership, Eastern European wages still lag far behind those found in Western Europe. 

Belgium (€39.3), Sweden (€39.1), Denmark (€38.6), France (€34.2), Luxembourg (€33.7), the Netherlands (€31.1) and Germany (€30.1), topped the list, whilst Bulgaria (€3.5), Romania (€4.2), Lithuania (€5.5) and Latvia (€5.9) experienced the lowest average levels of pay in 2011.

In the United Kingdom the average wage was €20.1 per hour, almost half that of neighbouring Belgium.

The full report can be seen here.

The head of the EU Council, Pia Olsen Dyhr confirmed that the new deal was 75% complete: “we’re at the end game”, she said at a Canadian press conference.

The Canada – European Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) would abolish many of the barriers to trade which currently exist between the world’s eleventh largest economy and Europe.

The North American country has been in negotiations with Brussels since 2009, with the current agreement now in its tenth round of talks.

The potential deal could boost Canadian GDP by $12 billion and create upwards of 80,000 new jobs.

Please see our European Information Service pages if you would like to receive regular updates from our network.

Through the Leonardo da Vinci and Erasmus schemes, the idea is to provide funding for 280,000 placements in 2012-2013. 

This campaign, part of the Commission’s ‘Youth Opportunities Initiative’, aims to demonstrate the benefits of international placements to businesses such as a boost in productivity and competitiveness thanks to the fresh ideas and high skills of trainees.  In a demanding, competitive market, enthusiasm, fresh ideas and new skills go a long way to help a company obtain great results.

Mathilde Murphy, Enterprise Europe Network Manager in the East of England explained: "I took graduates under the Leonardo programme to develop the European information team over the last few years and found that it brought my business a pool of very enthusiastic, resourceful and internationally aware people.

She said recruiting via the scheme had brought benefits for all involved: "I also found it rewarding to give these young people an opportunity to work in a business environment. I am very proud to have trained them and to know that most of them are doing very well and keep in touch."

Click here for more information on this programme:
 

Having been under military rule since 1962, Myanmar had been outcast by many of the world's trading blocks; however a recent move toward liberal democracy, the rule of law and transparent government has led to an improvement in relations between Brussels and Naypyidaw.

A diplomatic source said: "There is now agreement in principle" to "a suspension of all sanctions, except for the arms embargo".

800 companies are expected to benefit directly as a result of the new agreement, liberalising trade between the Southeast Asian country and the 27-nation bloc.

Restrictions will initially be lifted for a period of 12 months, with a review of socio – economic conditions in Myanmar, otherwise known as Burma, scheduled within 6 months of agreement.

Aang San Suu Kyi, who had been detained as a political prisoner in her own home by the previous regime, won election in early April alongside 42 of her colleagues from the National League for Democracy party.

The election win was seen by many as a watershed moment in the history of Myanmar politics.

For up-to-date travel and political advice please visit the Foreign and Commonwealth office website.

Public procurement has plagued EU and domestic politicians since 352 billion Euros worth of public contracts was made available to companies outside the Union.

Following directives from the World Trade Organisation, the EU opened its state procurement markets; however European firms haven’t received the same opportunities in non - EU countries.

Responding to a wave of international protectionism Brussels has moved to propose legislation to bring about a level playing field in international public procurement.

The new public procurement deal will allow contracting authorities to exclude non – EU companies from applying where a trade agreement between the European Union and external countries hasn’t been settled.

It is hoped that a roll back in the EU’s economically liberal policies will give it a stronger hand at any future negotiations with non – EU countries.

Currently more than half of the worlds' economies are under protectionist policies preventing EU countries from competing for public contracts.

Tenders Alerting Service

Please contact us if your company is interested in tendering opportunities and public procurement. Our tailored tenders alerting service allows you to monitor the 5000+ public sector contract notices published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

We can also help with general enquiries regarding selling to the public sector in the UK and Europe.

Further information is available within the leaflet attached.

“The trade deficit increase in February is disappointing, especially as  the volume of exporting goods fell by more than five percent, while imports declined by less than one percent. Although the monthly trade figures can be volatile, and not too much weight should be given to one single figure, it is clear that the rebalancing of the economy towards exports is too slow.
 
“With the government’s deficit cutting measures squeezing domestic demand, a sustained UK recovery relies on exports, business investment, and replacing imports with domestically-produced goods. Given the renewed debt problems in the eurozone and difficulties in the global economy, British exporters will face challenges in maintaining their position in international markets.
 
“The government must act to address these issues by giving small and medium-sized firms in particular extra support in key areas such as trade finance, insurance, promotion, market knowledge and skills. It is crucial to enable British firms to compete on equitable terms. While low interest rates and a competitive pound will help to reduce our deficit, British exporters must reinforce their efforts to break into faster growing markets such as China, India and Brazil."

Information sourced from the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce website: http://www.hertschamber.com

Many countries in the union have still not adopted a base wage for their workforces, with countries such as Germany seeing nearly one third of workers having no right to a minimum income.

In other countries such as Romania the minimum wage is a quarter of the average salary, well below the recommended decent living wage of sixty percent of the average income.

The European Commission are also likely to introduce tax incentives, hiring subsidies and an increased drive to shift the tax burden away from labour and toward a regime based on environment, consumption or property taxes.

“Setting minimum wages helps prevent a destructive race to the bottom in the cost of labour, and are an important factor in ensuring decent job quality” said a European Commission report.

With unemployment in the union ranging from 10% - 20%, the report will urge countries to reconsider their employment and social policies.

One of the key articles within the Lisbon Treaty is a call for “full employment and social progress”.

For each product category there is a separate questionnaire, including a description of the envisaged measures.  Please note that all the content in the questionnaires has been based on in-depth technical analysis and stakeholder consultation, but is still at a stage of proposal, and can still be modified if necessary in the light of the results of further stakeholder consultation.  Therefore, the involvement of SMEs active in this special sector is crucial.  The questionnaires can be downloaded below. 

The questionnaire addresses SMEs that are either (in priority order):

• SME manufacturers of professional refrigeration products
• SME installers of professional refrigeration products
• SME users of professional refrigeration products

The Enterprise Europe Network in the East of England is coordinating the responses to this consultation and will relay all feedback to the European Commission.  The questionnaires are anonymous and all data collected will be kept strictly confidential. 

Completed questionnaires can be returned to us at enterprise.europe@eeneast.org.uk of posted to The Enterprise Europe Network,  Biopark, Broadwater Road, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL7 3AX.

The deadline to feedback your views 18 May 2012. 

Representatives from the Air Safety Committee comprising the 27 EU states, Croatia, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regularly review the list, conducting spot checks on all known airlines entering Europe.

Decisions to ban carriers from EU airspace have to be made unanimously by members of the committee and are published on the European Commission's website. 

The 19th edition lists carriers which transport both passengers and cargo. The first version of the list was published in 2006.

With two million EUR funding by the European Union, EABC will become the unified voice of European businesses in Thailand, acting as a platform to interact with authorities and counterparts in Thailand. 

Its aim is to improve trade and investments of Europe into Thailand and to promote Thailand and ASEAN as potential markets for European companies.

Click here to find out more about the EABC.

This month's issue includes articles on:

• Pressure grows for calculated overheads
• SME participation at 19%
• EC auditor error
• Impact metrics in H2020
• When "economic, efficient & effective" met Ryanair

Phase 1 is intended to show the technical feasibility of the proposed concept. The development contracts placed will be for a maximum of 6 months and £100,000 (inc. VAT) per project. In Phase 1 around 8]12 projects will be selected with a total sum of funding available of up to £800,000

 
For more details and for access to the application system please visit the Technology Strategy Board website: 

The deadline for applications is 1200hrs on 18 May 2012
 
On 12th April 2012 an information event will be held for two SBRI competitions funded by the Department of Health:

• Changing behaviour to reduce the impact of obesity and alcohol related diseases
• Medicines management
   

Venue: Woburn House Conference Centre, Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HQ
Time: 10.30 – 13.00 followed by buffet lunch; registration 10.00 – 10.30
 
 

The new deal for European SMEs was announced by European Commission Vice - President Antonio Tajani.

Clean technologies, renewable energy, bio-technology, and sports goods have been identified by the European Commission as key growth areas in Asian, Latin American, North American and Russian markets.

Businesses within the key growth sectors will receive additional support from the EU, helping them achieve international agreements with potential partners in high growth areas.

Mr Tajani said: "We aim with these initiatives to provide SMEs with effective and concrete support so they can take full advantage of the opportunities of the new growth markets worldwide".

In addition to the support already available, the EU’s China Intellectual Property Rights SME helpdesk will broaden its range of services and provide free advice to European SMEs looking to secure their products in the Asian country.

Public procurement contracts in countries outside the EU will be opened thanks to new initiatives proposed by the Commission, creating a level playing field for EU companies to compete internationally.

Enterprise Europe Network, a flagship project, already has 600 business support centre’s helping SMEs meet their international potential.

And the European SME week (15 – 21 October) will promote entrepreneurship within the EU and provide information on EU, national, regional and local support available to businesses.

• obesity related diseases
• alcohol related diseases.

They are looking for ideas that will enable behaviour change in everyday life.  The technology must be easy to use and whilst it may at first seem novel, it will be designed with the aim of merging seamlessly into everyday life. All applications will also need to demonstrate how the technology would fit into the lives of busy Londoners - or other urban dwellers across England.
  
 For more details and for access to the application system please visit the Technology Strategy Board website:  

Closing date for this competition is 1st June 2012.

A year-on-year rise was recorded with requests totalling 244,437, 3.7 percent more than 2010. Approved applications also rose, with 6.9 percent more applications given the green light.

The ongoing global financial crisis doesn’t seem to have affected innovative industries. Commenting on the new statistics, EPO president Benoit Battistelli said: "The financial crisis is still here, but the vast majority of businesses have decided to not sacrifice research and development investment."

However just four in ten patent applications came from European companies, with a quarter coming from the United States. China and Korea accounted for 32 percent of applications in Europe, highlighting Asia’s global ambition and confirming their status as economies of innovation.

Requests from China overtook those from French companies, with 16,946 applications, up from just 160 in 2000.

The most sought after patents were for medical technology, electric machinery, energy and computers.

This year marks the sixth edition of this contest, which sets out to:

• Identify and recognise outstanding initiatives that promote enterprise and entrepreneurship
• Showcase and share examples of best entrepreneurship policies and practices
• Create a greater awareness of the role entrepreneurs play in society
• Encourage and inspire potential entrepreneurs.
 
National, regional or local authorities, as well as public-private partnerships from all EU Member States as well as from Croatia, Iceland, Norway, Serbia and Turkey are invited to participate.

The competition is divided into stages: applicants must first compete at national level.  Each country can then nominate two entries for the European competition by 16 July 2012.

Click here to learn more on how to participate
 

Closing date for this competition is 13th June 2012.
 

The budget announcements appeared to aid the regions development with several infrastructure announcements and the news that international trade will be supported by the expansion to the UK export finance scheme. 

The Government's ‘Plan for Growth’ also aims to encourage investment and double exports as a route to a more balanced economy.

Commenting after the Chancellor's statement, Duff said:

"East of England local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) will benefit from another £16.4 million aimed at unlocking private investment to jobs and growth.

"Everyone will welcome the commitment to further work on the A14, one of the worst roads in the country.

"The tax relief for our very important video games industry will put us on a par with other EU competitors.

"Our region must get ready to apply for funding from the enlarged funding for 'super-connected cities'."

In light of the current worldwide economic problems, Mr Duff added: "In difficult times, this is a better budget than many of us expected”.

Vice – President of the European Commission, Antonio Tajani will personally lead the mission, he is expected to be accompanied by ambitious small and medium sized companies and representatives of leading business organisations in Europe.

The aim of the mission is to help companies and SMEs to internationalise their activities, reinforce industrial cooperation in areas such as industrial innovation, key enabling technologies, tourism, space and access to raw materials.

Mr Tajani hopes the mission will bring both positive and lasting results: "major non-EU markets with strong growth rates represent significant opportunities for EU enterprises.

“I attach particular importance to small and medium sized enterprises as they are Europe's main economic strength. To help them to better exploit their potential in the global arena is a clear priority to boost competitiveness and create employment."

The mission will take place 14 – 17 May 2012

• Mexico 14 – 15 May
• Columbia 16 – 17 May

Funding

Your travel and accommodation costs may be eligible for UK Trade and Investment funding, the market visit support scheme supports exporters pay for their overseas research visits.

Contacts

The closing date for applications is Thursday 12th April. Please contact Mark Hofman for a full itinerary: m.hofman@eeneast.org.uk

The creature is on the rise in Europe having been near extinction for many years.

Zoologists from the Senckenberg Research Institute in Görlitz in Germany found that the visceral mammal is becoming a predominant predator on the European mainland, recolonising former territory lost to human encroachment and the resulting human - wolf encounters.

Fellow wild animals represent 96% of wolves’ diet, with domestic cats and dogs rarely falling prey to the creatures’ dietary needs.

Roe deer (55.3%), followed by red deer (20.8%, previously a favourite in Poland), wild boar (17.7%) and hares (3%) were the preferred items on the menu for wolves’.

However, any fears that the largest members of the dog family may continue their westwards migration and enter the UK where quashed by the report.

“The wolves will not risk confrontation with electric fences and guardian dogs”. Hermann Ansorge, head of the Zoology Department at the Senckenberg Museum of Natural History in Görlitz found.

"The potential for conflict between man and wolf is very low," says Dr Ansorge.

"There really is nothing standing in the way of the wolf returning."

Contact us if you would like to subscribe to this bulletin.

Co - organised by Enterprise Europe Network and UK Trade and Investment the trade mission attracted business representatives from around the region looking for new overseas markets.

Companies including manufacturers, those in the construction industry, specialist recruitment agencies, project management, trading, consultancy and retail were welcomed to Poland by the British Ambassador, for a business reception which drew over 100 Polish companies.

Held at the British Embassy, the joint event prepared alongside the British Polish Chamber of Commerce confirmed Poland’s position as the leading export destination in central Europe and the highest potential growth market in Europe.

Robin Barnett, British Ambassador to Poland said: “Driving growth through increased trade and investment is a priority shared by both Britain and Poland. Helping British business – of all sizes – is what we are going to be doing a lot more of in the future”.

Following the trade briefing, businesses from the UK networked with potential Polish contacts.

The business reception was followed by 2 days of business to business meetings with potential partners active in Poland, arranged by Enterprise Europe Network.

Enterprise Europe East of England, based in Hatfield Business Park, is the regional branch of the Enterprise Europe Network – the continent’s largest business network, spanning 40 countries.

Hatfield based trade advisor Mark Hofman of Enterprise Europe Network said: “This was our first exploration into Eastern Europe, and is an area that we are looking to help local businesses expand into over the next couple of years.

“Whilst there are numerous challenges across the EU, at the same time there are numerous opportunities that can be exploited and our strategy is now to accelerate our international efforts”.

Although it is early days for many of the companies’ ambitions in Europe, Mr Hofman said the response his clients received during the trip to Poland had been encouraging.

“The Polish trade mission was one example of how SMEs working through EEN and UKTI can benefit from a range of free services when investigating new overseas markets.

“This approach proved very helpful and served as a productive introduction to Poland and the potential on offer.

“EEN arranged over 60 meetings for East of England companies in Warsaw, of which a few proved to be good contacts and a number of our delegates are already planning another visit next month”.

Download our latest guides on doing business in Bulgaria and Netherlands.

Click here for a full list of country guides we have available.

This month's issue includes articles on:

• Audits to increase in H2020
• When will they audit?
• Next FP7 Calls
• Form C and eFP7
• When is a rule not a rule?

Generally, participation requires companies to publicly show their technologies’ profiles in the event’s website or at the venue.  Regardless of the format of such events, there are some risks associated with intellectual property (IP) that all participants should be aware of.

This guide produced the European IPR Helpdesk provides an overview of the main IP issues that should be considered when participating in a brokerage event and how to best prepare before, during and after the event. 

The new provisions have the potential to significantly reduce administrative bureaucracy for those companies not exceeding the limits of two of the following criteria: a balance sheet total of EUR 350 000, a net turnover of EUR 700 000 and an average of ten employees during the financial year.

The directive will allow EU member states to exempt micro-enterprises from the publication of annual accounts.   This optional exemption will be compatible with national obligations to keep records showing the company's business transactions and financial situation.

These reductions in 'red tape' will free up microentities' resources so they can be invested in growing their businesses and deliver the growth that Europe needs to exit the current  crisis.  The simplifications could result in potential savings of up to €3.5 billion Euros annually.

Click here for more information on SME accounting and simplification.

"Trading internationally will be critical not only for British companies who want to remain competitive in the future, but is also critical to the UK economy," said Alan Keir, HSBC group managing director and global head of commercial banking.

"HSBC is committed to increasing lending to UK small businesses in 2012 and the launch of the new £4bn HSBC International SME Fund highlights specific support to help companies to grow through global trade activity and support for the wider UK economy. 

"Despite the current economic climate the overall trend for international trade is positive, with growth acceleration coming sooner than previously forecast," it said.

Sectors with exceptional predicted growth created through demand from emerging exports include: oil and gas; automotive, with exports to China set to grow by 15.1 per cent and to Russia by 6.62 per cent over the next five years; and medicine.

The full article can be found at: 
http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/national/66438-hsbc-launches-4bn-international-trade-fund

This guide from the EC presents the European programmes available to SMEs and contains brief information as well as the main web sites for each programme.

The new MoU replaces a previous memorandum from 2002. It will lead to UKTI and COBCOE developing and trialling new initiatives and extend business support services and other activity to support UKTI’s existing work in Europe.

UKTI's Deputy Chief Executive - Susan Haird said: “This is an exciting development. We are delighted to reaffirm our relationship with COBCOE, which dates back more than a decade. The new MoU provides a strong impetus for UKTI and COBCOE to deepen areas of co-operation to deliver support to UK exporters. Discussions on potential new projects are already underway between us. There is real encouraging potential to work more closely together.”

COBCOE's President - Howard Rosen said: “We know that increased exports will be essential to future economic growth in the UK. Our member chambers across Europe offer a unique business network for the British-based business community; we are really pleased to be able to work in partnership with UKTI to support and assist British exporters develop into new markets”.

Further information on what UKTI and COBCOE offer can be found on the following websites:
www.ukti.gov.uk
www.cobcoe.eu

Airports across the east African country will be improved to match international safety standards, paving the way for an expansion in trade and offering opportunities to potential investors keen to develop the countries tourism infrastructure.

Around €50 million has been earmarked for the scheme, with the EUs lending institution, the European Investment Bank providing the funds.

“This project will significantly open up and ease transport to and from the regions by providing access to cost-efficient air transport. Some regions have significant potential for tourism,” said Ramadhan Khijjah, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance of Tanzania.

The infrastructural improvements are due to be completed by mid - 2014 and are being jointly funded by the World Bank.

Since the fall of the socialist Ujamaa regime in 1986, Tanzania has moved toward a market orientated economy.

The east African countries predominant exports include gold, coffee, cashew nuts, manufactures and coffee.

"The opening of free trade negotiations mark a turning point in our trade relations with Armenia. We are entering a new phase that will bring our economic ties to a new level of depth and ambition", said EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht. "The EU is Armenia's first trading partner and a deep and comprehensive free trade area will enable closer economic integration of Armenia with the European Single Market thereby helping to boost economic growth in the country."

The free trade area will be part of the broader Association Agreement which has been negotiated with Armenia since July 2010, in the framework of the Eastern Partnership and the European Neighbourhood Policy.

The EU aims to enhance political stability and security in this country by means of closer economic integration with the EU. The free trade area is expected to diversify and strengthen Armenia's export capacity and effectively open the way to access the EU market of 500 million consumers.

Armenia needs to continue its work towards reaching a stable, transparent and predictable economic environment. This is essential to attract foreign direct investment inflows, leading to job creation and long-term growth. The most important gains for Armenia lie therefore behind the border, in regulatory reforms, and as such will impact on its long-term development perspective.

Parties will now engage in preparations for the first negotiating round to take place soon in 2012.
Full detail is available on the Europa EU website:  http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/index.cfm?id=777
 

Import tariffs will be chopped by 55% with the north African country agreeing to slash 70% of its import tariffs on EU agricultural exports.

The European parliament voted through the new agreement despite a significant minority of MEPs opposing the move, citing concern for European producers and Morocco’s ongoing conflict in the Western Sahara.

Outside of Parliament, angry farmers took to the streets of Madrid to voice their displeasure, hurling tomatoes at the European Commissions offices in the Spanish capital.

Despite the protests, it is hoped the new agreement will aid Morroco’s internal economic and political modernisation.

The new service will remove 3700 lorry movements and over 135,000 lorry kilometres per annum from Europe’s road network.

Following the success of the first service, launched in November 2011, the second service will operate between Wroclaw in Poland and Barking, East London.

Bilateral trade between Poland and the UK has grown rapidly in recent years, worth approximately €11.4 billion per year, the UK exports as many goods to the east European country as it does to India.

Boleslaw Gryzel, Head of the Trade at the Polish Embassy, said: “The Polish economy depends upon good trading routes with countries across Europe. The introduction of regular and reliable rail freight services from Poland to the UK has enhanced the trading route between both countries.”

The new scheme will allow civilians to call for new laws on any policy area under the European Commission's control.

There are several conditions any proposed citizens initiative should meet:

• At least 7 citizens from 7 different countries must sit on the organising committee
• Initiatives must be registered on the citizens initiative website
• Approved proposals will have 1 year to collect 1 million signatures from at least 7 countries

Once the Commissions conditions have been met they will have 3 months to consider the proposed legislation at the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament.

New campaign software has been created by the Commission to help organisers collect the required 1 million statements of support.

A full guide to the European Citizens’ Initiative can be found here.
 

The new EU cookie legislation will come into force in May this year, with online retailers facing fines for breaking strict anti – cookie law.

Cookie software is a form of covert online surveillance used by companies to track their customers browsing habits, prompting complaints from consumers concerned with a perceived intrusion of privacy.

All potentially harmful cookies have been outlawed, including session cookies, persistent cookies, secure cookies, http only cookies, third-party cookies, supercookies and the zombie cookie.

More information can be found on the information commissioners website.

The European Unions’ 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7) will be available to research actors looking to co – finance research, technological development and demonstration (pilot) projects.

The increased pool of research grants are intended to be used by multi – national consortia, collaborating with like minded organisations in Europe and beyond.

Investment can also be achieved if an establishment can demonstrate that FP7 funds will help their venture compete on a European or Worldwide level, thereby increasing competition.

FP7 has two main strategic objectives:

• strengthen the scientific and technological base of European industry
• encourage its international competitiveness, while promoting research that supports EU policies

The Centre also serves as a platform facilitating coordination among Member State services and directs SMEs to other specialised European public and private service providers where appropriate.

The EU SME Centre has recently published reports on:

• Selling Online in China
• The Green Tech Market in China
• Labour Laws in China

All of the reports can be downloaded after registering on the EU SME Centre website
http://www.eusmecentre.org.cn/content/documentation

Key areas of focus are:

• Increasing energy production
• Carbon management
• Energy conversion, storage and distribution
• Fuelling transportation

An idea must be novel and show potential benefit for Shell. An inventor simply has to submit it to the GameChanger website, and may then be invited to deliver a presentation in person. A number of successful GameChanger ideas have led to the creation of spin-off companies to market the technology.

For more information or to apply, please visit the Shell website:  http://www.shell.com/home/content/innovation/innovative_thinking/game_changer/

• New technologies for RADAR Electronic Surveillance
• Exploitation of the URDC Signal Processing Programme
• STAR Concepts and Solutions: Tranche 2 –ISTAR support to Urban Operations

A seminar, which will provide further information and the opportunity for networking with others interested in this area, will be held at Bristol in Tuesday 7th February. The event will also provide the opportunity to question leading military and technical experts.
 
The competition will open on Tuesday 7th February 2012.  Applications are to be made through the CDE portal. 
 
More detail on the challenge is listed on the Technology Strategy Board website:   
 

The competition is open to inventors, manufacturers, engineers, designers, businesses of all sizes and individuals and aims to change the image of modern manufacturing.

The competition has five categories:

•    Make it…Stronger
•    Make it…Smarter
•    Make it…Sustainable
•    Make it…Life Changing
•    Make it…Breakthrough (for 16-21 year olds)

Winners from each category will showcase their creations at the Make it in Great Britain exhibition at the Science Museum which will run alongside the Olympics and Paralympics.

For further information and to enter the Make it in Great Britain Challenge, please use the link below:
http://makeitingreatbritain.bis.gov.uk/

Following the devastating floods in 2010 the south Asian countries exports of textiles, leather goods and industrial alcohol could rise by 15 – 20 percent.

Shahid Bashir, Pakistan's ambassador to the World Trade Organisation said: "This waiver is unprecedented. This shows the human face of the WTO. The Pakistani people have faith in the multi-lateral trade system".

The extraordinary deal is expected to run until the end of 2013 with a value of €900 million to the Pakistani economy.
 

Enterprise Europe Network organised the event which drew business representatives from around the county.

A selection of companies including manufacturers, those in the construction industry, translators, IT companies, business consultants and solicitors were given a presentation about the potential markets in Europe and how to export their business.

At the event, held at the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce in Ipswich, companies were shown the mechanics of exporting, how to develop an export proposition and an overview of the support and advice available from government agencies.

Workshop presenter Steve Exon, who has been exporting for over 30 years and has worked in some 50 countries said businesses should use the "excellent" opportunities available.

The workshops are intended to help businesses achieve a foothold in overseas markets by sharing the experiences of seasoned professionals with budding new entrants to the world of international trade.

Steve Exon, senior presenter and export consultant said; “The strength of our economy depends on the continued success of companies who seek new opportunities abroad.

“Selecting the right route to market from the beginning is very important. It can be costly to make a mistake and need to change.

“We hope our free workshops will help businesses avoid common mistakes when exporting”.

Through this bulletin it aims to provide you with information on sustainable energy policy and funding in Europe and in the UK.

For further information contact the helpline at:

EU Energy Focus
T - 0161 874 3636
F - 0161 848 0181
E - energie@enviros.com
www.energiehelpline.co.uk

Smart offers funding to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to engage in R&D projects in the strategically important areas of science, engineering and technology, from which successful new products, processes and services could emerge.

Further information about the Smart programme is available here

For companies of up to 500 people this can be worth  up to 200% of eligible expenditure and there is also a scheme for larger companies.

What's more in April this recovery may increase further to 225%. Read more at here, or get touch: enterprise.europe@eeneast.org.uk

The translation flashcard publisher has come up with a series of playing-card-sized packs of 52 concertina-style quick-reference cards.

Each card has an English phrase, its translation into another language and a picture depicting the topic.

English-French and English-German Lingo Cards are already available, with translations prepared in an additional 114 languages.

And the company, based in Norfolk Street, is hoping to sell sponsorship and licensing opportunities to Olympic committees throughout Europe – including the London 2012 Organising Committee – the Mayor of London and major brands.

“As a biology and chemistry tutor in Cambridge, I’m always on the lookout for new and innovative educational tools,” said Percy Chikobvu, who set up Lingo Cards along with Sabina Wortley.

“Sabina and I were bouncing ideas around about producing some kind of translation aid ready for all the visitors we’re expecting for London 2012.

“We specifically wanted to ensure the visiting athletes to both the Olympic and Paralympic Games had all the assistance they needed during their visit – and we came up with Lingo Cards.”

The company has received a helping hand from Enterprise Europe Network’s European information service – a one-stop shop for information about everything the European Union can offer businesses.

Adviser Natalie Casey helped the entrepreneurial duo create a European business plan and draw up a ‘hit list’ of potential sponsors and licensors.

“The idea was to fill the reverse side of each Lingo Card with someone’s logo, preferably that of a big brand,” she said.

“What Percy and Sabina needed was a list of potential targets, together with contact details, in a readily accessible format that could be used for mailing samples of the cards to sponsorship and licensing targets.

“I created an information request, which I circulated to my colleagues in the Enterprise Europe Network, asking for sources of contact information.”

Although it is early days since the initial mailing of sample Lingo Cards packs to organisations on the ‘hit list’, Mr Chikobvu says the response has been promising.

“The Mayor of London has sent us a message of support, confirming that we can include the London Underground map on the reverse of one of the cards,” he said.

“We have also received serious expressions of interest from several major financial services brands and a supermarket chain.

“Next on our list are organisations such as the UK’s police services and the NHS. We intend to publish custom decks of Lingo Cards for use in emergencies.”

The TSB expect to invest between £250k and £500k in each project, although projects outside this range will be considered. They are primarily looking to fund applied research projects attracting up to 50% public funding.
This is a two-stage competition. It opens on 16 January 2012 and the deadline for registration is at noon on 22 February 2012. The second stage for invited applicants opens on 19 March 2012 and the deadline for completed applications is at noon on 25 April 2012. A briefing event will be held in London on 25 January 2012.

To apply for this competition you must first register with the Technology Strategy Board. You can do this by going to the web page for this competition at www.innovateuk.org under Competitions. When you register you will get access to all the supporting information you need to read before you apply, including the Guidance for Applicants and the application form.

To ease the hassle and extra cost for businesses, the European Commission is proposing a One Stop Shop for all electronically delivered services from 1st January 2015.

As set out in last December's Commission Communication on the future of VAT, the One Stop Shop for all cross-border trade in the EU will initially apply to e-commerce, broadcasting and telecom services, and then gradually be extended to other goods and services.

The proposal relates to aspects such as the scope of the scheme, reporting obligations, VAT returns, currency, payments and records for which common rules are necessary.

The One Stop Shop will allow businesses to declare and pay the VAT in the Member State where they are established rather than where their customer is based.

Click here for full details of the proposed new regulation

Inventors in the EU will save up to 80% on the cost of patent applications, bringing down costs and making the EU more internationally competitive.

Industrial inventions in the EU are currently 10 times more expensive than in the US due to language issues, and the fact that inventors have to apply individually for patents within each member state.

Applications for EU wide patents will now be conducted in English, German and French.

The agreement took 30 years, with ministers unable to agree a common language for international applications and opposition from Spain and Italy delaying implementation.

Click here for more information.

The proposed reform aims to thoroughly modernise the existing tools and instruments on public tendering and there will also be strong incentives to divide tenders into lots and limit the financial capacity requirements for tenders.

Each year, the public authorities spend 18% of GDP on goods, services and works.  Given the current budgetary restrictions and economic difficulties in most Member States, public procurement policy must, more than ever, ensure the optimal use of funds in order foster growth and job creation and thereby help to achieve the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy.

 Details of the reform proposals can be found here

The second programme is between the UK’s Medical Research Council and the NSFC to develop stem cell joint partnerships.  The UK’s Medical Research Council will invest up to £400,000 (c. 4 million RMB) of funding with NSFC providing up to RMB3.6 million (c. £360,000).  Stem cells hold great promise as a means of treating human diseases and disorders.  This initiative is intended to provide opportunities for up to 12 partnerships of UK and Chinese scientists to assess ways in which joint research can progress the development of stem cell therapies.  It will provide a foundation for the development of more substantive long-term collaborative projects in the future.

The UK and China are key research partners.  The UK is China’s largest research partner within Europe and the third largest overall.  Joint papers with China have been increasing more quickly for the UK than for Japan, Germany or France.  China is already our top two or three research partner in engineering, materials, mathematics and computer science, with our overall collaboration quadrupling in a decade.

Chancellor George Osborne said: 

‘The UK has ambitious plans to engage with China on a range of research projects. Our research partnership recognises the priorities and strengths of the two countries, our capacity to deliver excellent research and the potential for co-investment to deliver cutting-edge innovations. I consider the programmes that I announced today as key in fostering closer scientific, technological and engineering links with China.  The UK is a strong believer that excellence and openness are vital for success in international innovation.’

Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik said: "We need to see waste as a resource – and to bury that resource in the ground is worse than short-sighted. This report shows that waste management and recycling can make a big contribution to economic growth and job creation. If the existing legislation was implemented properly, we could avoid costly clean-up operations, pollution and health problems. And let's not forget that recycled materials are cheaper than virgin ones – and that they reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our dependence on imports."

Improved implementation leads to significant benefits

The study gives an in-depth analysis of the effects of better implementation and enforcement and shows that benefits would be significant. It analysed a number of case studies in Cyprus, Germany, Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands to demonstrate economic, financial and social benefits to Member States.

The EU's waste management and recycling sector is very dynamic, but still offers economic opportunities with vast potential for expansion. In 2008, its €145 billion turnover represented around 1% of the EU's GDP and 2 million jobs. Compliance with EU policy would help create a sector with 2.4 million jobs and a total annual turnover of €187 billion.

The underlying problem is that too many prices do not reflect the true cost of disposal of goods – if they did, this would help prevent waste in the first place. In addition, many Member States still lack adequate infrastructure for separate collection, recycling and recovery. An absence of systematic control and enforcement mechanisms is another hindrance, coupled with a lack of reliable data on waste management.

Four key conclusions

The study concludes that we need to know more about waste. Better data and systematic monitoring of how the laws work in practice must be made available. There is progress here, with a specific Data Centre on Waste recently set up by Eurostat.

Better use of the polluter pays principle, and wider use of economic instruments like raising the costs of disposal, could help ensure compliance and provide the necessary financial resources for waste management.

Inspection and monitoring capabilities need to be strengthened in Member States. This could mean establishing an auditing capacity at EU level and, possibly, common inspection standards.

One relatively cost-effective option to strengthen implementation monitoring at EU level could be to draw on the expertise and capabilities of the European Environment Agency (EEA). This option would carry lower administrative costs than creating a new agency dedicated to waste.

Next Steps

The study's conclusions will be discussed and analysed by the Commission. They will serve as grounds for developing a balanced mix of legal and economic instruments as suggested in the Roadmap for a Resource Efficient Europe and the Thematic Strategy on Waste Prevention. These strategies encourage economic and legal incentives such as landfill taxes or bans, extending "producer responsibility" schemes and introducing "pay as you throw" schemes.

Background

The EU's economy uses 16 tonnes of materials per person per year, of which 6 tonnes becomes waste, half of it going to landfill. Many Member States rely mainly on landfill as the preferred waste management option. This situation persists in spite of existing EU waste legislation and is unsustainable.

The Commission's Roadmap for Resource Efficiency sets out milestones for ensuring that waste is managed as a resource by 2020 including through the revision of prevention, re-use, recycling, recovery and landfill-diversion targets, and through the development of markets for secondary and recycled materials.

Further information

Implementing EU waste legislation for green growth (study)

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/index.htm

Comparative statistics on waste management operations in EU Member States:

http://www.eea.europa.eu/soer/synthesis/synthesis/chapter4.xhtml

2011 Report on the Thematic Strategy on progress in waste prevention and recycling: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/strategy.htm

Almost 100 businesses attended an export briefing delivered by Enterprise Europe East of England last week.

The event, hosted by Herts Chamber of Commerce, drew representatives from the world of business looking to turn their export dreams into a reality.

Trade experts from Enterprise Europe Network presented the knowledge and skills needed to export effectively.

Mathilde Murphy, Enterprise Europe East of England manager said, “at a time of small domestic growth, we hope our advice and information service can help businesses in Hertfordshire decide whether exporting is for them”.

Topics covered on the day included a case study of new EU entrant Croatia, an introduction to exporting, the different stages of exporting, the mechanics, and a final overview of the free help and support on offer from government agencies.

You can view and download the presentation by clicking on the link below this article.

Anyone interested in exporting should call Enterprise Europe Network on 0845 641 99 55 or email enterprise.europe@eeneast.org.uk.

The funding – from the Technology Strategy Board, Scottish Enterprise and the Natural Environment Research Council – will support the successful deployment and operation of the first series of wave and tidal arrays while complementing other public funding initiatives such as the Department for Energy and Climate Change's (DECC) Marine Energy Array Deployment capital grant scheme, the Energy Technologies Institute’s (ETI) wave and tidal energy system demonstrator programmes and the Scottish Government's Saltire Prize.

The competition will seek proposals for research and development projects that address themes such as: tidal array cabling; subsea electrical hubs; installation and maintenance vessels for tidal arrays; navigation and collision avoidance and anti-fouling & corrosion.

The results of this competition are expected to help UK businesses to build sustainable economic growth by exploiting new innovative technologies in a growing market and by removing barriers to successful array deployment.

The Technology Strategy Board (www.innovateuk.org) will invest up to £6.5 million in the research and development projects, while Scottish Enterprise (www.scottish-enterprise.com) will invest up to £3 million and NERC (www.nerc.ac.uk) up to £1 million.

The competition opens on 5 March 2012 and a briefing event to provide more information to prospective applicants will be held in London on 14 March 2012.  The deadline for registration is 10 April 2012 and expressions of interest must be submitted by 17 April 2012. 

The TSB aim to encourage innovation in manufacturing steps that improve economic performance, benefit the environment and have a positive social impact. Up to £4.6m is available for collaborative R&D projects, which must be business-led and include an end user. Up to £400k is available for feasibility projects, which must be business-led and may be collaborative or led by single companies. Collaborative R&D projects should last one to three years and will attract up to 50% public funding. Feasibility projects should last six to nine months and will attract up to 75% public funding.

The competition opens on 27 February 2012. The deadline for applications for feasibility funding is at noon on 25 April 2012. There is a two-stage process for collaborative R&D funding.

Expressions of interest must be submitted by noon on 25 April 2012 and the second stage for invited applicants opens on 21 May 2012. The deadline for final applications is at noon on 4 July 2012. A briefing day for potential applicants for feasibility and collaborative R&D funding will be held on 8 March 2012.
 

The new agreement will apply to goods traded between EU member states and the Western Balkan countries of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo.

It is hoped the reactivation of the previously agreed 2000 deal, which lapsed at the end of 2010, will foster political and economic stability within the region, and help facilitate further enlargement of the European Union.

All exporters who had paid trade duties in 2011 will now be able to seek compensation as a result of this ruling.

Click here for more information

•    the 2012 Call priorities
•    the administrative and financial arrangements
•    tips on how to prepare a successful proposal

The UK Information Day is free to attend, is funded by DECC and organised by the EU Energy Focus team.  You can register now by visiting http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/IEEInfoDay2012
Places are limited, so in order to ensure that as many key market actors (the European Commission’s target audience for the IEE Programme) as possible can attend we will review the registration requests on 20th January prior to sending out confirmations the following week.  
 

Small EU businesses will now only have to comply with national accountancy rules within their own respective countries, freeing up resources and time.

Liz Lynne, First Vice President of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee said: “The battle to scrap red tape is crucial for small firms at this time when bank credit is tight and trading conditions difficult”.

MEPs had spent two years debating the terms of the new deal.

It becomes the first African country to sign the EU’s “Generalised System of Preferences”, with around a dozen other West African nations waiting to follow their lead.

Under the EU’s rules nations wishing to trade within EU markets have to abide by 27 core international conventions regarding the respect for human and labour rights, good governance and the environment.

Cape Verde, home to the largest hotel resort in West Africa, will now enjoy preferential access to EU markets.

Headquartered in Cambridge, with additional research facilities in the UK and international branches throughout the world, TWI operates across all industry sectors and is expert at all aspects of manufacturing, fabrication and whole-life integrity management technologies. As such, it has a huge amount to offer as an FP7 research partner.

It was a colleague who introduced Estefania to the Enterprise Europe Network, as she explains: “A new colleague joined TWI from another research organisation and he explained that he had previously used a number of the network’s services. He recommended that I contact the network to find out about its partnering services.” Estefania did, and was quickly put in touch with Enterprise Europe Network Technology Adviser Chris Woodward.

“Our first step towards enabling organisations like TWI to find partners for FP7 projects is to work with the client to generate a partnership profile for the network’s database,” explains Chris. “This stage is crucial to future success, so I worked with Estefania to understand TWI’s requirements in details and to create a profile that effectively communicates both TWI’s needs and what it can offer to other users of the network.

The Enterprise Europe Network, which is delivered alongside UK Trade & Investment and Business Link in the East of England, has close to 600 partner organisations in 49 countries. A partnering request reaches this vast network via a combination of alerts direct to research organisations, businesses and small business clients throughout the European Union and to the many countries outside the EU that participate in the network, such as South Korea and the United States of America.

“We have completed twelve partner searches for TWI since I first met with Estefania in March 2011,” continues Chris. “Between them, the partner searches have generated 73 expressions of interest from potential partners. Estefania and her colleagues have whittled these down to nine actual partners, which in turn have become part of consortia for FP7 research projects submitted to the EC by TWI.”

Given their complexity and scope, the application and decision-making process for FP7 research proposals is lengthy, and Estefania has yet to hear the results of all the projects submitted with partners located by the Enterprise Europe Network. But she is optimistic, and pleased to have access to an additional tool that can help her find research partners.

“Our Technology Adviser Chris has proved to be incredibly helpful in finding FP7 partners outside of our existing contact networks,” says Estefania. “As a result, we have submitted a further six FP7 proposals with partners located via the Enterprise Europe Network.”

The mentors will give these new entrepreneurs concrete advice on how to run and grow their enterprises in this early, critical phase of the businesses as well as help them to develop the necessary soft skills and coach them.

The network will cover 17 European countries: Albania, Belgium, Cyprus, FYROM, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom with 170 mentors participating in it.

Further details of the network can be found here

11th November: A look at perennial energy crops – Harpenden
12th December: Straw for energy – Norwich

 InCrops Enterprise Hub and partner organisations are co-hosting a series of seminars on feedstocks for bioenergy to highlight opportunities in the sector and support supply chain development. The events are for energy producers, consultants, farmers, land owners, technology suppliers and other businesses in the supply chain. Registration is FREE.

‘A look at perennial energy crops’ - 11th November - 09:45 to 13:00 - Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, AL5 2JQ

InCrops, Anglia Farmers and Rothamsted Research host a seminar on perennial energy crops aimed at promoting opportunities in the bioenergy sector. The demand for biomass in the UK is expected to increase from the end of this year when the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme will become operational. Perennial energy crops, including willow, will be a major part of the solution to help meet the targets for renewable heat production.

At this half-day event:

• Learn about the agronomy of perennial energy crops;
• Find out about supply chain opportunities;
• Visit the research plots and the National Willow Collection hosted by Rothamsted Research;
• Network with fellow businesses and leading academic experts;
• Find out about FREE consultancy from the InCrops Enterprise Hub.

Straw for energy - 12th December - Late afternoon - Honingham Thorpe, Norwich, NR9 5BZ

The value of straw for bioenergy production and increasing competition for agricultural residues could have an impact on soil quality and structure, requiring complex decisions as to the best use for biomass resources. InCrops and Anglia Farmers hosts the second in a series of bioenergy seminars.

At this twilight event:

• Find out about the demand for straw in bioenergy production; 
• Learn about soil carbon & nutrient management and structure, with special reference to the removal of straw as an energy crop.
• Network with fellow businesses;
• Find out about FREE consultancy from the InCrops Enterprise Hub.
   

Registration: to register for either or both events please contact Julia O’Rourke, InCrops Events Co-ordinator, on 01603 591 765 or email j.orourke@uea.ac.uk. These events are free to attend, places are limited.

The 5-day World Class Manufacturing training mission (WCM) provides an in-depth analysis of Japanese manufacturing methodology and is aimed exclusively at EU Executives and Managers with knowledge of WCM and an engineering background.  It assists the participants to acquire a better understanding of TQC (Total Quality Control), TQM (Total Quality Management), TPM (Total Productive Maintenance), JIT (Just In Time), TIE (Total Industrial Engineering) practices and the current KAIZEN manufacturing methods (continuous improvement).

The training course consists of lectures and workshops and the chance to visit some of the world’s most advanced Japanese factories to understand the real "Gemba" (the production site), to talk directly with their production managers, and to observe the effective implementation of manufacturing methods.

Applications are now open for training courses for June and October 2012 with the deadline to join the June programme 22rd March 2012 and the October programme 7th June 2012.

For more information on the programme click here

FP7- Is it for me?  Derek MacLeod from TUV NEL provides an overview of FP7, funding programmes available through the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) and the support available through EEDA’s EU and Innovation Funding Support Service.

National programmes - Alex Smeets from Cambridge Funding Solutions expands on the TSB programmes explain the support available under EEDA’s Understanding Finance for Business Programme

Growth Business Funding from EEDA- Trevor Overall guides delegates on the loans available from Finance East for established, growing businesses that have been unable to meet bank lending criteria.

UK Trade & Investment- Martin Keepfer describes the services available to SMEs from UKTI, including the Passport to Export and R&D Programme.

Enterprise Europe Network- Chris Woodward provides an introduction to the Enterprise Europe Network’s partnering service including a demonstration of the Network’s technology and R&D partnering database.

St John's Innovation Centre Ltd-  David Moir explains the Soft Landing Programme- aimed at incubator-based SMEs looking to internationalise their activities.
 

This fact sheet can be downloaded below and found also on the European IPR Helpdesk website:  http://www.iprhelpdesk.eu/

For details please contact the programme management team on 0845 196 4310/3176, email lowcarbon@anglia.ac.uk or visit www.anglia.ac.uk/lowcarbon OR if you are already in discussions with a university or college please ask your contact there to get in touch with the team.
 

The fifth LIFE+ call for proposals was published on 26 February 2011, with up to €267 million available for co-financing of projects under three headings:

• nature and biodiversity;
• environment policy and governance;
• information and communication.

Project proposals should be sent to the relevant national authority no later than 18 July, 2011. National authorities will then send them to the European Commission by 9 September, 2011.

For more information on the call, click here.

Information Sessions for Potential Applicants
To coincide with this call, the European Commission is organising Information Sessions in each Member State, to inform potential applicants about the LIFE+ Programme and the requirements for submitting a proposal.

For more information, click here.

£2.8m supports transfer of low carbon expertise to SMEs

First announced June 2010

A unique new initiative, designed specifically to help businesses in the region reduce their carbon emissions, has been launched in the East of England with the help of over £2.8 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Called Low Carbon sKTP, the initiative is the first of its kind in the UK, and has been designed to support the region’s carbon reduction objectives, by offering businesses easy access to the low carbon expertise held in the region’s Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

Project director, Dr Tony West, from Anglia Ruskin University, one of the partners delivering the project, said: “The Low Carbon sKTP has been designed specifically for those small and medium-sized enterprises looking to achieve a significant reduction in their carbon footprint by changing the way they operate. 

This could be through developing new, or improving old, products and services, and helping businesses to adapt and adjust their processes. This will have direct impact on regional business and their carbon footprints as the project plans to help 331 individual businesses.”

Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) is a national scheme designed to bring together HEIs and businesses to help them improve their competitiveness, productivity and performance. Recently a Shorter KTP (sKTP) has been designed to make them even more accessible to businesses, hence the project name Low Carbon sKTP.

Universities from across the East of England will handle the delivery of the Low Carbon sKTPs, with each project having an ‘associate’ from the university who will be responsible for transferring the knowledge into the SME over a period of between 10 and 40 weeks. 

Projects eligible for help from the Low Carbon sKTP will be in one of the following areas: Technology development or adoption; process improvement, for example the reduction of energy consumption; change in behaviour, such as waste reduction and recycling; and the reuse or extension of a component or products life.

David Morrall, International Director for the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), which manages the ERDF in the region, commented: “Innovation is essential if businesses are to move efficiently and effectively towards a low carbon existence. The key to this is bringing together businesses, who ultimately make and market the products, with universities who have the expertise to help them innovate. This is the first time that this kind of programme has been designed to specifically support a low carbon agenda and is a fantastic opportunity for SMEs to gain access to knowledge  that would otherwise be unavailable.”

The Low Carbon sKTP is being managed and funded by the Technology Strategy Board (TSB), which funds and manages KTPs on behalf of 19 other government organisations across the UK.  There are around 1,300 projects running across the UK at any one time and full details of these and the Low Carbon sKTP can be found at www.ktponline.org.uk.
 
Pete Munday, programme manager for TSB, said: “KTPs are helping businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK Knowledge Base.  Now, with this new Low Carbon sKTP businesses are also being helped to reduce their carbon footprint which is an essential if they are to remain competitive in a low-carbon future.”

The project will be available over a two and a half year period at a total value of £7,106,898 with £2,842,759 funding from the ERDF.

To find out more information about KTPs and if your business is eligible for support from the Low Carbon sKTP visit www.ktponline.org.uk.

Business support experts in 17 key industry sectors have teamed up to provide companies with customised support in their field. They are part of the Enterprise Europe Network, which links 3 000 experts working through 600 local organisations in 48 countries.

The Network helps small- and medium-sized enterprises to find business, technology and research partners, as well as advising on how to make the most of European and international marketplaces and funding opportunities.

In order to customise its support further and make sure it meets the needs of specific sectors, the Enterprise Europe Network pools its expertise in key industries in 17 sector groups (see box), ranging from agri-food and the environment to intelligent energy and information and communication technologies.

Mapping the tourism sector
The tourism and cultural heritage sector group seeks to enhance the competitiveness of European tourism and promote innovation within the sector. Moreover, it provides support to the cultural heritage sector, a key asset for European tourism. The EU is the world’s leading tourist destination and its tourism sector is made up of some 1.8 million companies, many of them SMEs, accounting for about 5% of the Union’s GDP and employment.

“Our main objectives are to promote innovation within tourism and to foster the sustainable use of natural and cultural heritage resources, through support to the EU’s new political framework for tourism,” says Sabrina Montaguti of Florence-based Network member Promofirenze, who chairs the sector group. “We also want to promote business co-operation and sustainable partnerships.”

The sector group is made up of business experts from 13 countries. It carries out a number of activities, including drafting guidelines for starting up a tourism business, mapping national, European and international tourism events, disseminating good practice, and maintaining a constant dialogue with policy-makers. The sector group has also conducted benchmarking analysis on tourism promotion strategies at the national, regional and local levels.

To date, the brokerage events organised by the tourism and cultural heritage sector group have resulted in partnership agreements between European SMEs. For a German travel agency organising holidays for individuals with reduced mobility, a meeting with a Greek hotel company yielded fast results.

Small is bountiful
Less traditional industries are also supported. Micro-technology, especially in the field of computing, electronics and machinery, has revolutionised the way we work and play. “For the past quarter of a century, micro-technology has been extremely important and its importance is growing every year,” says Rim Stroeks, a consultant with the Enterprise Europe Network based at Syntens in the Netherlands. “The industry used to be focused in a handful of countries, but the geographical distribution has spread in recent years as new players have emerged.”

The next technological revolution looks set to occur at the nano scale (a billionth of a metre). Nanotechnology has been attracting considerable attention, both from scientists and the business world. At the miniscule nano-scale, the properties of materials are very different. By harnessing these properties, scientists hope to develop stronger, more lightweight and more resilient materials and devices in a range of different fields, from computing, semiconductors and nanoelectronics to medicine. Possible applications include super-strong, lightweight fabrics, diodes that emit light and not heat, and a computer chip so small that you could fit 400 on to the head of a pin.

To help SMEs keep up with the high pace of innovation and technological change in this rapidly changing field, the Enterprise Europe Network has established a nano- and microtechnologies sector group. “Nanotechnology is a very important emerging sector and that is why we need a sector group to connect industry with academia,” explains Stroeks, who chairs the group.

The group provides more specific assistance to both industry and research bodies; promotes business, technological and research collaborations; assists in addressing market barriers which can be high in cutting-edge technologies; helps deal with related ethical issues; maps the situation in the United States and Japan; and builds understanding of new EU policies and regulations.
“Because nanotechnology is such a young and fresh sector, it raises a number of safety, health and ethical issues,” notes Stroeks. “The sector group can help raise public awareness and facilitate a public debate grounded in fact.”

Finding the perfect match
Sector groups organise regular brokerage and matchmaking events, as well as company visits. The nano- and microtechnologies sector group organised a brokerage event, the seventh of its kind, at last year’s Micronora, the biennial French micro- and nanotechnology trade fair which attracts hundreds of exhibitors and some 15000 visitors.

Spread over one and a half days, the brokerage event brought together companies and institutes from France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Based on preferences they had expressed prior to the event, the participants were able to meet representatives from companies and institutes of interest to them in a series of half-hour-long ‘speed dating’ slots.

As an example of company visits, the nano- and microtechnologies sector group introduced businesses from a Dutch precision engineering and mechatronics cluster based in Eindhoven to a German cluster in Thuringia which specialises in a number of areas, including direct-drive technologies, power electronics and sensors. In June, a Dutch delegation visited Thuringia while, in December, a German delegation visited Eindhoven. The visits resulted in four partnership agreements between the Dutch and German companies.

The Network’s sector groups

• Agri-food
• Automotive, Transport and Logistics
• Biotech, Pharma and Cosmetics
• Chemicals
• Creative industries
• Environment
• Healthcare
• ICT Industry and Services
• Intelligent Energy
• Maritime Industry and Services
• Materials
• Nano- and Microtechnologies
• Services and Retail
• Space and Aerospace
• Sustainable Construction
• Textiles
• Tourism and Cultural Heritage

National Contact Point Events

The UK National Contact Point (NCP) are holding a series of free events open to all during September
which will give information on applying to the IAPP and ITN schemes. These will be held in:

Belfast – 10 September 2010
Birmingham – 17 September 2010
Edinburgh – 20 September 2010
London – 28 September 2010

Further information and registration is available at: http://www.ukro.ac.uk/mariecurie/events/index.htm

Further information

Further information on both schemes is available from the UK NCP website at: http://www.ukro.ac.uk/mariecurie/organisations_schemes/index.htm.

Queries can be directed to the NCP helpdesk by e-mail at mariecurie-uk@bbsrc.ac.uk or by telephone on +32 2 230 5275.