Investment aimed at making the most of superfast broadband enabled technologies.

Growing businesses in Devon could benefit from a £1.8 million investment aimed at making the most of superfast broadband enabled technologies.

They are being urged to sign up for free help and support.

The new Superfast Business service is on the look out for hundreds of small to medium sized businesses primarily in rural areas of Devon.

Superfast Business, in association with Connecting Devon and Somerset, is offering over 280 ambitious companies the chance to tap in to a fully funded support service which helps them learn about, and exploit the opportunities that digital technologies and fibre-optic broadband present.

Devon County Council Leader John Hart said: “Faster broadband speeds are vital to allow our rural businesses to compete and I am pleased we have been able to invest in a comprehensive business support programme.

“Superfast Business is an important part of this programme. It will help motivated and determined rural businesses to get ahead, and find new ways to benefit from faster broadband, increasing their efficiency and developing new markets.”

Eligible businesses will also be assigned an adviser who will help to explore the opportunities that superfast broadband and associated technologies can offer.

Priority will be given to businesses in the following sectors - manufacturing, information and communications, creative, research and development, advanced engineering and environmental businesses.

Mr Hart added: “The county council is committed to boosting Devon’s economy by supporting our local businesses and helping create the climate in which they can grow.

“Connecting Devon and Somerset will bring faster broadband to 90 per cent of homes and businesses across rural Devon and it’s one of the most important projects we are supporting.”

For more information visit www.superfastbusiness.co.uk