Southend businesses have their broadband boosted

September 2, 2015 by Southend Borough Council

Southend businesses have their broadband boosted

Thursday 3 September 2015

Businesses in Southend are being urged to apply now for grants of up to £3,000 to boost their broadband connection and reach quicker speeds whilst funding is still available.

More than 40,000 SME’s throughout the UK -including more than 60 from Southend-on-Sea - have already benefited and small businesses in Southend-on-Sea are urged to not miss out on this fantastic opportunity.

The Government made £40m available in 2015/16 for the scheme, and the vouchers are being issued on a “first come, first served” basis. Funds have not been ring fenced for individual cities, and with more than 1,000 applications now being received each week, Government is encouraging all eligible businesses to apply before the available funds are exhausted.

The scheme allows businesses to apply for grants of up to £3,000 each to cover the costs of installing faster and better broadband. So far, more than 40,000 businesses in the 50 cities across the UK participating in the scheme have had grants approved. The scheme has helped a huge variety of businesses to date, including architects, estate agents, mechanics, events coordinators, cafes, graphic designers and caterers.

Cllr Graham Longley, Executive Member for Enterprise, Tourism & Economic Development, said: “Southend has an extremely vibrant business community, with even more entrepreneurs capitalising on Southend’s skills base, way of life and connectivity to the capital and making their town their home alongside established major employers within finance, MedTech, aviation and leisure sectors.

“Now more than ever, fast and reliable internet connectivity is a key considerations for businesses large and small, which is why I urge local businesses to make the most of this time-limited offer and get switched on to better broadband.”

Digital Economy Minister Ed Vaizey said: “Our offer to small businesses has been a tremendous success and is proving incredibly popular. More than 40,000 businesses have already taken up our offer which is aimed at boosting both their broadband speeds as well as their bottom line. Businesses need to act now to ensure they don’t miss out on this fantastic offer and I’m urging all eligible businesses to apply now before it’s too late.”

Businesses can find out if they are eligible and get more details on the broadband connection voucher scheme at www.connectionvouchers.co.uk

Charities, not for profit organisations and commercial landlords can also apply.

Businesses can also email broadbandvouchers@southend.gov.uk or call 01702 534889.