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 Cambridge have 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 Cambridge to apply straight away and help boost their businesses with faster broadband.”
John Bridge OBE, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, said:
“We continue to encourage businesses to take advantage of this scheme and believe that broadband holds the key to increased productivity and improved communication for businesses of all sizes and sectors.
“Connectivity is crucial to opening up new opportunities to businesses and by ignoring schemes such as this, companies without access to faster, better broadband risk being left behind.”
Claire Ruskin, CEO Cambridge Network said:
“Cambridge Network appreciates the importance to our members’ businesses of a fast and reliable broadband connection. Cambridge has suffered a poor broadband service outside the city centre and effective connectivity is crucial for sole traders and multi-nationals alike.
"We encourage all our members to check if they’re eligible to qualify for a Destination Digital connection voucher as these vouchers can provide up to £3,000 towards the cost of installing an upgraded broadband service.
"With vouchers only being available till March 2015, we hope our members are able to make use of this scheme sooner rather than later to secure a consistent broadband performance in an affordable way.”
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, 95% of the UK will be able to access superfast speeds.
- This scheme is part of a £150m package of measures to support participating cities to develop the digital infrastructure capability they need to remain internationally competitive and attractive places to invest, visit and do business.
- 94% of small firms agree or strongly agree that a reliable internet connection is critical to the success of their business (Source: FSB Small business survey panel: Infrastructure Survey, April 2013).
- Government business support and services are easy to access through the GREAT Business website: www.greatbusiness.gov.uk