This is a quick update to make our clients aware of government grants subsidies for SMEs to upgrade their broadband connection within Belfast.

 

The conditions are as follows:

 

  • Your business is within an eligible area one of the 50 cities taking part in the scheme. Check your postcode to find out if you’re eligible
  • You are a SME, registered charity, social enterprise or sole trader
  • Installation of your new broadband connection will cost over £100
  • The connection is for your business premises. You can apply for a connection at home if this is your main work base, but this does not apply if you work from home occasionally
  • You are willing to sign up to a minimum 6 month contract with your broadband supplier
  • The broadband service you select delivers a speed or performance improvement on your current connection. There are some detailed requirements on speed that you should check before applying
  • You have not received more than €200,000 in grants in the last 3 years

 

Feel free to contact us if you have some thoughts about taking advantage of it.  As of now I’m unsure as to how significant the credits available are as HMRC are somewhat sparing with the details and will only give a quote on the subsidy if provided a quote by a broadband company.  I will update this post in future if we have anyone come forward to use the scheme.