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Firms encouraged to claim £3,000 grant for faster internet(M2 PressWIRE Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Birmingham businesses have until March 2015 to apply for a Government grant worth up to 3,000 to start reaping the business benefits of faster broadband speeds and better connectivity. The scheme allows businesses to apply for grants of up to 3,000 each to cover the costs of installing faster and better broadband. Many businesses in Birmingham have been given grant, with hundreds more currently applying. The grant, in the form of a voucher is part of the transformation of broadband being delivered across the country, helping cities to create and attract new jobs and investment and make the UK the best place in Europe to do business. Benefits to businesses as a result of faster, better broadband include: o Growing and accessing new markets through better communication with customers and suppliers o Increasing security through fast secure back-up of data o Increasing productivity and improving customer service through faster upload and download speeds o Reduce the costs of software and hardware by benefiting from the option of online applications and data storage o Enhance the way you communicate and collaborate by accommodating colleagues, clients and partners on real-time video calls, and by sharing information on cloud-based software Businesses can find out more about this offer and apply by visiting the website www.connectionsvouchers.co.uk Cllr Lisa Trickett, Cabinet Member for a Green, Smart and Sustainable City at Birmingham City Council, said: "Every business in Birmingham needs to be up to speed with how the internet is changing their business to remain competitive and prosper. This grant is fundamental to support small businesses to access faster broadband and recognise the advantages that the internet provides. "All small businesses in Birmingham should take advantage of the grant and apply for faster broadband now." Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Sajid Javid added: "We want to make sure that small businesses have the help and support they need to grow and prosper in our digital age. That is why we are providing these grants to help small businesses meet their challenges. "I urge all small businesses in Birmingham to apply straight away and help boost their business with faster broadband." The Superconnected cities programme is running alongside the UK Government's rollout of superfast broadband to rural areas which has already delivered superfast access to more than 1 million homes and businesses. By 2017, 95 per cent of the UK will be able to access superfast speeds. . (c) 2014 M2 COMMUNICATIONS |