European funding brings superfast broadband to Northumbrian businesses

Superfast broadband is set to create a thriving digital economy in Northumberland following multi-million European investment.

The iNorthumberland Digital Economy Programme will create access to an improved broadband network infrastructure for over 2,600 businesses in the region.

The ERDF have invested £2.74m in the programme which is led by Northumberland County Council who will provide match funding.

The Digital Economy Centre for Excellence is also set for development, a specialised online resource it aims to attract 2,119 small and medium enterprise users by 2015.

The centre is designed to ensure businesses get the support they need using a wealth of resources that can be streamed live, interactive or downloaded.

293 jobs will to be created with the new resource which will also increase the number of businesses with broadband connection from 79.8% to 95% by 2015.

Communities Minister Baroness Hanham CBE said: “It is essential all businesses can develop and be part of the digital economy allowing them to reap the associated rewards and their growth potential, so I am delighted the European Regional Development Fund is helping businesses in Northumberland.

“This project will provide the correct infrastructure where it is most needed and ensure businesses receive the necessary support to maximise the benefits, cultivating innovation to strengthen businesses and contribute to the growth of the local and national economy.”

The programme will be delivered by Arch, Northumberland’s Development Company and ERDF investment will only be used to fund last mile connectivity, infrastructure that is ‘necessary and sufficient’ to connect eligible SMEs to a core Point of Presence (PoP).

Northumberland County Council’s Deputy Chief Executive, Kate Roe, said:“Broadband is widely acknowledged as a key enabler for economic growth.

“This project will provide small and medium enterprises with the support and access to maximise the opportunities the Digital Economy brings.”

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