Staffordshire Council promotes superfast broadband voucher scheme
Local businesses in Staffordshire are being encouraged to take advantage of a government scheme that can help them pay for superfast broadband, which can boost their business.
Mark Winnington, Staffordshire Council’s economic growth leader, says the scheme can help small and medium sized businesses in the county to boost efficiency and productivity.
The scheme in question is the government’s £67 million Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme. The vouchers can be used by smaller businesses individually, or in a group, to build a network that provides them with broadband connection speeds of up 1 gigabit.
Those hoping to take advantage of the scheme need to source a supplier of the vouchers and start the application process. The suppliers then complete the connection work to the business property.
Winnington explained: "We are also urging people and businesses to take advantage of initiatives like the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme to improve their connection further. Ultrafast broadband can make a real difference to business efficiency and productivity. This scheme is open to businesses and a fibre to premise connection is not only faster but also more reliable.”
Elsewhere, other councils are also urging their local businesses to avail themselves of the funding opportunity. In Hampshire, Councillor Roy Perry stated: “This voucher scheme is a great opportunity for Hampshire businesses to future-proof their digital capability and prosper in today’s fast-paced economic environment. It’s important that businesses apply as soon as possible before the deadline of March 2021 – or more urgently, before the available funding has been allocated.”
More information on the scheme is available from the website and the funding is available up until March next year, or until the funding runs out, whichever comes first. The funding available to each business is up to £3,000 but those living near a business can apply as a group, including the business, and claim up to £500 each.
