Business leaders welcome plans

Jun 17 2009 By The Journal

NORTH East business leaders have promised to take advantage of the Government's broadband plans.

Last night Sarah Green, regional director at the CBI North East, welcomed the move towards greater internet access.

She said: "Digital infrastructure is one way of bridging the distance between the geographically remote North East and its customers.

"A key beneficiary of the investment in broadband to date has been the region’s tourism economy which has grown significantly by using the web as a shop window for visitors and allowing them to book directly with small businesses online."

And staff at development agency One North East also welcomed the move. Head of business development Dr Simon Goon, said: "One North East has held a long-term ambition to have universal access to broadband in the region.

"We will study this major report in more detail and look forward to a fully-connected North East that will help combat social exclusion and promote economic growth."