Slow broadband 'puts firms at competitive disadvantage'
Slow broadband 'puts firms at competitive disadvantage'
Companies without access to fast and reliable broadband connections are at risk of being left behind in an increasingly digital-driven society, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
Richard Gregg, the FSB's regional chairman for Greater Manchester and North Cheshire, stated that small businesses are the "bedrock" of the economy, but without improved broadband infrastructure they will not be able to provide the growth needed to keep the recovery on the right track.
Speaking to bdaily, Mr Gregg explained that the world is becoming increasingly globalised and this means companies need to be able to rely on their internet connection.
He said: "The vast majority of small firms need access to high-quality digital communications infrastructure and services in order to succeed."
Ecommerce is just one of the areas that small businesses are increasingly focusing on and without a speedy connection to the internet, companies may struggle to handle sales online, restricting their potential client base.
Mr Gregg added: "In a world where business is increasingly conducted online, small firms located in areas where connection speeds are not fit for purpose are thus at a competitive disadvantage. This has knock-on effects for the prosperity of local economies and exacerbates regional economic imbalances."
The FSB representative was commenting after companies in the north-west were given the chance to apply for a £3,000 government voucher that can be used to improve their broadband connections. Improvements that could be paid for by using the government funds include leased line broadband.
Local businessman Luke Vernon, a member of the FSB and the owner of Oldham-based marketing agency VSM Healthcare, stated that it is "great news" the voucher has been made available to organisations across the region.
He said: "We've got shocking broadband speeds here. Our connection is just 1Mbps which is good for nothing. I am trying to grow a business and it’s a real hindrance when the broadband is that slow. In this day and age small businesses like ours in an advanced economy should not have to be worrying about this kind of issue."
hSo provides managed networks designed for business. To get an instant cost for a leased line at your location, visit our online leased line price checker.
