1. ERDF in England’s Northwest Website Clare Smith Marketing Manager (ERDF) Northwest Regional Development Agency

2. 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

3. Target Users Project applicants Project managers UK Government European Commission Media General public / Final beneficiaries

4. Overview Launched Summer 2009 5 main sections User-friendly Comprehensive resource Accurate and reliable Makes use of available technologies Brings Programme to life

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

6. Approach Time is of the essence Less is sometimes more Step-by-step Pictures speak a thousand words Make it relevant

7. 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

8. 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 Abrey Department for Communities and Local Government UK Government

9. 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 Bounds North of England Correspondent Financial Times

10. 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 Hernandez Head of Trusts, Foundations and Public Sector Giving National Museums Liverpool, the largest cultural organisation in the North West

11. Future Constantly evolving to meet users needs Integrated email newsletter More video case studies Integrate RSS feeds Incorporate Programme performance data Undertake stakeholder research

12. Questions?