News Article

North East England’s highly successful regional image campaign is at the forefront of the biggest annual event on EU regional policy, held in Brussels next week (6-9 October).

Regional development agency One North East is leading the ‘Promoting Regions and Participation in Europe’ conglomerate at this year’s Brussels Open Days.

With representation from over 218 regions and cities, this year’s programme features 120 seminars attended by experts in Structural Funds, European Parliament members, private companies and business entrepreneurs.

Central to the agency’s involvement this year is the opportunity to showcase the ‘Passionate People. Passionate Places.’ regional image campaign.

One North East head of marketing Tania Robinson will front a fully subscribed workshop with a presentation to over 300 delegates on how promoting North East England is changing the perception of the region.

It will look at the combination of tourism promotion and regional marketing as a strategy for economic development, business and talent attraction.
“We’re keen to share our experiences and show the campaign as an example of best practice for other European regions to follow or adapt,” explained Tania.
 
“Regions with a strong industrial heritage often suffer from outdated external perceptions.  We’ve recognised the need to reflect a more vibrant, young and ambitious business image as well as promoting our fantastic environment, heritage and history.

“These workshops are very much a two way street where we can pick up tips, adopt new policies and learn from collaborative projects.”

For the third year running, the agency is working with a range of EU member states and regions, from Latvia and central Bohemia in the East to Limburg (Netherlands) and Brandenburg (Germany) in the West.

One North East international manager Iain Derrick will speak on the ‘New Dynamics of Cohesion Policy’.  His presentation will focus on support for innovation, enterprise and the environment, exploring how European cohesion policy fits with the responsibilities of the English RDAs.

It will also cover the importance of the transnational and international agenda to the region’s economic development objectives.

“Prominence at the Brussels Open Days is a real boost for the region, as many of the best projects go forward to help shape future EU policy,” added Iain.

“An international outlook is a key factor in making regional and local development strategies effective.  Our aim is to ensure that the future focus of funding remains on SME support and innovation.”

In addition, the North East England Office in Brussels (NEEO) is co-hosting a workshop focusing on local and regional strategies for increasing European inter-regional co-operation.  This is a major tool for innovation and exchange of experience for access to Europe and EU funds.

Up to 6,000 regional policy experts are to participate in this year’s Brussels Open Days, which is co-organised by the European Commission and the Committee of the Regions (CoR).  The theme for 2008 is ‘Regions and Cities in a Challenging World’.

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For more information, please contact:
Tom Willcox, European Secretariat, One North East
0191 229 6805 or 07766 088 595
tom.willcox@onenortheast.co.uk