Ulster Unionist Economy spokesperson Sandra Overend MLA, has welcomed the Prime Minister David Cameron’s announcement regarding the £100 million broadband funding boost for a number of UK cities including Belfast.
Mrs Overend said,
“This funding boost for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is very welcome, as many businesses are moving away from traditional business models, and increasingly are enhancing their online presence. However, many of those businesses are hampered by slow and ineffective broadband connections as was highlighted in a recent OFCOM report.
“Poor broadband speeds affect businesses’ ability to compete to sell their products and services in an increasingly globalised market. This scheme, announced by the Prime Minister and the Culture Minister Maria Miller will allow businesses in Belfast apply for grants of up to £3,000 to cover the costs of installing faster and better broadband, and allowing them to offer customers faster services and increased reliability.”
Mrs Overend continued,
“The scheme will be for small and medium enterprises, and third sector and voluntary organisations in the Belfast City Council area, and cover the initial cost of installing the faster broadband. The grants will range from £250 - £3,000 and the scheme will be open until September 2015. I would urge all small and medium businesses who believe that they could avail of this scheme to contact Belfast City Council, or visit the website (http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/business/investinginbelfast/super-connected-belfast/superconnected-voucherscheme.aspx ) to get more information.”