EPN Consulting Limited

The EPN Consulting Newsletter No. 14 - Oct 2011 

Be Connected. Be Contacted. Join EPN Consulting! 

 
In This Issue
Featured Message
FP7 & other Calls shortly expiring
New Calls published
Next Professional Events in Europe
Extended EPN Consulting Transport consultancy
EC Funding opportunities for LAs
Training Courses
Welcome to JAREKS, a new EPN Consulting Member
Welcome to MT Vega Mesa, a new EPN Consulting Member
TechNews - the controversial VoIP market in Italy
EPN Consulting Crowd Funding Campaign
The Comment of the Month
The Website of the Month

 
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EVENTS Section Expansion Project

 

 

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EPN Consulting profile is on the Transport Business magazine

 

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Dear Subscriber,   

Welcome to the October 2011 issue of the EPN Consulting Newsletter that is received by hundreds of selected professionals in Europe.

 

This month starts with some bubbling releases in the ICT consumer market that may change and/or upgrade our habits:
- 28 Sept 2011 - the new Kindle Fire was disclosed by the Amazon's CEO Jeff Bezos. This brand-new device (sold at an incredibly low price of $199) is not only an e-book reader like before but a real tablet. Although it has not camera nor 3G connection (it is provided with Wi-Fi built-in only), it is said to be a real challenge to the Apple's iPad2. More comments on the Financial Times here. Together with the Fire, Amazon launches new versions of the traditional b/w screen Kindle ranging from a basic one ($79) to touch editions ($99 Wi-Fi only to $149 Wi-Fi+3G)
- 30 Sept 2011 - the first Google store outside California opened in London at one of the PC World stores in Tottenham Court. So far the Google "pop-up" store sells only Chromebook laptops and a few accessories, however it is an important step forward to acquire visibility in Europe.
More information on the London Evening Standard here and on The Telegraph here
-  04 Oct 2011 - the new Apple's CEO Tim Cook is said to disclose the new iPhone5 on which many rumours have been circulating since March 2011. The presentation will take place during an invitation-only event at the Apple's headquarters in Cupertino (USA). The new iPad3, firstly expected to be launched in the same event, is said to appear on the markets not before Spring 2012 (read news published by the Wall Street Journal here)
 
Another important event will happen from 3 to 9 Oct 2011: The European Small-Medium Enterprises (SME) Week that aims to:
  • provide information on what the EU and national, regional and local authorities are offering as support to micro, small and medium-sized businesses;
  • promote entrepreneurship so that more people, and in particular younger ones, seriously consider becoming an entrepreneur as a career option;
  • give recognition to entrepreneurs for their contribution to Europe's welfare, jobs, innovation and competitiveness.

Along with these exciting items of news we woud like to remind our readers interested in taking part in FP7 project proposals  that time is running and not much is left: one to two months depending on the Call you are focused on.

 

EPN Consulting is available to provide assistance to public and private organisations that would like to see their ideas converted into a sound proposal to be submitted. We are also an ideal partner for your project consortium as we have got a lot of experience in dealing with EC projects. Contact us to know more about how we can help you.  

 
EPN Consulting is a front runner within this fast evolution process and its network of professionals generates a lot of excellent know-how. If you are not a member yet, don't wait any longer and join us: a number of exclusive services are waiting for you.
Besides, the New EU Comers and the EU Accession Countries enjoy a fantastic 50%-discount on the membership fees until 31 Dec 2012!
The 2011 membership fees are now 40% discounted for all new members!
  
If you would like to advertise your products and/or services on this effective tool of information as the EPN Consulting Newsletter is, please contact us.
Have you missed some of the previous issues? Don't worry, you can find them online on this webpage.

 

Finally, if you are already an EPN Consulting Member, please remember that if you introduce new members both of you will receive a discount on your membership fees! As this newsletter is also published on LinkedIn, Ecademy and Twitter, we ensure our members to gain an immense visibility within and beyond Europe!
  
We wish you a positive October!

 

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This EPN Consulting Newsletter is delivered to your mailbox to inform you about EPN Consulting news, events, business opportunities, happening in Europe.
It is sent to both members and non-members willing to foster innovation in Europe.
 
You receive this newsletter because you have been in touch with EPN Consulting or its CEO in the past.
FP7 & other Calls shortly expiring 
European Projects
This month there are close deadlines of the following calls for proposals:
 

- 04 Oct 2011 - Deadline to submit proposals within the FP7-HEALTH-2012-INNOVATION-1 Call

 

- 12 Oct 2011 - Deadline to submit proposals within the SP1-JTI-CS-2011-03 Call

- 12 Oct 2011 - Deadline to submit proposals within the ERC-2012-STG_20111012 Call for the domain "Physical Sciences & Engineering" 

 

[...]
Find out more expiring calls on the Events Section of the EPN Consulting website
If you would like to be advised on how to prepare and submit project proposals within the 7th Framework Programme (FP7) and/or other Programmes, EPN Consulting is the right consultancy to choose. Visit the EU Projects Consultancy  for more information.
Would you like to know more about what an EU project is like? Attend one the tailored training courses that EPN Consulting organises for its clients. Visit the Training courses and Seminars section.

 

Notice: EPN Consulting Members enjoy discounts on EU projects assistance as well as up to a fantastic 20%-discount on Training Courses packages. Join us!

 
New Calls recently published 
European Projects- 27 Sept 2011 - FP7-PEOPLE-2012-NIGHT  whose deadline is 10 Jan 2012

- Please note that, although the Transport calls will end on 1st Dec 2011, the Transport-Move call will end on 1st March 2012 and its link to the EPSS (Electronic Proposal Submission Service) will be available as of 1st Nov 2011.
 
- Further changes have been applied to Guide of Applicants to currently open FP7 Calls. The detailed list can be found here

If you would like to be advised on how to prepare and submit project proposals within the 7th Framework Programme (FP7) and/or other Programmes, EPN Consulting is the right consultancy to choose. Visit the EU Projects Consultancy  for more information.
Would you like to know more about what an EU project is like? Attend one the tailored training courses that EPN Consulting organises for its clients. Visit the Training courses and Seminars section.

 

Notice: EPN Consulting Members enjoy discounts on EU projects assistance as well as up to a fantastic 20%-discount on Training Courses packages. Join us!

Next Professional Events happening in Europe

04 Oct 2011 - Brussels (BE) - BIZ - EU-BRAZIL BUSINESS SUMMIT
04 Oct 2011 - Brussels (BE) - ENE+EUP - 1st TPWind Energy R&D Event

[...]

Find out more events on the EPN Consulting Events Section.

There is a new fantastic business opportunity for you. It is now possible to sponsor one or more events (Event Sponsor) or even become an Event Section Sponsor (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze packages available). Please drop us an email if interested and we will provide you with all information.

 

Notice: EPN Consulting Members enjoy up to 20% discount on sponsoring packages. Join us!

Extended EPN Consulting Transport consultancy
 

EPN Consulting - ITS & TransportWe are happy to inform you that as of October 2011 we are going to offer an extended consultancy service on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and Sustainable Transport.

 

Studies carried out to solve client's issues and/or to introduce innovative solutions to existing client's situation will take into account also experiences carried out during past and current European projects.

 

The extension of this professional service will help clients use the best practice already identified and avoid spending time and money on re-inventing the wheel. EPN Consulting will be in touch with identified projects co-ordinators and partners to hear their points of view on technical and policy solutions in order to customise the best solution possible for the client (both public and private).

 

This is possible thanks to the wide experience of EPN Consulting in dealing with European projects as well as to the fast growing network of professionals, partners and clients that makes EPN Consulting a unique threefold professional service provider: Consultancy, Network of Professionals and Business Hub.

 

Notice: EPN Consulting Members enjoy up to 20% discount on Consultancy services. Join us!

EC Funding Opportunities for Local Authorities

In this difficult economic climate you may want to carry out some projects but you have little funds for doing it. One solution could be submitting your ideas through an European project proposal and, if successful, receiving a co-funding budget.

This would help you accomplish your goals, acquire visibility on the European scenario and meet a range of different public and private organisations with whom sharing your current and future plans. You could also learn one from the other best practice that could suit your area.

Your fields of interest could regard Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), Sustainable Transport, Public TransportEnvironmental issues, Promotion of Green Transport modes such as Walking and Cycling, Smart Cities solutions, etc.

 

There are only two months left before submitting proposals within the Transport Call (deadline 1st Dec 2011). 

EPN Consulting can assist you in this process from cradle to grave with a bespoke service. Please write to us and we will explore how to meet your requirements. 

EPN Consulting helps you prepare sound FP7 projects proposals. Book your place to learn how to improve your chances of success!

EPN Consulting organises "INTRODUCTION TO EUROPEAN PROJECTS" Courses to help you understand strengths and weakenesses of your ideas and how they can fit in the relevant Calls of interest. Theses courses are very flexible (No. of Students, Course Duration and Course Locations)  to help you get the best out of it.

We look forward to receiving your numerous subscriptions!

 

EPN Consulting Members receive up to 20% discount on training courses!  

Welcome to JAREKS, a new EPN Consulting Member from Lithuania

JAREKS logo

 

EPN Consulting is delighted to welcome JAREKS from Vilnius (Lithuania) as a new corporate Member. 

JAREKS is an acronym and brand of the JARZEMSKIS IR EKSPERTAI LTD company, which is an independent, transparent and qualified research and consulting service provider with a highly professional approach.
The core of the JAREKS experience and expertise is Transport, Mobility, Logistics and Infrastructure consulting. An additional domain of the activity is Strategic Management of large companies and public sector.

Main JAREKS clients are large Lithuanian companies, Lithuanian ministries as well as local authorities. JAREKS boasts an advanced research centre as they believe that consulting has to be complemented with continuous research actiities in order to provide their clients with a much better service.

JAREKS professionals were engaged in research activities with universities and gained remarkable experience in projects belonging to several EC frameworks such as FP6, FP7 and Interreg.

Currently JAREKS is involved in the FP7 project "The 2050+ Airport" as one of the consortium partners.

 

Welcome to Ms MT Vega Mesa, a new EPN Consulting Member from Spain

 

MV1CEPN Consulting  is delighted to welcome Ms Maria Teresa Vega Mesa as a new individual member from M�laga (Spain). She is an Expert in Education for Sustainable Mobility and a tutor of the University of M�laga on the "Practicum II" subject taught in the MSc of Pedagogy in relation to mobility and accessibility. Maria Teresa is also a Lecturer at the Universities of Mendoza (Argentina) and Chiclayo (Peru) on Sustainable Mobility. She has got an excellent experience in EC-funded projects where she covered a number of roles such as:
�    Co-ordinator in Spain of the "Grundtvig" project on the influence of psycho-active substances while driving vehicles
�    Partner in the "Leonardo da Vinci" project concerning Cognitive Mobility.

TechNews - The controversial VoIP market in Italy

Skype, the widely known VoIP company recently bought by Microsoft, offers a number of services whose some are free and some are fee-paid. Among the latter there is SkypeIn that is described as: "[...] The Number that reaches you - wherever you are. An Online Number is a number anyone can call you on from their mobile or landline - and you answer on Skype, no matter where you are. And with every Online Number you also get  voicemail included [...]" (taken from the Skype website). This services was available also in Italy until last Spring 2011 when the service was suspended.

Last week Skype confirmed the impossibility to resume the service in Italy with consequent loss of virtual landline numbers (article on "La Repubblica" newspaper - in Italian) that clients used also on business. The problem was created by the Italian company Eutelia that hosted the service and is now in financial troubles.

 

Tiscali, founded in January 1998, following the liberalization of the telecommunication market in Italy, has recently launched in Italy a new VoIP service called Indoona whose features are similar to those offered by Skype (calls to Indoona users and regular phone numbers, videocalls, messages, possibility to buy a landline number, etc.). In this case, though, there shouldn't be problems with purchasing and keeping a virtual landline number as the company has its headquarters in Italy.

But the VoIP market in Italy is pretty unpredictable...

 

Would you like to see the EPN Consulting Events Section expanded? We need your help! 

EPN Consulting has got plans to expand its EVENTS Section to include professional events happening anywhere, Worldwide!.
T
his will represent a definitive added value for visitors that will enjoy one of the most exhaustive lists of professional events. This Crowd Funding Campaign will ensure that this Section will be kept FREE as well as enriched with hundrends of additional events that currently are not listed.

There is still time available. The campaign will end on 17th Dec 2011 and will allow EPN Consulting to expand its EVENTS Section from early 2012.

 

Contributions start from a minimum fee of �3 up to whatever amount makes you feel comfortable with. We hope that many of you will be eager to contribute to this project to bring benefits to all!

We look forward to feeling your sensitivity about this topic! 

The Comment of the Month:
where is the UK consulting industry going?

 

Recently it was announced that the UK consulting Halcrow is going to be acquired by the US consulting CH2M HILL by Nov 2011. 

This follows what happened in 2010 when the UK consulting Scott Wilson was acquired by the US consulting URS  and what happened in 2009 when the UK consulting Faber Maunsell became part of the US consulting group AECOM.

Although the global crisis has been affecting virtually every industry in the world (apart from the emerging countries), it is worrying that the UK consulting industry is not able to face this current climate.

Would this depend on mentality, approach, vision or what? Has the UK consulting industry been too cautious or not able to think outside the box properly?

Certainly the above list of acquisitions should generate some thoughts and analyses on how the business vision in the UK should rapidly change to gain new markets and ensure a steady business growth that would generate new jobs in the UK. 

 

The Website of the Month: COVENANT OF MAYORS committed to Local Sustainable Energy 

Covenant of Mayors logoThis month EPN Consulting has chosen the Covenant of Mayors committed to Local Sustainable Energy.

 

The Covenant of Mayors is the mainstream European movement involving local and regional authorities, voluntarily committing to increasing energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources on their territories. By their commitment, Covenant signatories aim to meet and exceed the European Union 20% CO2 reduction objective by 2020.

http://www.eumayors.eu/index_en.html

Please contact us for any question about becoming an EPN Consulting member, proposing business offers, informing us on your business specialties, et cetera.
Kind Regards,

Stefano Mainero

Founder, CEO

EPN Consulting Limited
London, UK