Firms to benefit from broadband hub

The Hambleton District Council-run Springboard Business Centre in Stokesley will now become a broadband hub for most of the 150 companies based on the town's industrial estate.

Members of the Stokesley Business Forum admitted earlier this year that without faster broadband connections to the estate, business development would be hampered and companies would look to relocate to areas where high speeds are standard.

But it was confirmed yesterday that high-speed links will now be provided under the NYnet project, initiated by North Yorkshire County Council to provide state-of-the-art internet connections for hundreds of locations, including schools, libraries and council offices, as well as private businesses.

A high speed link to the Springboard centre in the middle of the business park, will provide broadband connections to neighbouring businesses.

A second phase – a wireless network for businesses that do not need high speeds but prefer reliability – is now being considered.