Jim Sims

I am an Economic Development Specialist that possesses over 20 years of experience in sustainable urban development. Throughout this period, I have been responsible for facilitating and leading numerous transnational EU and UK funded projects , both as a partner and a lead partner. Through these various projects, many of which have been funded through URBACT, Horizon 2020, INTERREG, Structural Funding and Lifelong Learning Programmes, I have also developed considerable experience of designing and delivering transnational exchange and learning activities. Much of this work has lent on my previous academic and practical Economic Development, Design and Marketing experience/studies. I was a project partner in USE-ACT, an URBACT II project and have recently been approved as the LEAD EXPERT on the GEN-Y CITY URBACT III Project. I possess considerable experience of developing and delivering a range of innovation and business support; workforce development; employability, community cohesion and social inclusion; property and infrastructure; and low carbon initiatives. Through the above activities, I have developed considerable experience and expertise of designing and delivering integrated/participatory urban policies for a range of organisations, including local authorities. Recently, I have been involved in developing a number of integrated place based economic development strategies, including the BTVLEP Strategic Economic Plan and EU Structural Investment Fund (ESIF) Plan