Derby businesses have until March 2015 to apply for a Government grant worth up to £3000 to start reaping the business benefits of faster broadband speeds and better connectivity.
The scheme allows businesses to apply for grants of up to £3,000 each to cover the costs of installing faster and better broadband. Some businesses in Derbyhave already received grants, with many more currently going through the application process.
The grant, in the form of a voucher is part of the transformation of broadband the Government is delivering across the country, helping cities to create and attract new jobs and investment and make the UK the best place in the world to do business.
Benefits to businesses as a result of faster, better broadband include:
- Growing and accessing new markets through better communication with customers and suppliers
- Increasing security through fast secure back-up of data
- Increasing productivity and improving customer service through faster upload and download speeds
- Reduce the costs of software and hardware by benefiting from the option of online applications and data storage
- Enhance the way you communicate and collaborate by accommodating colleagues, clients and partners on real-time video calls, and by sharing information on cloud-based software
Businesses can find out more about this offer and apply by visiting the website www.connectionvouchers.co.uk
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Sajid Javid said:
“We want to make sure that small businesses have the help and support they need to grow and prosper in our digital age. That is why we are providing these grants to help small businesses meet their challenges.
“I urge all small businesses in Derby to apply straight away and help boost their businesses with faster broadband.”
David Ralph, Chief Executive of D2N2, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, said:
“We at D2N2 have been making strong representations and supporting the implementation of superfast broadband as it is key to business growth.
“Without question superfast broadband is held in the same infrastructure bracket as roads and railways when it comes to a vital need for businesses.
“That is why, with the deadline approaching, we at D2N2 would encourage eligible companies to capitalise on this voucher scheme which could have a significant positive impact for businesses.”
George Cowcher, Chief Executive of the Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, said:
“Having high-speed broadband is absolutely crucial to the future development, growth and success of our businesses and firms in Derby which haven’t done so already should take full advantage of this voucher scheme before the deadline passes.
“Superfast broadband will benefit everyone in Derby – and the wider region – and will be a major selling point for businesses and organisations looking to relocate, who may choose the city over other locations if it has an affordable and reliable broadband solution.”
Ron Lynch, Regional Director East Midlands at the Institute of Directors, said:
“Our members and many others tell us that they’ve really benefited from faster and better broadband services, and they can measure the increase in productivity and competitiveness. Businesses that want to see the same sort of improvements really do need to take advantage of the broadband vouchers and invest now because time is running out. With the help available, businesses can really ensure that they significantly improve their systems and get similar benefits to those being enjoyed by their customers, suppliers and competitors.”
Melanie Ulyatt, FSB Regional Chairman, Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire said:
“Broadband is an essential utility for businesses, just like water, gas and electricity. A 2013 FSB poll, which surveyed 8,000 of our members, revealed that 94 per cent considered a reliable internet connection as critical to the success of their business. High quality broadband services are vital for businesses to increase the UK’s productivity and growth. I strongly encourage Derby businesses to take advantage of this great offer and apply for the free broadband vouchers.”
The Superconnected cities programme is running alongside the UK Government’s rollout of superfast broadband to rural areas which has already delivered superfast access to more than one million homes and businesses. By 2017, 95% of the UK will be able to access superfast speeds.
