Firms based in some of south Essex's least prosperous areas are being targeted in a new multi-million pound scheme designed to ensure a more equitable spread of new ideas and technology.

The Innovative Actions Fund, due to run for two years from April, is designed to make sure that technological breakthroughs made in technological hotspots are shared with poorer areas eligible for EU regeneration support, including Southend.

The East of England Development Agency, which secured the funding from the European Commission and other public sector bodies, is now putting together a programme of pilot initiatives allowing innovative businesses to get more support.

Kate Phillips, EEDA's innovation and cluster development manager, said: "Innovative companies are vital to helping create a prosperous economy."

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Published Monday, March 25, 2002