North & West Lancashire ERDF Priority 1 Action Plan Mid Term Evaluation
The Brief: To assess the effectiveness of a range of business support initiatives aimed at improving SME competitiveness. Using our skills in evaluations and the provision of advice to the public sector in the field of business improvement, we provided a range of recommendations for the second phase of the plan.
The primary objective of this evaluation was to assess the effectiveness of a range of business support initiatives funded by the Action Plan aimed at improving SME competitiveness across (both urban and rural) North & West Lancashire. With almost £11m of funds already committed to projects, the Action Plan was seeking to facilitate a more client focused, holistic and complimentary package of interventions to be delivered across the key themes of new entrepreneurial businesses, innovation and e-commerce.
The mid term evaluation involved a detailed financial review to verify outputs and outcomes claimed to date, in depth review of management processes and procedures, stakeholder consultations and evaluation of a sample of projects supported through the Action Plan. Recommendations for the second phase were made focusing on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of management and delivery arrangements.
Sheffield