SWRDA in the news

SWRDA is also in the news and it's not all Shiny Happy People either.

Dunno how I missed this one before now but here you go:

Development agency 'wasted cash courting political support'

December 29 2008

Quote:

"SOUTH West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) bosses have been accused of wasting taxpayers’ money at this year’s party political conferences.

According to the Taxpayers’ Alliance, the agency spent £53,149 attending Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative conferences.

Research carried out by the alliance found that over the three main party conferences, the country’s nine RDAs spent more than £285,000 on hotel rooms, reimbursing staff for expenses and buying security passes.

The alliance said the RDAs also paid for “expensive events in an attempt to attract political support”."

Maybe if they spent more time and energy talking to local people then they wouldn't get into that kind of trouble. It's our money they're spending.

It looks like they've got their hands on £1bn too:

Firms in line for share of £1bn 'rescue' fund

January 12 2009

Quote:

"SMALL Westcountry businesses could be thrown a lifeline this week if the Government announces details of a £1 billion industry "rescue" fund.

Sources suggest Business Secretary Lord Mandelson is shortly to make clear how struggling firms can borrow between £1,000 and £1 million through the Small Business Finance Scheme, and details of the cash available could be made public this week.

While the fund will be open to businesses across the UK, it seems likely the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) will play a central role in attempting to administer the money to Devon and Cornwall businesses.

The idea of the scheme, announced in November's pre-Budget report, is to offer working capital to solid firms struggling to borrow money in the credit squeeze."

Now that's nice. SWRDA gets a huge pot of money to help...who? Dare I suggest that Urban Splash and Priority Sites might get some dosh? Simon Fairlie mentioned something about "cronies in the construction industry," didn't he?

Let's hope they don't spend it on party conference lobbying and press junkets.

Anyway, if I spend £19m of public money for little result, do I get to meet The Queen?

Region's finest recognised for their service

December 31 2008

Quote:

"In the world of business, Nick Buckland, the deputy chief executive of the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) was awarded the OBE for serves [sic] to technology and innovation."

Maybe they should award gongs for autocracy and unnecessary demolition.