Businesses in Pembrokeshire will get the opportunity to find out more about how to take advantage of broadband enabled technology at a Superfast Business Wales workshop to be held at the Bridge Innovation Centre in the Pembrokeshire Science and Technology Park, Pembroke Dock, on March 31, between 10 am - 12.30 pm.

The workshop offers businesses free, independent advice and guidance to help micro, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) identify, adopt and exploit the opportunities that superfast broadband technology can create. The service can help businesses reduce costs, increase their offer to existing customers, find new customers and strengthen their competitiveness.

The workshop is one of a number being held across Wales and is part of a £12.5 million Welsh Government programme to ensure businesses across Wales maximise the business growth benefits of using Broadband enabled technology. It is being funded by the Welsh Government, local authorities and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Wales is leading the way among the UK’s devolved nations in terms of the availability of superfast broadband as a result of the Superfast Cymru project.

Superfast Cymru is a partnership between the Welsh Government and BT, with additional funding from Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The programme is bringing superfast broadband speeds to areas which would otherwise not receive it. To date, over 70 per cent of premises in Pembrokeshire are able to access faster internet speeds thanks to Superfast Cymru, that’s over 43,290 premises in the area.

The Superfast Business Wales service may also include: advice on how to use Cloud technology, social media, CRM systems etc to increase profits; a free website review to evaluate how effective your website is and how it measures against competitors; inspiring action workshops to give businesses the confidence, skills and knowledge to exploit the benefits of digital technology; access to expert digital business advisers.

Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James said: “Superfast broadband can help businesses throughout Wales develop and succeed in a truly global market.

“The demand for faster internet speeds will continue to rise from enterprises in Wales. The Superfast Business Wales workshops will provide an important opportunity for micro, small and medium sized enterprises to learn about how to take advantage of digital technology to enhance their growth potential.

“Superfast Cymru is making a real difference and playing an important role in our aim of supporting businesses to grow, to boost Wales’ economic prosperity and provide sustainable jobs.”

David Marnell, Superfast Business Wales programme manager, said: “We often find that business owners find it difficult to keep up with the ongoing growth of business technology and see how it fits with their business. Our service is here to give free impartial advice to help businesses navigate through this minefield and create a realistic action plan that aims to boost productivity and increase efficiency.

“Our new team is looking forward to working closely with businesses to improve the way they use technology, offering both strategic and practical support. We are urging businesses to contact us to find out more about the service.”

There are three ways to register your interest in attending this free event: call 03000 6 03000, visit http://businesswales.gov.wales/superfastbusinesswales/, e-mail [email protected]