Businesses: £3,000 grant aid to ‘get connected’

Up to £3,000 is available for businesses to upgrade to a faster, more reliable internet connection.

The scheme, run in partnership with the Department for Culture Media and Sport, Super Connected and local Councils has been already launched in 50 cities across the United Kingdom.

More than one thousand Northern Ireland businesses having already received their ‘Connection Voucher’ and reaping the rewards.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Michelle Knight-McQuillan said: “ This is a particularly welcome measure to aid our local ‘new start’ and more established businesses who are new to the internet. I’d therefore encourage anyone who is interested, to check their eligibility and sign up as soon as possible.”

Martin Clark, Economic Development Officer at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council commented, “The £3000 grant covers installation costs of upgrading your broadband connection. Businesses will only pay the VAT charged and the monthly line rental to your preferred service provider.

“Monthly costs of Broadband can vary with each provider and the package offered. Superfast Broadband can aid your business in a number of ways. It provides an opportunities to; grow into new markets through better communication with customers and suppliers; increase security through fast and secure back-up of data; increase productivity, whilst attracting and retaining the best staff; improved customer service by sending/uploading large files quickly and reliably; improve response times; and improve customer satisfaction ratings while ensuring you are equipped to take on the digital challenges of tomorrow.”

For further details on the scheme and to check eligibility, call 0800 587 4695 or contact Martin Clark on 028 7034 7045.