SME grants for ultra-fast broadband

BUSINESSES with less than £37m turnover and fewer than 250 employees can apply for grants of up to £3,000 towards the cost of superfast or ultrafast broadband.

The grants, available to SMEs in Manchester and Salford, are funded through the government’s Urban Broadband Fund.

Interested businesses are being urged to apply quickly as the initial pilot which launched today only runs until the end of September on a first come, first served basis.

Under the scheme. vouchers will be issued to meet the physical costs of getting a fast broadband connection directly into their business premises, meaning they only have to pay the VAT and monthly subscription cost.

Superfast broadband and ultrafast broadband services offer faster download and upload speeds – three to five times quicker than conventional broadband.

Cllr Nigel Murphy, executive member for environment for Manchester City Council, said: “Faster internet connections mean greater efficiencies and access to improved services. This scheme will support the growth of these businesses which play an important role in the city’s economy.”

Salford City Mayor Ian Stewart added: “The council put in a big effort and bold plans to ensure that the funding came to Salford. With the money in place, we are able to give small and medium sized businesses a genuine boost.

“Salford is the home of MediaCityUk, the most advanced technology centre in  Western Europe, and with this funding the rest of the city will have the opportunity to connect their business to ultrafast broadband to encourage business growth.”

The first step in the application process is via www.manchester.gov.uk/superconnected and www.salford.gov.uk/superconnected . as appropriate. Eligible businesses who do not complete the application process in time for the first phase will have their details carried over into the next phase of the scheme early next year.