Over 55,000 SMEs benefit from Government broadband voucher scheme
More than 55,000 SMEs in the UK have signed up to the Government's broadband voucher scheme, which has now come to an end.
The Broadband Connection Voucher Scheme was a Government initiative that would provide grants of up to £3,000 to small businesses to help cover the costs of installing faster and better broadband.
The Government initially invested £100 million in the initiative, saying that when the funding had run out the scheme would end, although a further £40 million was thrown into it in April this year. As of September 2015, more than 40,000 UK SMEs had taken advantage of the programme.
Now the scheme has officially closed with no more funds left in the pot, the number of SMEs reported to have benefited stands at over 55,000, according to the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS).
The same press release by the DCMS detailing the impact of the scheme stated that each of the businesses that utilised the vouchers has enjoyed a £1,300 per year increase in profits on average.
Digital economy minister Ed Vaizey commented: "Our Broadband Connection Voucher Scheme has been a tremendous success. More than 55,000 small businesses across the UK have taken up the offer, many of which are already seeing significant boosts to their business as a result of improved broadband speeds.
"We're transforming the UK’s digital landscape, helping cities to create new jobs and attract investment to make the UK an enviable business destination."
Although the scheme has now finished, the Government has said that some suppliers now offer similar support through free installation and equipment, meaning that SMEs that did not sign up to the Broadband Connection Voucher Scheme can still apply for a free or discounted broadband boost for their business.
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(Image: Adrian Pingstone)
