Member Article

£3,000 broadband grant up up for grabs for Leeds, Bradford and York businesses

Businesses in Leeds, Bradford and York are being urged to apply for grants worth up to £3,000 to increase broadband speeds and connectivity.

Firms have until March 2015 to apply for the Government grants to cover the costs of installing faster and better broadband.

So far more than 460 businesses in Leeds and Bradford, and almost 40 businesses in York have received grants, with many more currently going through the application process.

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 1 million homes and businesses.

By 2017, a predicted 95% of the UK will be able to access superfast speeds.

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Sajid Javid, explained: “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 Leeds, Bradford and York to apply straight away and help boost their businesses with faster broadband.”

Chris Glen, West Yorkshire regional chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “Broadband connectivity is an absolute necessity for an increasing number of small businesses.

“Some of our members in Leeds and Bradford have already taken advantage of the vouchers to vastly improve their broadband capability. The vouchers are only available for a limited time and we strongly recommend other businesses to use the scheme while it is available.”

Simon Williams, FSB North Yorkshire chairman, added: “Our recent research shows that almost every small firm views a reliable internet connection as critical to the success of their business.

“We would urge businesses to apply for this scheme, to take advantage of all that better, faster broadband can offer their business at a greatly reduced cost.”

Barry Dodd, chairman of York, North Yorkshire and East Riding LEP, commented: “I’m very happy to see the Department of Culture Media & Sport giving businesses the opportunity to take advantage of broadband through these vouchers.

“By improving our digital connectivity, we can ensure that York remains a competitive, attractive place to do business as it combines the region’s high quality of life with the opportunities to do trade on a global scale.

Hopefully, it will enable businesses to take advantage of trading with new markets and I strongly recommend they seize on this chance whilst it is still available.“

Businesses can find out more about this offer and apply by visiting the website www.connectionvouchers.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .