The Lincolnshire Technology Hubs, set up as part of the county council’s onlincolnshire project to give businesses access to state-of-the-art digital technology, have won a national award.

They beat off stiff competition from three other finalists to win the Digital Education and Expertise Award at the prestigious Next Generation Digital Challenge Awards 2014 in Derby on Tuesday (11^th November).

Aimed at recognising innovative and inspiring projects which improve infrastructure or access to new technology, the awards run alongside the annual NextGen Conference – the UK’s leading event for next generation broadband activity.

Cllr Colin Davie, Executive Member for Economic Development at Lincolnshire County Council, said it’s an amazing achievement: “I am delighted for everyone who has been involved in setting up the hubs and contributed to their success. This award is a tribute to all their hard work and commitment to helping Lincolnshire business not only survive but thrive.

“After all this is what the hubs are all about: helping businesses stay up to date with the latest advances in technology so they can compete on a level playing field in a global market place.

“Businesses can not only try out new equipment before making a purchase but also access expert advice and support. The hubs also promote collaboration and encourage businesses to work together to come up with new ideas or solutions to problems.”

There are five technology hubs in Lincoln, Louth, Mablethorpe, Horncastle and Boston which are part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The hubs are home to a range of digital technology including 3D printers, laser cutters, scanners, Go Pro cameras and Oculus Rift virtual reality glasses.

At the Louth Hub visitors can access professional movement and sport analysis using ultra, high speed cameras and biomechanical techniques to study people or machinery moving at high speed. The footage can then be played back in 2D or 3D and analysed in minute detail to help improve performance, technique or business process.

All of the equipment can be borrowed or used for free by eligible businesses, with just a small charge to cover insurance costs and materials used. Businesses can also take advantage of 12 hours’ free one-to-one advice and support specifically tailored to their needs.

To find out more about the Lincolnshire Technology Hubs please visit the onlincolnshire website www.onlincolnshire.org , follow @onlincolnshire on Twitter or visit www.facebook.com/onlincolnshire

 Ends

Notes to Editors:

About onlincolnshire

• onlincolnshire is a Lincolnshire County Council-run project which is part-funded by the East Midlands European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007 to 2013. For more information on broadband for residents / businesses, events and case studies visit www.onlincolnshire.org
• In March 2013, the council signed a £48 million contract with BT to provide superfast broadband to at least 88% of county properties by 2016, with the remaining properties having access to at least of 2Mbps broadband. A further investment of £2.8 million was announced in February 2014 which has increased the number of properties to 89%.
• The contract with BT concentrates on an intervention area of over 150,000 premises where existing or planned commercial roll outs would not deliver superfast speeds.
• The Department for Communities and Local Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme, which is one of the funds established by the European Commission to help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support local businesses and create jobs. For more information visit www.communities.gov.uk/erdf
• Some internet users in rural Lincolnshire experience speeds of less than 1 Mbps. The UK’s average broadband speed is 12 Mbps, according to Ofcom.
• onlincolnshire also offers up to 12 hours of support and advice to eligible Lincolnshire businesses to help them make the most of their access to improved broadband. Specialist consultants provide demonstrations, workshops, masterclasses or one to one coaching and mentoring to businesses to improve their services, processes, productivity and profitability.

For further information or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Kate Strawson
Shooting Star PR
kate@weareshootingstar.co.uk
01522 528540
07733 230293
@KateStrawson