Government’s Connection Broadband scheme benefits over 25,000 small businesses.

Figures published today show that more than 25,000 small and medium businesses across the UK have taken advantage of the Government’s Broadband Connection voucher scheme. The scheme, which enables businesses to apply for grants of up to £3,000 each to cover the costs of installation for better and faster broadband, has seen a huge rise in demand in recent months.

The grant, which is issued as a voucher, is part of the Government’s broadband transformation across the UK to aid cities in creating and attracting new employment opportunities and investment.

As a result of this transformation, the benefits to smaller businesses will include increasing and accessing new markets through greater communication with customers and suppliers. Securely backed-up data will see an increase in online security, while faster upload and download speeds will also allow for increased productivity and improved customer service.

The Government has made available £40M in 2015/16 for the scheme, with the vouchers being issued on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. No ring fencing exists for individual cities and the Government is encouraging all eligible businesses to participate before the funds run out.

Ed Vaizey, Digital Economy Minister said: “The Government’s broadband connection voucher scheme is proving tremendously popular and we are now issuing around 1000 vouchers every week. Businesses need to be properly equipped for all the challenges of the digital world in which we live and I urge all eligible businesses to apply as soon as possible to make sure they don’t miss out on the fantastic offer.”

To date, over 25,000 businesses in the 50 cities across the UK participating have received grants, with thousands more companies currently going through the application process. The type of businesses to have benefited from the scheme so far are varied and include estate agents, caterers, cafes, architects, mechanics, graphic designers and event coordinators.

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