£200,000 Broadband Competition for Event Venues

A competition inviting conference centres across the UK to apply for funding to improve broadband infrastructure has opened a surprise second round. The aim is to enable the business events sector to host more international conferences at UK venues. For the purpose of this competition, an international event is one where at least 30% of the total delegates/visitors attending in person are international (non-UK) visitors.

As part of the Government’s commitment to support the business events industry’s recovery from coronavirus (COVID-19), the current round of the scheme offers the chance for venues to boost their digital infrastructure and, in turn, produce stronger bids to secure future international events.

Applicants can apply for a portion of £200,000 funding towards the costs of digital infrastructure for their venues. Exact costs will vary between locations, however the average value per project will be approximately £30,000.

Applications are open to private sector event venues with conference facilities that bid for – or plan to bid for – events which attract international delegates in the next five years. The venue must be in the United Kingdom and have a capacity of 250+ delegates. To be eligible, venues must have bid for at least one international event within the last three years, where at least 30% of the total delegates/visitors attending in person were international (non-UK) visitors.

The application process is now open and the deadline for applications is 2 March 2021 (23:59 GMT).

More information about this funding opportunity and the application process is available on the GRANTfinder funding information platform. GRANTfinder provides up-to-the minute content, insight and analysis on funding news and policy. To find out more about how GRANTfinder can keep you in the know, and subscription fees, contact us today.