Broadband4Devon was launched in November 2003 and is a non-profit making organisation to provide free information technology guidance to Devon businesses - advising on both the use of current technology and the best way to move forward.
The project is a partnership between the South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA), Devon County Council, Business Link, BT, North Devon College, Plymouth College of Further Education, the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, and the Devon and Cornwall Business Council. It's a three year programme that runs to March 2007.
It received £5.5m of Objective Two funding, £1.2million from the RDA, £250,000 from Devon County Council and £60,000 from other local authorities.
Since its inception, Broadband4Devon has helped to create or safeguard more than 1,208 jobs, worked with more than 5,800 businesses, including over 2,000 rural businesses, and worked with partners to upgrade 108 telephone exchanges.
More than 4,200 businesses have connected to broadband and, in economic terms, Broadband4Devon has led to £17.7million of increased sales, improved productivity and reduced costs for business across the county as well as £8.4million of investment in technology.
Sue Brownlow, Head of Operations in Devon for the South West of England Regional Development Agency, said: "The achievements of Broadband4Devon have exceeded our expectations. The project has worked with thousands of businesses helping to reduce their operating costs, increase capital investment and open new markets. Making the most of this new technology means that Devon businesses, large and small, will be well placed to compete in the 21st century market."
Companies are eligible for support if they employ fewer than 250 people, are in the pre-start up stage, or are sole-traders. An example of Broadband4Devon's activities is its work with Riverford Organic Vegetables Ltd, one of the largest organic vegetable home delivery schemes in the country, on the introduction of an on-line payment system.
Jennie Maltby, Riveford's IT Manager, said: "The Broadband4Devon processes have been straightforward and the advisors have been helpful both in terms of the ICT advice and in explaining the funding. In reality for the amount of money and assistance that is available there is very little paperwork involved, I'd definitely recommend it to other businesses."
John Horne, Project Director for Broadband for Devon, said, "We have achieved such a huge amount in a short time and businesses in Devon are feeling the benefit as a result. Over £26m has been generated for the Devon economy through increased sales, productivity, improving efficiency and investment into technology."
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