14 Nov 2018
The government is urging small businesses to make use of so-called 'broadband vouchers', which are worth £2,500.
The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme helps small firms in covering the cost of installing a full fibre, gigabit-capable connection. The government intended for the scheme to run until March 2021, but 'high demand' for the vouchers means that the funds are now expected to be committed a year earlier.
In order to encourage neighbouring businesses to 'pool' their vouchers, the government has reduced the maximum value of the voucher from £3,000 to £2,500. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport stated that the move will enable the scheme to 'reach more properties, without the need for any additional funding'.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is supportive of the scheme. Mike Cherry, its National Chairman, said: 'Access to good broadband is vital for small businesses across the UK, and with the clock ticking on this scheme, it's important small businesses don't delay if they want to apply for funding.'
Details on how to apply for the voucher scheme can be found here.