COLCHESTER is open for business after the launch of a high-speed broadband scheme.

Ultrafast Broadband has been installed in the town centre and council bosses say it will help change how companies do business.

The scheme, part of the authority’s Ultra Ready for Business campaign, was launched at the town’s new creative business centre in Queen Street.

Ultrafast speeds allow the quick online processing and sharing of virtual reality gaming, 3D printing and green screen photos.

Council leader Paul Smith (Lib Dem) said: “Colchester is just one of a handful of cities and towns to be investing in Gigabit connectivity in the UK.

“It opens up new markets and is also a further driver for the already flourishing creative and digital sector in Colchester.”

Mr Smith also said he hopes to roll out the ultrafast scheme at the proposed Northern Gateway development and at Essex University.

For more information, go to colchesterultraready.co.uk or follow @ColchBusiness on Twitter.