The Broadband East Sussex Business Award offers a first prize of a HP iPAQ mobile messenger to the firm best able to demonstrate how it has used broadband technology to transform its business.
Three runners-up will each win six months free access to BT e-Business Manager which provides a wide range of applications to suit the needs of small business from online databases to stock control, customer relationship and project management tools.
The award is open to any business that has been connected to broadband for at least six months. Deadline for entries is 30 November and the winners will be presented with their prizes at an award ceremony in December. Entry forms should be completed online at the Broadband East Sussex website.
Councillor Bob Tidy, East Sussex County Council lead member for e-government, said: "We already know how broadband has the power to totally transform business practices and performance. Now we want firms to tell us of their experiences.
"Let us know how your business has benefited since connecting to broadband and one of the great prizes could be yours.”
Patricia Vaz, BT South East regional director, added: "Through our work with the Broadband East Sussex partnership, we have already witnessed some truly innovative examples of SMEs in the area transforming their way of working after switching to broadband. The Business Award is a fantastic way of showcasing this success.
"BT is committed to working in partnership with Broadband East Sussex, and by providing support and guidance to businesses in the area, we are certain we can help many more enjoy the difference that broadband really can make."
The Broadband East Sussex Business Award, launched last month (Sept), heralds a change of focus for the Broadband East Sussex partnership formed by East Sussex County Council, BT and others to promote the spread and take-up of the technology.
Its new campaign will concentrate on demonstrating how different sectors of industry and commerce can improve their efficiency and profitability by harnessing the power of broadband.
It will include a series of ‘on the road’ events organised in conjunction with some of its partners. The first – a ‘Revolving Dinner’ organised by Eastbourne & District Chamber of Commerce – is being held at the Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne, on 12 October when Diamond Enterprise Hub director Mark Brunet will be the guest speaker. Tickets are £25 each from the Events Team, EDCC Ltd, 7 Hyde Gardens, Eastbourne BN21 4PN or email events@eastbournechamber.co.uk
This will be followed on 10 November by an online marketing workshop organised in partnership with the Hastings Broadband Centre as part of the Let’s Do Business event in the town.
For more information on how broadband can benefit your business, and details of how to apply for a £100 grant towards the cost of connection, visit www.broadbandeastsussex.co.uk or call 01273 482288.
Reference:
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