Local firms can apply for a £3,000 grant
Businesses in Ealing are being urged to apply for a new scheme which would give them faster broadband.
The grant is part of the government’s drive to make London a super-connected city. It covers the installation for small and medium sized businesses, registered charities, social enterprises and sole traders in the borough who upgrade their broadband to “superfast”.
Posters advertising the Connection Vouchers will feature on Ealing billboards urging local businesses to sign up before the scheme ends in March 2015.
The call came as vouchers issued to London businesses hit 1000, from sectors as varied as social work, the arts and the motor trade to IT, finance and manufacturing. With better and faster access to the internet, they can reach more customers, reduce costs by using online applications and data storage and operate more efficiently. SMEs who apply now could be superfast for Christmas trading.
The process is described as simple: visit the connection vouchers website, choose a provider and the government will pay the capital and equipment costs. Businesses then pay the monthly costs, which vary by provider and package. One quarter of those who have taken up the offer pay £40 per month.
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Sajid Javid said:
“This is a golden opportunity for businesses in London to take advantage of better broadband. The grant takes away the costs of installation which are normally charged upfront or added to monthly charges and will help our hard working business owners and sole traders to grow and benefit in this super-connected, global city”.
23rd September 2014