But…

• Over a third of UK SMEs do not have a website• 20% are “deliberately disconnected” from the Internet• Only a third of SMEs have a website with the

functionality for customers to purchase products or services online

• Whilst the most common benefit experienced as a result of doing more online is time saving, 17% felt that they had no time to go online more often

Promoting the benefits in Staffordshire – Optimising Business Broadband • ERDF funded project working in partnership with Shropshire

Council until June 2015 The project aims to demonstrate to businesses the business

benefits of using fibre broadband

There are 4 levels of support -Raising awareness, Practical Learning, Face-Face support, Follow-up and specialist training

Promoting the benefits in Staffordshire – Women and Broadband

• Funding available from the GEO• No match funding required• Funding available Sept 14 – March 15• Staffordshire has bid for funding to work with WiRE,

Chamber of Commerce and Simply Staffordshire - £67,000

Other demand stimulation activities

• Website• Twitter• Newsletters• Events• Flyers and posters• Press releases

• Other stakeholder networks

• Broadcast media• Digital advocates• Digital champions• Broadcast media

Paul DobsonStaffordshire University

Broadband: The Impact on Rural Economies

Q&AModerator: Prof. Jon Fairburn

Broadband: The Impacton Rural Economies

Moderator: Prof. Jon Fairburn