NGAB Conference 22 April 09
By Councillor Eric Carter
Telford & Wrekin Cabinet Member for Regeneration
Eric.Carter@telford.gov.uk

Focus of City Region
• Key part of communications infrastructure
• Quantify public sector demand
• Public investment including Building Schools for the
Future (BSF) and Housing
• Inform business about Next Generation Access
Broadband (NGAB) benefits
• Focus on skills development

Key Issues for Working Party
• Future proof new developments through Planning and
Building Regulations
• Focus on digital and creative industries
• Address the Digital Divide and Digital Inclusion
• Map out technical requirements
• Investigate funding models

Vision 2026
Our vision and shared community priorities
20 year vision
Innovative & Safe, Caring &
Learning Modern Strong Inclusive
Enterprising Healthy Green Community
Community Community Community
Community Community
Children & Young People
Local Economy & Skills
Housing & Regeneration
Safer & Stronger Communities
Healthier Communities & Vulnerable People
Sustainable & Quality Environment
Transforming Telford & Wrekin

Why is it required?
• Few SMEs utilised Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) to improve productivity and economic
competitiveness
• Widespread lack of awareness of the potential for ICT
• Limited business support to understand the potential
benefits of ICT for SMEs
• Poor access to affordable broadband services

What should our objectives be?
• Promote the provision of broadband services when
considering new construction developments
• Encourage the take-up and use of broadband services
by businesses
• Retain and grow jobs within the area and stimulate
economic regeneration
• Ensure we have a skilled workforce in the region

How can we achieve the
objectives?
• Promote delivery of a programme of supply and demand
for business broadband and ICT services
– Supply intervention
• Widespread provision of business broadband services
across the region
• Public sector quantified at the local level
– Demand stimulation
• Government subsidies for connecting to broadband
services

How can we achieve the
objectives?
• Free ICT consultancy for businesses
• ICT project grants to implement consultancy advice
• Link to existing Business Support provision
– Business Link
• Encouragement of innovative working environments
– Enterprise HQ in Coalport
• Marketing of potential business benefits to SMEs and
intermediaries