Launched 25 October
The Oxfordshire Broadband Partnership is collaboration of both private and public organisations in the region.
Funded by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) and managed by Oxford Innovation, the partnership brings together Oxfordshire County and District authorities, Business Link, BT and other private sector broadband providers as well as IT experts, local Chambers of Commerce and community groups.
Each partner brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to ensure that SMEs in the county get first class advice and support to help them get the most out of broadband.
The Partnership believes that broadband, which is now almost universally available across Oxfordshire, can play a major role in boosting business competitiveness. It also has the ability to improve people's educational and leisure experiences.
Increased broadband access will have tangible benefits for people working in Oxfordshire, raising skill levels, improving work / life balance through employment flexibility and ensuring start-up business are better equipped to compete with more established competitors.
The partnership will provide grants of up to £1,000 to local SMEs, to help them benefit from more effective use of broadband. It will also provide free, independent advice, information and support; promoting the many benefits of high-speed internet access and encouraging the take-up of broadband services across the County.
“For eight years now, the Oxfordshire Economic Partnership has been at the forefront of the development of the successful Oxfordshire economy. Electronic Technology is a vital ingredient of today's highly competitive business environment and nothing more so than the internet - breaking down barriers of geography and scale as never before. I am sure that the Oxfordshire Broadband Partnership will have a further positive effect on local businesses; it is an encouraging further step in the development of competitive advantage.”
John Bridgeman CBE, Chairman, Oxfordshire Economic Partnership
“Demand for broadband in Oxfordshire has grown tremendously in the past two years - in fact, the county has one of the highest take-up rates of broadband in the UK - but much remains to be done. In this partnership, many of the county's key players will be able to work together to help the businesses of Oxfordshire harness the huge opportunities offered by broadband.”
Patricia Vaz, BT Regional Director, South East
For further information about Oxfordshire Broadband Partnership please visit http://www.oxbroadband.co.uk/ or call 01844 210430.