A campaign to help companies in the Ipswich area receive better broadband has issued its 100th connection voucher.

The Greater Ipswich Broadband Connection Voucher Scheme is part of a £40 million fund that small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) within 52 areas in the UK can bid for and receive financial support to help them connect to a super-fast broadband solution.

The fund is competitive and to date around half has been used. SMEs in Ipswich, Suffolk Coastal, Babergh or Mid Suffolk who are struggling with a connection can apply for the grant.

The scheme provides grants of up to £3,000 to cover the capital and equipment costs of upgrading broadband connections to make them more competitive in modern business.

The company pays the VAT charged and the monthly line rental to the service provider. The monthly costs vary by provider and package, but a quarter of businesses pay £40 per month or less.

The scheme is being served by 297 different suppliers in the Ipswich area, providing plenty of choice for companies.

The Broadband Connection Voucher Scheme is funded by the Government and run by Broadband Delivery UK in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council.

Council Leader David Ellesmere said: “Fast internet access is becoming increasingly important for all businesses. The strong take-up of this scheme will ensure Ipswich firms remain competitive in the future.

“The scheme is still open so we would advise businesses who have not yet taken advantage of it to get in touch.”

Digital agency Crafted has benefitted from the scheme.

Senior manager Martin Brown said: “The grant has contributed towards putting a leased line into our new state of the art HQ at St Vincent House, an exciting space which supports our continued growth.

“Having a high-speed connection to the digital world is important for any business, but as an agency specialising in online marketing, it’s a necessity for Crafted.

“This scheme is a real enabler for businesses wanting to take full advantage of online channels.”