RSS Feed

Related Articles

Related Categories

£3.3m investment in Superfast Business support

16th May 2013 Print
Superfast Business

More than 500 rural businesses across Devon and Somerset are set to benefit from a £3.3 million investment from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Devon and Somerset County Councils to help them make the most out of superfast broadband technology.

The new Superfast Business service, which launched this week in association with Connecting Devon and Somerset, offers fully funded support to help ambitious businesses identify the opportunities that superfast broadband can provide.

With a focus on working with businesses in rural areas, the programme is aimed at businesses that already have superfast broadband or good connection speeds.

By helping businesses grow and increase their productivity, Superfast Business hopes to create 190 jobs in Devon and Somerset in the next three years and boost the rural economy by almost £15 million.

At the heart of the service is a new website superfastbusiness.co.uk with an online knowledge hub that will act as a platform for the latest thinking from industry experts, businesses and suppliers. Eligible businesses will also be assigned a dedicated adviser who will work hand in hand with them to explore the opportunities that superfast broadband can offer.

Businesses are being invited to visit superfastbusiness.co.uk to find out about the service and the benefits of superfast broadband and associated technologies. Businesses can also find out if they are eligible to access the fully funded business support package by checking the ERDF criteria outlined on the Superfast Business website.

Ian Exworthy, Superfast Business Programme Manager said: “Superfast broadband is about much more than speeding up your email or web browsing. It can transform the way that you do business. Superfast connections offer a more reliable and consistent service – which is a crucial issue for rural businesses – while opening up new markets and boosting productivity.

“We are urging ambitious businesses with strong growth potential to visit our new website and find out more about the service – it has the potential to revolutionise the way they operate.”

Devon County Council Leader John Hart said: "The county council is committed to boosting Devon's economy by supporting our local businesses and helping create the climate in which they can grow. Connecting Devon and Somerset will bring faster broadband to 90 per cent of homes and businesses across rural Devon and it's one of the most important projects we are supporting.

"Faster broadband speeds are vital to allow our rural businesses to compete and I am pleased we have been able to invest in a comprehensive business support programme. Superfast Business is an important part of this programme. It will help motivated and determined rural businesses to get ahead and find new ways to benefit from faster broadband, increasing their efficiency and developing new markets. "

Superfast Business is also looking to establish a network of ICT suppliers and consultants across the South West region that can support the service. Interested parties are asked to visit the website to get in touch.

Superfast Business is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Local Authorities with an investment of £3.3 million to support the roll out of superfast broadband in Devon and Somerset. The service is being delivered by Peninsula Enterprise in conjunction with Connecting Devon and Somerset.

Peninsula Enterprise has been working with businesses in the South West for over 20 years and has extensive experience of engaging businesses and delivering economic impact through business support.

For more information, visit superfastbusiness.co.uk.

More Photos - Click to Enlarge

Superfast Business