A COLCHESTER business leader has questioned whether compromised broadband connection could cause rural companies to lose their competitive edge.
David Bell, regional chairman for the Federation of the Small Businesses (FSB), which supports start-ups in Colchester, said this is a concern for some members.
These are the questions small and medium-sized enterprises will have a chance to pose at key network suppliers including BT and Gigaclear, ahead of the SuperConnected Business conference tomorrow.
Digital experts like Chris Townsend, chief executive of the government’s Broadband Delivery UK, will speak at the conference alongside professional case studies already benefitting from faster broadband.
Mr Bell said: "Ten years ago if you had email access that would be great but there's an absolute need for each business to have good quality connection.
"You need to update your social media, place orders, even banking and paying any type of government tax is all done electronically now, so it's vital to a company's growth.
"The impact on rural businesses is inevitably going to be greater, but the Superfast Essex programme is bridging this gap because organisations like us can feed the challenges back to them, which is why these partnerships work so well."
The conference is been hosted by Essex County Council’s Superfast Essex programme, at Chelmsford City Racecourse.
More than 150 people have registered to hear from policy makers and inspirational business people on digital connectivity.
Mr Bell, who is speaking at the event, also wants to highlight the business opportunities which arise from the world wide web.
He added: "The change is happening and social media is driving it forward.
"Anyone can sell to an audience now and the key point is you don't have to be part of a large organisation to have influence or an international platform."
The day is being organised by Essex County Council in collaboration with NextGen Events Ltd and Newsquest Essex is the media partner.
Registration for the free event is open at www.superconnected-business-conference.eventbrite.co.uk.
To find out more about the SuperConnected Business speakers, visit www.nextgenevents.co.uk/events/SCB/speakers
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here