HELP is at hand for small and medium-sized enterprises across Keighley and Craven to boost their digital technology.

A three-year £6 million package of funding is being made available to businesses throughout the Leeds City Region, which includes the Bradford and Craven districts.

The cash is aimed at helping SMEs invest in new hardware and software, as well as develop websites and apps, introduce internet telephony and improve digital and broadband connectivity.

Under the Digital Enterprise 2.0 initiative, the latest round of funding will become available from September.

Since the venture – which is backed by the Government and the European Regional Development Fund – was first launched in 2016, over 1,400 businesses have shared in grants worth £3.6m.

As well as distributing funding, in the form of vouchers, training and practical assistance is offered.

Muz Mumtaz, who heads the initiative, said the latest programme of support would be “even bigger and better” than the previous round.

“We have listened to businesses about the most useful support we can provide in order to help them transform themselves via digital technology and as a result we have broadened the programme so that help is available for an even a wider range of business tech investment,” he added.

“Well over three-quarters of businesses which have engaged with the programme said Digital Enterprise support has had a transformational impact on how they use technology, and we are really pleased to be able to continue to provide this backing.”

He is urging businesses interested in benefitting from the scheme to get in touch now, at digitalenterprise.co.uk/de2.

“You can check your company’s eligibility and also indicate the support you would like to access,” said Mr Mumtaz.

“We will then get in touch with you when the programme kicks off in September and those businesses that have pre-registered will be first in the queue.”

Roger Marsh, chairman of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, welcomes the launch of the latest programme.

He said: “Investment in digital and tech is essential, not only to those working within the digital sector but businesses across the board. This is a brilliant opportunity for even more companies to become equipped with digital technologies and to develop the skills needed to thrive.”