The increasing economic importance of working in partnership with other European countries and fostering links with countries worldwide has meant that the Council has taken on a wider role in international matters in the past few years. By increasing contacts and improving communication channels with both European and International partners we are able to develop trading possibilities and improve awareness of European issues. Existing European projects are principally concerned with developing our small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and our local economy.
Trading Abroad - Partenariat Events
Bournemouth Council's Economic Development Unit works hand in hand with local Chambers of Commerce and Business Links to promote and subsidise local companies to attend a series of international business networking events known as Partenariats. Events take place in different cities throughout the world and provide businesses with the opportunity to hold face-to-face meetings with the decision-makers of thousands of international companies.
For information on this year's events please contact the European Information Service Centre on 023 8083 2866 or view the Partenariat website.
FREE Local Workshops on Winning Public Sector Business
In addition to the highly successful Partenariat events, the Economic Development Unit sponsors local seminars and workshops for businesses wishing to trade abroad, take advantage of available grants or learn how to tender successfully.
If you are looking to win contracts for the London 2012 Olympic Games or any public sector business, you may like to attend one of our Bid Writing and Tendering workshops to be held in February 2009. Workshops are FREE and will run from 9.30-13.00 on 3rd, 4th, 5th and 24th February.
For details, please download the attached flyer.
For further information, contact the European Information Service Centre on 023 8083 2866.
Brussels Office
The South West UK Brussels Office provides the Council's Economic Development Unit with up to date information on European issues. This includes consultation and information on new legislation, funding opportunities, partner searches, project proposals, seminars and all the latest developments from the European Community. Information is then disseminated to the appropriate departments within the Council to ensure that they are aware of any issues which are relevant to their work. This service ensures that the region can make its views known and have an impact on decision-making within the European Union.
For more information see the Brussels Office website.
Romania
In 1998 Bournemouth Borough Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a town in Romania called Tirgu Mures. Since then Bournemouth Council has shared its knowledge and expertise in a number of areas, including waste management for the town, the setting up of a modern computer network in the town hall, the provision of home care for the elderly, and support for orphans upon leaving their orphanages.
Following a visit to an orphanage for HIV-positive children, a new charity called "Can't Walk Away" was set up.
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