A £12.5 million project, launched in November, 2003, which harnesses high speed, broadband technology to create and safeguard jobs has seen Devon businesses invest more than £6m in technology.
It has also contributed over £13 million to the Devon economy in increased productivity and investment by small, medium enterprises in technology.
Broadband4Devon is one of the largest, private and public sector partnerships ever seen in the country and is about to be rolled out to the rest of Devon.
The launch will take place at 4pm on Thursday 21 July at the XFi Centre for Finance Investment, University of Exeter, Streatham Court, Rennes Drive, Exeter (EX4 4PU).
Until now, Broadband4Devon has been restricted to the Objective 2 area of Devon, but thanks to extra funding and resources from Devon County Council, the South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA) and Business Link, the part European Union funded project can now work with eligible businesses across the whole county.
Broadband4Devon Director, John Horne, explains: "Very few companies have the expertise to make the best use of their existing technology and how to build in improvements to assist business development."
"The scheme has already seen more than four hundred extra people employed. A recent independent evaluation of Broadband4Devon has estimated that the impact on the net contribution to Devon, is worth more than thirteen million pounds."
Broadband4Devon can now work with even more companies with expert, independent ICT advice and funding to encourage business growth in a controlled, managed way.
Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, Strategic Planning and Regional Affairs, Councillor Humphrey Temperley, said: "The broadband connections in Devon are rising at the rate of five thousand per month. This is a fantastic leap forward in the demand for fast internet access and communications technology and shows the hunger of Devon businesses to grasp the opportunities available."
"Broadband4Devon is making a vital contribution to the future prosperity of the county."
David Whiteley, Broadband4Devon Chairman says: "I'm delighted that we are now able to roll out the Broadband4Devon programme over the remainder of the County using the expertise and experience gained by the Team which has so successfully been operating in the Objective 2 areas of the County for the last eighteen months. Smart use of Information and Communication Technology is going to be the key to the improvement of our economy in the future."
Fabian King, head of regional ICT at the South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA), said: "Broadband4Devon plays a major part in promoting the use of ICT in Devon and it shows what can be achieved when technology is used to help businesses develop and grow.
"This is just one of the seven successful Connecting South West projects supported by the RDA which encourage the effective use of broadband and ICT systems among businesses throughout the region."
Bob Dow, Chief Executive of Business Link Devon Cornwall said: "It's a recognition of success that this important project has now been rolled out across the rest of Devon. Business Link will again be actively involved in helping businesses with understanding the benefits and potential available to them in the exploitation of this new technology. The end result will be even more innovative and competitive businesses - exactly what the South West is building a reputation for."
For more information please visit www.broadband4devon.org.uk
Notes for Editors
Media Contact: Gillian Woodland, Marketing Manager, Broadband4Devon on 01752 333808/07792 439772
BROADBAND4DEVON
Broadband4Devon, which began operating on 17th November 2003, is a part European Union funded project and is a partnership between Devon County Council; the South West of England Regional Development Agency; Business Link Devon and Cornwall; BT; the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth; the further education colleges of Plymouth and North Devon; and Devon and Cornwall Business Council.
It is intended to assist firms make the best possible use of broadband technologies through subsidies, advice and support and to work with communities to extend broadband provision in Devon.
Broadband operates at much higher speeds than a standard Internet connection, with internet speeds of up to 40 times faster for businesses. Broadband can be ordered from a range of operators and service providers.
