Member Article

Manchester and Salford Councils launch superfast broadband grants

Businesses in Salford and Manchester have been offered up to £3,000 to help give them access to superfast broadband, in an initiative launched on Thursday.

Councils from both cities have urged companies to act fast to take up the grants, with the cash pot running out in September and the grants being given out on a first come, first serve, basis.

SMEs will be eligible for the investment, and can be any type of company, from self-employed homeworkers to established firms.

The grant will meet the costs of receiving a fast broadband connection directly to their business premises, meaning they only have to pay the VAT and monthly subscription cost.

Councillor Nigel Murphy, executive member for environment for Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester is determined to become on the world’s leading digital cities by 2020 and that includes helping our small and medium-sized businesses to access superfast and ultrafast broadband.

“Faster internet connections mean greater efficiencies and access to improved services. This scheme will support the growth of these businesses which play an important role in the city’s economy.”

Superfast and ultrafast broadband will make it easier for businesses to use online back-up services for data protection, improve video conferencing and other services through faster download and upload speeds.

Salford City Mayor Ian Stewart added: “The council put in a big effort and bold plans to ensure that the funding came to Salford. With the money in place, we are able to give small and medium sized businesses a genuine boost.

“Salford is the home of MediaCityUk, the most advanced technology centre in Western Europe, and with this funding the rest of the city will have the opportunity to connect their business to ultrafast broadband to encourage business growth.”

Eligible businesses can access the scheme’s broadband vouchers by applying to Salford or Manchester Council.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .