ERDF in England’s Northwest WebsiteClare Smith

Marketing Manager (ERDF)

Northwest Regional Development Agency

Context

• Largest ERDF Programme in England €755 million

• Over 900 Expressions of Interest received to date

• Website key conduit for communicating information about the Programme

• Existing website static and dated

• Dynamic, user-friendly website required

Target Users

• Project applicants

• Project managers

• UK Government

• European Commission

• Media

• General public / Final beneficiaries

Overview

• Launched Summer 2009

• 5 main sections

• User-friendly

• Comprehensive resource

• Accurate and reliable

• Makes use of available technologies

• Brings Programme to life

Message

Europe is making a difference to people and businesses in England’s Northwest

Approach

• Time is of the essence

• Less is sometimes more

• Step-by-step

• Pictures speak a thousand words

• Make it relevant

Visitors

• Over 50,000 page views since launch

• Over 5,000 unique visitors

• Roughly 50:50 new and returning visitors

• 3 mins 40 secs average time spent browsing site

• 4.75 average pages viewed per visit

Feedback: UK Government

“As Regional Lead for the North West of England I use the ERDF Northwest website on a very regular basis - an easy to navigate and invaluable tool - which helps me carry out my role - by providing an excellent overview of the programme, activities and achievements together with useful info such as the beneficiaries list.  

What I find is particularly good is the comprehensive project information and the news page - which I view on a regular basis to keep up to date.”

Miranda AbreyDepartment for Communities and Local GovernmentUK Government

Feedback: Media

“The European Regional Development Fund is a baffling subject for most journalists. The ERDF Northwest website offers a good way to learn about it and is full of practical examples of projects, including many video clips, with a useful geographical breakdown. This is material journalists can use as the foundation for stories.”

Andrew BoundsNorth of England CorrespondentFinancial Times

Feedback: Project Applicant“The ERDF Northwest website was a source of great help and advice to National Museums Liverpool recently.

The website provided us with easy access to all relevant ERDF guidance and regulations. We were better informed and prepared for the application process due to it clearly setting out the application and selection process. The website is easy to navigate and simple to use. The ERDF Northwest website is a comprehensive and invaluable resource.”

James HernandezHead of Trusts, Foundations and Public Sector GivingNational Museums Liverpool, the largest cultural organisation in the North West

Future

• Constantly evolving to meet users needs

• Integrated email newsletter

• More video case studies

• Integrate RSS feeds

• Incorporate Programme performance data

• Undertake stakeholder research

Questions?