Connected Berkshire

It is widely acknowledged that fast Internet access is a highly valuable tool that can provide real benefits to a business.

However, many companies are still yet to upgrade to broadband, or are unaware of the extent to which their existing broadband connection can more positively impact on their business.

Improvements to performance

As well as the time saving and ease benefits of broadband itself, broadband applications - such as on-line trading, internet telephony (VoIP), remote working, video conferencing and wireless networks - can dramatically improve business performance by increasing sales, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

Through Connected Berkshire, Business Link is providing Berkshire based organisations with grants and free advice for upgrading to broadband or for fully utilising the technology they already have in place.

Financial Support

If your business DOES NOT currently have broadband:
Apply for a £200 contribution towards business broadband installation costs and the first year's monthly instalments.

If your business already HAS broadband:
Apply for £200 towards fully utilising the provision you have. This grant can be used to contribute towards the cost of applications such as: 

• freephone networks 
• website upgrades 
• online trading facilities 
• e-procurement opportunities 
• remote network and email access 
• live application sharing 
• web-cam security systems 
• secure, low-cost data back up 
• on demand software applications

Eligibility

Your business must be: 

• based in Berkshire 
• employ less than 250 people

Grants are subject to: 

• your application being linked to business improvement. 
• your business investing the same amount to upgrade or to implement broadband applications as the grant awarded.
•  receiving a free impartial advice session on how your business can best utilise broadband to improve business performance.

What Next?

To apply or to find out more call Henrietta Bailey on 0845 600 41 41 or email info@blbw.co.uk

External Links

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Link	Description
Connected Berkshire	Creating awareness of the benefits of technology throughout Berkshire