Grants available to boost broadband for Moray businesses

Businesses in Moray where infrastructure for superfast broadband is in place can apply for grants of up to £3000 to boost their broadband.

It comes as part of the Government’s broadband connection voucher scheme which is to be extended for a further year following an announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Each voucher covers up to £3000 of installation costs, although businesses can also apply as a group to connect bigger or more complex premises. Once installed, businesses pay the line rental and VAT.

More than 28,500 vouchers have already been issued to businesses all over the UK and small businesses in another 28 areas – including locations in Moray – are also now eligible to apply.

The benefits to businesses of improved broadband connections include:

* Increasing profits by offering better services to more satisfied customers

* Improving customers’ experience with quicker communication and faster file-sharing

* Reducing software and hardware costs by helping businesses switch to online data storage solutions

* Enhancing the way businesses communicate and collaborate through online video conference and cloud-based information sharing

Councillor John Cowe, who chairs Moray Council’s economic development and infrastructure services committee, said: “The council welcomes this initiative which offers support for small businesses, charities, social enterprises and sole traders in Moray to upgrade their broadband connections.

“There are considerable benefits for those who take up the offer, including the potential for improved business opportunity and productivity, so I hope as many as possible do.”

All businesses have to do is enter their postcode at http://www.connectionvouchers.co.uk to check eligibility, choose a supplier and fill in an application form or pick an off-the-shelf deal with no forms to fill in. Charities, not-for-profit organisations and commercial landlords can also apply.

Moray Council area stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Forres in the west. The council and its 4,500 employees respond to the needs of 92,500 residents in this beautiful part of Scotland, which nestles between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands.

Headquartered in  Elgin, the administrative capital of Moray.