emda's new resource efficiency campaign will help small businesses across the region improve their bottom line by managing their materials, energy and water more effectively.

The free service, via Business Link, uses specially trained advisers to work with companies to identify resource inefficiencies quickly and easily, before drawing up a headline action plan.

Companies may be eligible for a £10,000 grant to help implement any changes required.

East Midlands Development Agency (emda) will be responsible for the programme management and delivery of the region's new European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Competitiveness Programme once approved by the European Commission in late 2007.

To help regional stakeholders find out more about ERDF, the region's strategy for delivering the funds, how to apply for funding and how the Programme is managed, a bespoke website had been created.  Please visit the site for further details.

The emda-funded ‘Lab In A Lorry’ is touring schools across the region giving budding young scientists and engineers the chance to experiment with the fun side of science.

To find out more, get connected to Heart 106 FM over the next two weeks (12-23 May).  If you’re aged between 11 and 14, you could even be in with a chance to win a Nintendo DS.  Just click on www.heart.co.uk and answer a simple science question.

emda have launched a special initiative for East Midlands businesses that are aiming for growth. The HighGrowth East Midlands programme is designed to offer world-class support, advice and mentoring, with the aim of increasing the profitability of businesses. There are two main elements to the new support programme, one for those that are ready for growth and another for those that are already growing.

For more information about HighGrowth East Midlands, please telephone 0845 365 4769.