Highland businesses sign up for free Broadband Voucher Scheme

Forty three businesses in Highland have now successfully applied for free Broadband Connection Vouchers, providing a boost to their broadband so they can now benefit from new IT opportunities and better productivity.

The scheme, which provides grants of up to £3,000 to help small businesses and charities, is funded by the UK Government’s SuperConnected Cities Initiative and is administered locally by The Highland Council in conjunction with City of Edinburgh Council. The scheme opened up to small and medium sized businesses and charities in Inverness as well as many other parts of the Highlands on the 1st April.

2,087 vouchers have been issued in Scotland, including 43 in Highland.

Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Margaret Davidson is encouraging Highland businesses who haven’t yet checked to see if they are eligible to do so. She said: “We know how important a fast broadband connection is for businesses to grow and with up to £3,000 worth of installation costs available, this is a great chance to get assistance and open up new or improved ways to do business.

“The vouchers are being issued on a “first come, first served” basis and with more than 1000 applications from across the UK now being received each week, I’d encourage all eligible Highland businesses to apply before the available funds are exhausted.”

There are four quick and easy steps to apply. All businesses need to do is visit http://www.connectionvouchers.co.uk/and enter their postcode to check availability. The next step is to choose a supplier, fill in an on-line form or pick an off the shelf deal with no forms to fill in. Charities, not for profit organisations and commercial landlords can also apply.