Digital Hub to Launch in Horncastle

News release

21st August 2013

Businesses in Horncastle could soon be using cutting-edge digital equipment for free as onlincolnshire launches plans for a new Technology Hub in the town.

The Lincolnshire County Council-run broadband project is hosting a demonstration event for the equipment which could potentially be available at the new hub, an initiative which offers free access to equipment including laser cutters, 3D printers and scanners, 3D TVs and 3D video cameras.

The idea is to get feedback from businesses which would be interested in using the resource to ensure that the equipment chosen will be of benefit to the business community. The event will take place on 5th September between 10am and 1pm at the Meridian Leisure Centre in Louth, which is also set to be home to a Technology Hub after being piloted at the women’s international cricket match in July. The Horncastle Hub will eventually be based at Mortons of Horncastle, an independent printing and publishing business.

Councillor Colin Davie from Lincolnshire County Council said: “Our Mablethorpe Hub was launched in May and has already proven a huge success. We are launching the hub in Horncastle so that businesses elsewhere in the county can benefit from the same great opportunities the Technology Hub offers.

“Mortons is an ideal partner for us to work with on this latest hub as it is a well established business and has a great space we can utilise.

“This demonstration event is a chance for people to see at first hand what’s on offer and try out the equipment for themselves. It’s also an opportunity for us to get an idea of what businesses would most like to see in the hub – there could be different needs in this part of the county, so we’re really looking for feedback from the event. We hope to see as many businesses as possible attend.”

The day will be informal, with no need to book a space. People can drop by at any time. It is hoped the Horncastle hub it will open early in 2014.

Chairman of Mortons Media Group, Ian Fisher, said: “We are delighted that Mortons has been chosen to be a Technology Hub. This is an exciting development for us and for Horncastle as it will raise awareness of digital technologies and the opportunities they present. Local businesses can prosper from this venture, bringing benefits to the wider community and enhancing the area’s reputation for skills and enterprise.”

The hubs are being part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

All of the equipment purchased for the hubs through the onlincolnshire project can be borrowed and used for free by eligible businesses, with just a small charge to cover insurance costs and materials used.

Ends

Notes to Editors:

About onlincolnshire

• Small to Medium sized businesses (SMEs) in Lincoln City, Boston and East Lindsey are eligible to use the hubs through the ERDF funding regulations.
• onlincolnshire is part-funded by the East Midlands European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007 to 2013.
• Some Internet users in rural Lincolnshire experience speeds of less than 1 Mbps. The UK’s average broadband speed is 7.6 Mbps, according to Ofcom.
• The Department for Communities and Local Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme, which is one of the funds established by the European Commission to help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support local businesses and create jobs. For more information visit www.communities.gov.uk/erdf
• economic development by investing in projects which will support local businesses and create jobs. For more information visit www.communities.gov.uk/erdf
• The contract with BT concentrates on an intervention area of over 150,000 premises where existing or planned commercial roll outs would not deliver superfast speeds. This will mean that at least 94% of all premises should have access to fibre broadband by April 2016.

Cerri Delaney
Shooting Star PR
01522 528540
07985 143990
cerri@shootingstar-pr.co.uk
www.shootingstar-pr.co.uk
t: @CerriDelaney

Tags: