The role of the office is to:
- implement the North West Regional European Framework
- provide a platform and offer high visibility for the region to act at a European level
- act as a valuable information source for the Development Agency and the Assembly alerting the regional experts to new developments in EU
- work with the other sub-regions in the North West to provide a unified North West presence and response
- attend consultations and lobby Commission and Parliament representatives
- inform Commission and Parliament representatives of North West initiatives and views and promote the regional agenda
- collaborate with other regional offices who have the same goals and vision as the North West
- act as a contact point for Commission/Parliament/regional office representatives who want to work with or have questions about the region
- support our NW Committee of the Regions representatives
- take responsibility for specific policy areas within the European Framework and act as policy champions in these fields for individuals within the region
- help to achieve the North West regional strategies
The NWBO consists of two members of staff Suzy Sumner, Head of Office and Kathryn Griffiths, Research and Information Officer. Apart from keeping informed of all developments in the EU institutions, Suzy acts as a policy champion for the North West in the area of the Internal Market (Services, State Aids, Public Procurement), Regional Policy and Employment and Kathryn acts as a policy champion in the area of Research and Development (including Innovative Actions and eEurope).
Suzy’s main role within the office is to establish the direction of the office as well as building and developing relationships with Commission and Parliament representatives and with other regional office both within the UK and outside. She works with experts in the region to develop policy strategies and lobbies these positions to the relevant European decision makers. Kathryn’s main role is related to communication with the partners in the region, providing those working on European issues with a Weekly Roundup of what has been happening, regular briefings on key policy developments and producing a more widely accessible bi-monthly newsletter Your Region in Brussels with news and interviews relevant for the North West.
The Regional Economic Strategy (RES) is the rolling 20 year strategy to shape the future economic direction of the Northwest of England for 2006 to 2009. The RES sets out a clear and measurable vision for the region, and outlines clear policies to deliver this vision with the actions required. It will continue to address the key issues that affect the economic performance of the Northwest.
To download a copy of the RES please click here.
