European Regional Development Fund

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is used to tackle regional disparities across Europe. The ERDF supports regional development through actions such as business innovation support and regeneration.

Working on behalf of the Mayor of London, the European Programmes Management Unit (EPMU) is responsible for the administration of the 2007 to 2013 ERDF programme. These programmes are designed to meet current by targeting employment, small and medium sized enterprises and high-tech business investment.

ERDF has helped a wide variety of projects from large scale public works to small local initiatives. All are designed to benefit the regional or local economy.

ERDF funded projects have achieved many outputs, and these include the following:

• Encouraged industrial development and provided workspace by reclaiming land, refurbishing buildings and providing services to open up sites
• Encouraged the introduction and growth of SMEs
• Improved local environments to make areas more attractive to businesses and visitors

To date, key achievements with ERDF assistance in England include:

• 177, 391 new jobs created
• 207, 662 SMEs assisted
• 830, 640 hectors of land developed
• 1, 705, 069 square meters of premises provided

Accelerator

Accelerator is a specialist business incubator in Shoreditch, the heart of London’s ICT and digital media hub. The Accelerator specializes in business development programs for high value, innovative, growing businesses in information and communication technology, interactive media, e-learning and design. Accelerator is part of London Metropolitan University.

Accelerator offers the following service solutions:

• Incubator space of several sizes
• Virtual Incubation
• Shared business centre
• Business consults and support services
• Access to investor and market networks
• A full-time, hands on management team
• Networking and social events
• Discounted gym memberships
• Free access to workshops and seminars!

http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/business-development/accelerator/home.cfm

London Knowledge innovation Centre (LKIC)

A joint venture between Business Extra and London South Bank University, the London Knowledge Innovation Centre (LKIC) provides strategic support and business advice to hi-tech and knowledge-based companies from its purpose built Central London incubator. Help is provided for high growth potential companies exploit cutting-edge innovation and build profitability and sustainable businesses to help build London’s knowledge economy. LKIC supports virtual, satellite and physical incubation and has its own hatchery to help early stage micro business start-ups progress to full incubation.

LKIC can help start and build successful businesses by offering practical innovation and support services.

These include:

• Individual mentoring
• Practical hands-on,  on-site business and technical support
• Support with sourcing funding, grants and Loans
• On site business strategy and  Intellectual Property advice
• Affordable office space
• Flexible Hot Desk space
• Cost effective Virtual Office
• Meeting rooms for hire
• Book keeping and office support services
• Access to community of peers
• Linkages to business, investor and knowledge resource networks
• 24/7 building access with first class security
• Plug-in high speed broadband and telecommunications
• On site catering and cafe facilities
• Unique courtyard garden

http://www.lkic.com/

Thames Innovation Centre

The Thames Innovation Centre (TIC) is a 50,000 sq feet award winning business and innovation centre at the heart of Veridion Park, London Borough of Bexley. The TIC is aimed at small to medium enterprises looking for a flexible, prestigious, low cost solution with space for growth.

TIC offers highly flexible packages of offices and related services – from virtual offices and short term office rental for individuals and businesses, to the complete servicing of small and medium companies.

Some of the services that are offered include:

• High specification eco-friendly offices including your own climate control and burglar alarm
• Meeting rooms available for private discussions, client meetings, training or conferences. Our on-site coffee-shop will cater for your every need www.ticcoffeeshop.co.uk
• Sensor activated lighting
• CAT 6 cabling infrastructure
• Easy-out with one months notice
• Secure access to your office with 24/7 onsite security
• Dedicated onsite business support
• State-of-the-art telecoms and broadband
• Postage handling
• Photocopying – self service 24/7
• Secretarial services

http://www.thamesinnovationcentre.com/