Member Article

Digital business support service reaches 3000 milestone

Superfast Business Wales has now supported over 3000 Welsh businesses looking to grow using online technology. Businesses throughout Powys have been quick to embrace digital innovation, with over 300 registering onto the programme.

From Facebook and Instagram, to cyber security and data protection with the arrival of GDPR, local businesses are putting online technology at the heart of their development. It’s this forward-thinking approach which is helping ambitious businesses compete in local, national, and global markets.

To date over 3282 Welsh businesses have received a business needs assessment, over 2681 have attended local workshops, and a further 2141 have gone on to access expert 1-1 digital business advice.

The Superfast Business Wales service was set up in 2016. Backed by the Welsh Government and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), it provides trading Welsh SMEs with comprehensive advice and guidance about how they can use digital technologies.

It is independent and free and includes access to a business needs assessment, local workshops, 1:1 digital business advice, and a full website diagnostic. Businesses can also download the Software Directory, and access a number of online tools, guides and top tips on the information hub: business.wales.gov.uk/superfastbusinesswales

Flintshire engineering company Tarvin Precision Engineering is just one of many businesses to benefit from the free digital support. The firm’s forward-thinking approach to cyber security and technology has paid dividends, with new orders up by 20% and cost-savings of 50% secured.

Following advice from Superfast Business Wales Tarvin upgraded to Windows 10, installed superfast broadband, a new CRM system, and invested in staff training in cyber security and IT.

Josh Harris, Tarvin’s IT Manager, said: “Tarvin is already looking to the future with further investment planned in cloud storage solutions, and a new server. It’s imperative that we always remain one step ahead to remain competitive.”

Leader of the House with responsibility for digital Julie James said: “It’s great to see that over 3,000 businesses across Wales so far have taken up the services of Superfast Business Wales, such as Tarvin in Flintshire.

“The recent Digital Maturity Survey from Cardiff University showed that businesses which take advantage of the opportunities offered by access to superfast broadband and digital technologies are more profitable and successful.”

To date over 120 businesses have already registered for upcoming events in 2018, and 118 are scheduled for 1-1 appointments.

To grow your business online register onto the Superfast Business Wales service by calling 03000 6 03000, emailing superfast@businesswales.org.uk or visiting businesswales.gov.wales/superfastbusinesswales/ More information about the Ultrafast Connectivity Voucher is available at: https://beta.gov.wales/go-superfast/superfast-for-business

Businesses can check the availability of superfast broadband connections in their area at: https://beta.gov.wales/go-superfast/can-i-get-it

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .