Mark is the Lead Partner for the SmartImpact URBACT III Network and previous lead partner for CSI Europe URBACT II network. Mark has worked on regeneration focused UK and European funded programmes since 1999 in Manchester and the NW of England. Mark has experience of developing and delivering Financial Instrument (loan) funds with both EC and UK Member State resources and was part of a small team, alongside Des Gardner, who wrote the bid for the establishment of the NW Evergreen Fund, one of the first FIs to become operational in the UK. Mark is currently Strategic Lead for Resources & Programmes at Manchester City Council and is working on the launch of the Greater Manchester 2014-20 ESIF programme which includes significant investment of ESIF via Financial Instrument (loan) funds.