A new high speed internet link is boosting business power in Colburn, North Yorkshire.

An innovative new scheme has seen the Richmondshire District Council run Innovate Business Centre become a network POP for companies on the Colburn Business Park.

Members of the park’s steering group recognised that without faster internet connections, business development and growth would be hampered with some businesses even looking to move to areas where high speeds are standard.

The district council joined forces with North Yorkshire County Council in the private sector driven scheme overseen by managed IT solutions provider, Razorblue.

With support from Yorkshire Forward phase one has Innovate tenants benefit from 100MB internet access and wireless connections have been “beamed” to other businesses on the park. Phase two will provide fibre optic access to the rest of the park.

“Businesses on the business park need faster broadband access – something that is taken for granted in our major towns and cities” said District Council Head of Economic Development, Colin Bailey. “By joining forces we have managed to create this hub which will enhance business opportunities on the park – encouraging new companies to relocate, develop and grow there.”

Dan Kitchen, Technical Director of Razorblue added: “North Yorkshire’s creative and high-tech businesses have been crying out for something like this for a long time. We believe Colburn can now offer some of the most competitively priced super-fast internet access in the county.”

For more details on the business park visit www.colburnbusinesspark.co.uk.