Highland businesses snap up chance to be part of Broadband Voucher Scheme

19th October 2015

In excess of 60 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 UK-wide scheme, which provides grants of up to £3,000 to help small businesses and charities on a first come, first served basis, has proved to be popular. However, following a significant increase in demand in recent weeks, the £40 million pot has been fully allocated, and so the broadband connection voucher scheme has been suspended.

When the scheme was launched in the Highlands in April this year, many Highland businesses successfully apply for free Broadband Connection Vouchers, these included; Munro and Noble, Simpson Highview Limited, New Start Highland, the Waterside Hotel in Inverness, Lochy Holiday Park and AJG Parcels. Since then other businesses have successfully applied for vouchers including Eden Court Theatre and Highland Office Equipment. A range of other businesses have successfully ordered enhanced broadband services from their suppliers as a result of the voucher scheme, these include businesses across the Highlands, from Fort William to Caithness.

Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Margaret Davidson said: "We know how important having a fast broadband connection is for businesses to grow and compete in the digital age so I am not surprised there has been such a high demand to be part of this Scheme. I am sure that all of the Highland businesses that have been successful are glad they applied when they did.

"The scheme has proved to be extremely popular, with Highland businesses beginning to recognise the potential business growth opportunity enhanced connectivity can bring. We hope that the UK Government considers a new enhanced scheme for re-launch as soon as possible."