With the roll out of faster broadband in Devon and Somerset businesses are now able to harness the power of digital technology to their benefit.
What benefits can you expect?
Boost your productivity – faster speeds even at the busiest times of day mean you can upload large files such as complex graphics and videos in a fraction of the time.
More reliable and consistent service, regardless of the number of users at one site using the internet at the same time. Get the latest and best business software through ‘cloud computing’ services, together with capabilities such as instant data back-ups to take away the hassles of security and upgrades.
Connect with customers and suppliers in new ways such as through internet telephony (VoIP) and high definition video conferencing.
Do ‘business anywhere anytime’ as the use of virtual private networks and other applications means working from home and on the move is seamless and better connected.
Save money and time as well as help the environment through reduced travel to the office and for face-to-face meetings.
Cut down on your energy use, save money and help protect the environment through the use of cloud computing which means less need for energy-hungry servers at every office, whilst virtual private networks allow business PCs to be remotely hosted, saving energy too.
From improving your basic digital technology skills to moving your operation to the cloud, cyber security or mobile working – help is at hand.
The Growth Hub can provide you with access to a wealth of free guides and information on Superfast broadband technologies and adopting them in your business. See full list below:
Canva | Makes design simple for everyone, create free designs for web or print – https://www.canva.com/
Google’s Digital Garage | A free resource with information and courses on everything digital to help you grow your business – https://digitalgarage.withgoogle.com/
See below for a range of business support services focusing on ICT and Digital expertise.
Business support programmes
Growth Support Kickstart Grant Scheme
Devon and Somerset
The Growth Support Kickstart Grant scheme aims to help businesses to recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. There is additional funding within the grant to help small businesses in tourism related sectors to adapt their business as part of a Kickstarting Tourism package announced by Government for businesses in tourist destinations.
The Impact Lab provides deep technical assistance to Devon SMEs that have a big data and/or environmental future opportunity to address in order to grow to the next level. This is achieved through a substantial package of fully funded support which will be tailored to the need of your business and project.
Enhance Social Enterprise - Heart of the South West
Devon and Somerset
Existing social enterprises will be supported to develop and launch new products and services as well as entering new markets. There will also be support for voluntary and community sector groups that want to transition into trading social enterprises as well as budding social entrepreneurs in need of help to develop their ideas to start trading
This programme provides eligible businesses with up to 12 hours of support from a local business adviser, focusing on key business topics such as Digital, Finance, HR, Marketing and Innovation. The Programme is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
The Growth Hub have licenced access to thousands of practical, factual and digestible reports, guides, factsheets and reference resources for businesses.