Access to an appropriate broadband connection is crucial for businesses in the 21st Century - without it, companies are denied vital services such as remote access, cloud storage, video conferencing, and access to government services, online banking and 24 hour management of supply and customer relationships.

Recent investment in broadband infrastructure has resulted in significant improvements to connectivity in Craven which may help your business benefit from access to these digital services.

How can I improve my broadband connectivity?

The key initiative to improve rural broadband in Craven is being led by Superfast North Yorkshire.  To understand what connectivity may be available to your business visit the 'Where & When' page and enter the postcode of the premises where you would like to improve your broadband service.

If available, the postcode checker will show what connectivity options are available to your business and a selection of internet service providers.

In addition to the connectivity available through Superfast North Yorkshire, dependant on your location, a faster broadband connection may also be available from a number of alternative providers, including:

Boundless Networks

Boundless Networks use wireless technology to create a network that can supply superfast connectivity across large geographic areas, providing coverage to sparsley populated areas including Upper Wharfedale, South Craven, Malhamdale and Ribblesdale.

For more information on Boundless Networks visit www.boundlessnetworks.co.uk

Broadband for the Rural North (B4RN)

A pioneering pure fibre network is being built across North Craven offering symmetrical connectivity of up to 1Gbit.  Built predominantly by volunteer labour through the installation of fibre optic cables B4RN is expanding across Burton-in-Lonsdale, Bentham, Clapham, Ingleton, Austwick, Chapel-le-Dale, Lawkland and Eldroth.

For more information on B4RN visit www.b4rn.org.uk

Looking to invest in digital technology or upgrade your broadband connection?

Digital Enterprise is a business support programme which helps eligible, growth focused SMEs based in the Leeds City Region (including Craven District), to scale up and achieve digital transformation.

Digital Growth Vouchers are worth between £2,000 to £12,500 to help businesses invest in digital technologies such as CRM and ERP systems, website development, improving security, moving to cloud computing or linking back office systems.  The vouchers have a value of up to 50% of the project costs.

Connectivity Vouchers are worth up to £3,000 and allow SMEs to upgrade their broadband connection to 30 mbps (or to double the speed if your connection is already 30mbps), as well as pay for routers, cabling, firewalls and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

For more information about the programme and to check if your business is eligible please visit the Digital Enterprise website

Settle-based businesses including in Digital Enterprise's TOP 100 report

In June, Digital Enterprise launched its TOP 100 report for 2022.  The report recognises and celebrates one hundred of the most digitally transformational, resilient and innovative businesses in the Leeds City Region; included in the report were Settle-based businesses Piccalilly, an organic baby, toddler and children's clothing brand, and Lowe Maintenance, a provider of high quality forestry and land-based training courses.  Congratulations to both businesses for being included in this year's TOP 100!

The full list of businesses as well as inspiration stories can be found in the TOP 100 report