Gateshead landlord first to receive 'ultrafast' broadband funding with Advantex

A commercial landlord is among the first to benefit from government funding backing better broadband connectivity for future generations.

Peter Conroy, who owns and operates Metropolitan House Business Centre, has signed up to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport’s (DCMS) Gigabit Connection Broadband Voucher Scheme.

This £67m scheme, which is being delivered regionally by registered supplier Advantex Network Solutions, among others, will see occupants benefit from a funding injection worth tens of thousands of pounds to invest in advanced digital connectivity.

The vouchers are being used to support the cost of installing next ‘ultrafast’ fibre optic broadband technology, which will vastly improve the digital online services used by the tenants at the Metropolitan House Business Centre.

The DCMS scheme - an initiative designed to help companies secure access to 1,000-megabit connectivity through £3,000 worth of funding per business - is being rolled out nationally and has arrived in the North East.

Peter Conroy said: “We are making the investments to power growth for our clients, who will benefit from the very latest in safe, secure and reliable ultrafast broadband connectivity.

“Advantex’s experience and advice has not only paved the way to funding success but has also facilitated the services and digital technologies we need to provide for a head start to success now and long into the future.”

The move to widen access to better broadband aims to boost the services and facilities commercial landlords and business park owners can offer to tenants.

It also follows figures from the Office of National Statistics, which identified that only a handful of businesses currently have access to ultrafast broadband and the commercial advantages provided by a huge increase in connectivity.

Marking more than 15 years in business, Advantex currently has a turnover approaching £6m and employs 60 people at its Follingsby Park-based headquarters and service centre.

Steve O’Connell, managing director, added: “If landlords have several tenants then they can tap into a funding package that can add up to tens of thousands of pounds of investment for improving building infrastructure and digital services, which will attract the tenants and help them to achieve growth.

“We can assist landlords manage the scheme from initial application to secure funding to the final installation of hardware and software.”