Broadband Means Business

News release

19th June 2012

Businesses in Lincolnshire hampered by slow broadband speeds now have the chance to do something about it by supporting a campaign to bring superfast broadband to the county.

Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the Institute of Directors (IoD) have joined forces to spearhead the Broadband Means Business campaign on behalf of Lincolnshire County Council.

The initiative is part of the council’s Lincolnshire Broadband Plan, which aims to bring next-generation broadband (up to 24Mbps) to a minimum of 90% of Lincolnshire premises (with the remainder receiving at least 2Mbps) by 2017.

To achieve this, the council needs to demonstrate to commercial suppliers that there is an appetite for superfast broadband so they’re asking people to show their support by registering at www.onlincolnshire.org.

So far only 545 businesses have added their names to the register and Broadband Means Business aims to encourage more companies to sign up by demonstrating how vital superfast broadband to the future of the economy.

Simon Beardsley, Chief Executive at the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Access to fast and reliable broadband has the power to transform businesses. The digital age is well and truly here and Lincolnshire needs to ensure it doesn’t get left behind the rest of the country.

“This campaign will go a huge way to ensuring businesses have a collective voice in the call for superfast broadband.”

Michael Self, Development Manager for Lincolnshire at the FSB, added: “It is absolutely imperative that small businesses are able to access a decent broadband service so they can maintain their position in the marketplace.

“They need to be able to upload and download documents and other files, send and receive emails and make use of services that might only be offered via the web.

“By registering their support businesses are not committing themselves to anything; instead they will have the chance to make their voice heard and be kept abreast of any developments as the fight for improved broadband for the county continues.”

To ensure as many businesses as possible have the chance to have their say, people with little or no broadband access can register on a public network computer at their local library or by completing a form which is available from Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, the IoD and the FSB.

The three organisations will also be hosting events where people can register their details, with the campaign being officially kicked off at the Lincolnshire Show on Wednesday (20thJune).

Annette Wood, Lincolnshire Chairman for the IoD, said: “This campaign is a chance for the business community of Lincolnshire to really fight for a service which will help build a sustainable future for their company. Lincolnshire needs to be leading the way in providing top-quality services and ensuring the county can stay ahead of the latest technological developments and not get left behind.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

• The Broadband Means Business Campaign is being spearheaded by the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Institute of Directors. It will run between July and November this year.
• Businesses can add their names to an online register calling for better services at www.onlincolnshire.org. Those without access to the Internet can still add their voice by calling Lincolnshire County Council’s Customer Service Department on 01522 782006 and giving their details.

• Businesses will be able to sign up to the campaign at the Lincolnshire Show by visiting either the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses or Lincolnshire County Council sections.

Cerri Delaney
Shooting Star PR
01522 528540
cerri@shootingstar-pr.co.uk
www.shootingstar-pr.co.uk
t: @cerridelaney

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