The Broadband Connection Voucher Scheme - time is running out to pick up your £3,000 government grant

Brighton & Hove have been included in the government’s Broadband Connection Voucher Scheme and SMEs can claim up to £3,000 towards their upgrades.

There are a number of initiatives across the EU that all relate to improving broadband speeds for businesses and residents, but it’s the Broadband Connection Voucher scheme that could be of most benefit to SMEs in Brighton.

A pot of £1.5m has been put aside to help Small or Medium Enterprise’s (SMEs), registered charities, social enterprises or sole traders. If you are eligible, you can claim up to £3,000 to help you improve your broadband connection. All you pay is the VAT and the normal monthly broadband fees.

The £3,000 often covers all the costs of installation too, but hanging around might mean you end up paying for it. This scheme finishes in March 2015 and if you decide to upgrade then, you may find you have a bigger bill.

There are even bigger savings to be made if your company shares the same building as others. For example, if you have three other companies in the building, you can all apply for up to £3,000 each and then you can divide the monthly fees by four. This brings the costs down but also allows you to benefit from the quicker connection that has been installed.

Over the next few weeks you are likely to see a lot of communication from Brighton-based company OptaNet, as they look to highlight this government scheme to businesses across the city.

Nicholas Sheppard, Sales & Marketing Manager for Brighton-based OptaNet has been keeping an eye on the government policies and has been talking to the Brighton Chamber about the opportunity as they are also promoting the scheme.

“We can’t really see a downside to the scheme. Brighton & Hove Council have £1.5m to hand over to Brighton businesses, the businesses themselves can claim up to £3,000 each, and OptaNet as a Brighton company, are available to help.”

“This scheme should allow SMEs in our city to gain an advantage over other businesses locally, but businesses in other cities too. The healthy competition that this scheme encourages will only be a good thing for the UK in the end.”

OptaNet are one of a few internet service providers who have been accepted as an official supplier by the Department of Culture, Media & Sport, and who are based in Brighton.

This scheme will not benefit all businesses in Brighton, but those who require the internet throughout the day. The benefits of a faster connection include being able to use cloud services more effectively, such as DropBox or SkyDrive. You will be able to work more efficiently from within the office, but also when working remotely. Cost savings can be made from reducing travel time and using conference facilities such as Skype.

Abby Moreton, Membership Manager at the Brighton Chamber has been promoting the vouchers at their events.

“The Chamber’s overall aim is ‘to grow the city’s economy for all the businesses here – to help our businesses thrive.' One of the ways we do this is by keeping business owners and managers informed about support and initiatives that will help them. This is a win-win opportunity for SME’s, enabling them to have a stronger digital and online presence.”

There are various websites to explain more about the Broadband Connection Voucher Scheme and OptaNet have set up a special number for any queries from Brighton businesses – 01273 666 881.

If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk