Small and medium-sized Bristol businesses have the opportunity to claim up to £3,000 of free Connection Vouchers to cover the capital costs of installing superfast broadband in their workplace. Applicants can even club together with their vouchers, combining the amount of funding available to improve a connection to a shared building, street or business park. The scheme, which is being run by Bristol City Council, is open until February 2015 after Bristol was one of the successful bidders for a share of a £150m government pot to provide high-speed business internet connectivity across 22 cities.

Applicants only need to obtain one quote from a broadband supplier when they apply for their voucher online at www.connectionvouchers.co.uk/bristol. To help get businesses and suppliers acquainted with the scheme, the council is running a free event on Tuesday 27th May, 6pm at the Engine Shed, Temple Meads. Council officers and broadband suppliers will be on hand to promote the scheme and answer questions. Places are limited and booking is required. To book, visit www.tinyurl.com/q6cflf3.

George Ferguson, Mayor of Bristol said: “It isn’t often we have the luxury of offering something for nothing, but this scheme really is as good as it sounds. No strings, just up to £3,000 towards the installation of a superfast broadband connection which is reliable, efficient and speedy.

“I know from my previous architecture practice that transferring large documents online could be frustratingly slow or even impossible. This scheme helps remove similar frustrations for the city’s many and varied creative industries and other businesses. Connectivity drives innovation and new opportunities which are essential to the success of our business community.

“The funding is limited and first-come, first-served, so don’t lose the opportunity to log on and take advantage of this excellent offer.”

Click here to read the full press release.