Barnet has had the second highest number of businesses in outer London register to boost their broadband speed using a government scheme.
The nationally funded Broadband Connection Voucher Scheme gave small and medium sized businesses the opportunity to apply for vouchers worth up to £3,000 each to help them cover the set up costs of high speed business internet connections. National figures show that participating businesses reported, on average, a £1,300 per year increase in profits.
Over 370 businesses in Barnet signed up for the scheme which closed in November. The Connection Voucher programme formed part of the council’s overall approach to helping small businesses to succeed and to ensure that they are able to make the most of all opportunities available to them.
Councillor Daniel Thomas, Chairman of Assets, Regeneration and Growth Committee, said: “Barnet is committed to helping small businesses and entrepreneurs, and I am delighted that so many businesses in the borough registered for this scheme. Ongoing investment in the business community and digital infrastructure will drive jobs and growth in the borough, helping to make Barnet the best place in London to be a small business.”