The rise of the super-connected SME
Business connectivity is essential for all sectors of the UK economy. Roughly 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are churned every day. A plethora of emerging technologies, including mobility, cloud and analytic solutions, are becoming critical to everyday business operations. As a result, we’re firmly setting our feet on the ground of the digital age, where connectivity is more critical than ever before.
Super-connected businesses have a clear advantage that allows them to grow and expand in the UK, Europe and beyond. Given small and medium-sized businesses account for 99.9% of private sector companies and provide 60% of private sector jobs – connecting SMEs is key to the success of the UK economy.
That’s why the government has been encouraging businesses to become super-connected. Figures published today reveal more than 40,000 small and medium businesses (SMEs) across the UK have benefited from its Broadband Connection voucher scheme.
This scheme, which Colt supports, helps SMEs get super-connected. They can apply for grants of up to £3,000 each to cover the costs of installing faster and better broadband. We would like to encourage all eligible businesses to apply before the available funds are exhausted – since the vouchers are issued on a first come, first serve basis.
To celebrate the rise of the super-connected SME, we invited a group of journalists to discuss the importance of business connectivity, and showed them the fibre network that lies beneath our pavements and makes it all possible.
What better location than Canary Wharf? The epicentre of London business, it is home to financial institutions, media companies and law firms – including SMEs looking to thrive in the digital economy.
The voucher scheme runs out on 31st March 2016, meaning SMEs looking to benefit from this scheme are encouraged to apply in the near future. To find out more about Colt’s network capabilities and how to apply for the voucher scheme, read more here.
What's your goal today?
1. Are you on the Colt IQ network?
Our network connects over 31,000 buildings worldwide powering companies such as Hitachi, Atos, Forbes, Arthur D Little, Brussels Airlines and thousands of others. Find out if you're Colt connected now.
2. Learn about digital infrastructure
We've written thousands of guides and white papers, regularly publish content on our blog and host regular events on everything from enterprise network connectivity, to cloud, digital transformation and the hybrid workforce.
3. Join our team
To learn more about joining our team of over 5000 people around the world, and to browse our current open roles visit https://careers.colt.net/.
