Businesses, charities and social enterprises can now apply for a Government voucher scheme to help them access a superfast broadband network – which is being extended across Nottinghamshire with the aid of funding from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.
The Better Broadband for Nottinghamshire (BBfN) programme, managed via Nottinghamshire County Council with commercial partners, is extending access to the technology across the county. It has received £6.3million funding from D2N2.
The Local Enterprise Partnership – a collaboration between business, local authorities and education providers – promotes economic growth in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Greater broadband access is one of the main planks of its Strategic Economic Plan.
Small to medium-sized enterprises (SME), charities and Social Enterprises can now apply for a Government-backed voucher worth between £100 and £3,000 towards the installation of a superfast (30Mbps +) internet connection for their organisation. Those already with broadband may still be eligible for a free voucher to upgrade to superfast broadband.
Organisations must have a registered office and trading address in Nottingham or Nottinghamshire; be an SME, charity or social enterprise; and must not have received more than approximately £120,000 in grants over the last three years.
Better broadband brings benefits to businesses such as reduced capital expenditure on hardware and software through use of ‘cloud computing’, faster information sharing and provision of better customer service, and greater flexibility for staff in working from home or in transit.
Broadband vouchers are on a first come, first served basis. For more information and to check eligibility for the scheme see website www.connectionvouchers.co.uk
Further information can also be found at website www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/broadband and Facebook page www.facebook.com/nottinghamshirebroadband
David Ralph, Chief Executive of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “High speed broadband is a key tool in business operations. The extended rollout of high speed broadband will help businesses in the area connect, grow and create jobs.”
By the time the overall programme rollout is completed in Spring 2018, it is expected that more than 80,000 properties will be covered by BBfN which – combined with the private sector’s commercial coverage in the county – means around 97% of Nottinghamshire homes and businesses will have access to fibre broadband.
For further information on this news story contact Sean Kirby, Communications Officer, on the D2N2 News Desk on 01159578749 or email: sean.kirby@d2n2lep.org
