Glasgows was commissioned by the Office of Science and Innovation at the Department of Trade and Industry to undertake the management and delivery of the Central Information Point service for Framework Programme 6, FP6UK.

FP6UK is the prime source of information for UK organisations on the EUs Sixth Framework Programme (FP6). The Framework Programmes are the EUs main source of support for leading edge research and technological development. FP6 has a budget of €19 billion, over the period 2002/6 with which to support organisations of all sizes throughout the EC.

Glasgows manages FP6UK, with partners j4b who run the central FP6 website and database and Pera who run the generic FP6 helpline service.

FP6UK provide the following services:

• Project management - Strong and coordinated project management to ensure all elements of the project are delivered on time, at the right quality and within budget.



• Corporate branding - An FP6UK brand style has been adopted with sub- brands (within the overall brand style) developed for the individual thematic areas for National Contact Points (NCPs) to adopt and use on all promotional material produced, such as publications, banner stands and event support material.



• Central helpline - One central telephone number for all customers to call for general guidance and support. Questions related to specific thematic areas are passed through to expert NCPs.



• Central database - A central database providing access for all as well as individual, ring-fenced, thematic area data for NCPs and regional data for RDAs. This allows all support intermediaries access to around 8,000 registered users across the whole FP6 audience whilst maintaining the integrity of the individual NCP’s records. Targeted email alerts are regularly sent to users to inform them of new calls and events.



• Central website - A central website (http://fp6uk.ost.gov.uk) which reflects the branding developed for FP6UK with clear and effective layout and navigation. The website provides a basic introduction to newcomers and directs people to more detailed thematic information. The website is fully integrated with the database used by the helpline, ensuring that all user information is coordinated.



• NCP and RDA Facilitation - Facilitation of NCP and RDA activity and communication through FP6UK. Annual events arranged that NCPs from each thematic area and regional representatives attend to share best practice, share knowledge and review database, helpline and website activity.



• Statistical analysis - Analyse website, helpline and database statistics on a monthly basis to provide OSI with an overview of the level of activity through FP6UK.



• Publicity - A PR service is offered to NCPs to produce press releases and case studies which are then published in specialist journals and on the FP6UK website.



• Events – A full event management service including venue and catering liaison, delegate administration, show production, event support literature, etc. is provided by the FP6UK team to all thematic area NCPs.