Salon owners don’t miss out on grants for superfast broadband

The government’s Broadband Connection Voucher scheme invites small and medium businesses to apply for grants of up to £3,000 to cover the costs of installing high speed broadband.

Salon owners should check if they are eligible for the grant to help with the costs of setting up a broadband connection in the salon.

Eligibility varies on location and local authority participation, but there are over 50 cities and 800 broadband providers taking part.

NHBF chief executive, Hilary Hall said: “Having a presence online is so important for salons today and having fast broadband helps reach out to new clients and suppliers as well as keeping salons updated with industry changes. As more clients try booking online and searching for local businesses, a satisfactory internet connection will improve the customer experience and help grow your salon business.

“Online doesn’t just mean having a salon website or Facebook page, your booking system, apps or even accessing programs for in-salon entertainment all need a broadband connection, so this scheme is great for salons that may be lagging behind advances in technology.”

The Government has made £40m available in 2015/16 for the scheme, and the vouchers are being issued on a “first come, first served” basis so eligible businesses should apply before the available funds run out.

The grant is in the form of a voucher and only certain local authorities and broadband suppliers have signed up to participate.

Salon owners should visit www.connectionvouchers.co.uk enter their postcode to check if their area is eligible, and see further details on restrictions to businesses accessing the scheme.