Broadband grants offer to small firms still open

Broadband grants worth up to £3,000 are still on offer to small firms in Welsh cities, the UK government has said.

More than 2,000 companies in Cardiff, Newport and Swansea have been helped so far, with nearly £27m of the £40m pot available for the UK already committed.

Wales Office minister Alun Cairns said the best communications technology was needed to compete in a global economy.

The Federation of Small Businesses urged firms to apply, saying connection costs can deter broadband take-up.

"If we want Welsh businesses to innovate and prosper then we need to help them secure access to the best communications technology," Mr Cairns said.

"Superfast broadband has already enabled hundreds of Welsh businesses to improve the way they communicate, helping them to grow and compete in the global market.

"I hope more Welsh businesses sign up for this UK government scheme and enjoy the economic benefits that superfast broadband brings."

Janet Jones, Wales Policy Unit chairman for the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "Good broadband connectivity is increasingly important to many small businesses, but the cost of connecting can be relatively high in some locations, which can act as a disincentive to take-up.

"Given that, we are not surprised to see that more than 2,000 Welsh businesses have now benefitted from the voucher scheme, and we would encourage others to follow their example.

"However, it is also essential for those SMEs (small and medium enterprises) that take up superfast broadband to work out how they can fully exploit the improved speed to best benefit their business and get the most from the investment."