Growth Deal backs full-fibre links for Mid Wales business parks

Growing Mid Wales has appointed BT to deliver fast, reliable and future-proof full-fibre broadband to business parks across Ceredigion and Powys that currently lack access to gigabit-capable connectivity. 

This investment is designed to help local businesses grow, improve productivity and remain competitive in an increasingly digital economy.

The Business Park Full Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) Project forms part of the Growing Mid Wales Digital Programme and the wider Mid Wales Growth Deal, a £110m investment from the UK and Welsh Governments to support economic growth across the region.

Crucially, the project focuses on business park properties that are not included in existing commercial broadband rollouts or other publicly funded programmes. This ensures the investment delivers clear added value by focusing on sites that would otherwise miss out on high-quality broadband.

Beyond the identified business parks, the network build will also enable additional nearby homes and businesses to upgrade to full fibre as the network is extended through the area. 

This will further expand access to gigabit-capable broadband and maximise the wider benefits of the investment across the region.

Under the contract, BT will design and build a full-fibre network capable of supporting download speeds of up to 1 Gbps, with the flexibility to meet future demand.

The network will be open access, meaning businesses will not be tied to a single provider and can choose broadband services of their choice from a range of Internet Service Providers, helping to promote choice, competition and value for money.

Councillors Bryan Davies, and Jake Berriman, leader of Ceredigion and Powys County Councils, respectively and co-chairs of the Growing Mid Wales Board, said: “This project demonstrates the momentum already building across the Mid Wales Growth Deal, with investment translating into delivery on the ground. It is a major step forward for Mid Wales.

“Ensuring our business parks have access to gigabit-capable full fibre will strengthen the foundations for regional growth, improve competitiveness and support businesses to adopt modern digital tools and services. 

“Importantly, this project targets premises that were not in the scope of existing commercial or publicly funded programmes, ensuring the benefits of full fibre reach more of our communities and employment sites.”

The project forms part of the wider Growing Mid Wales vision to address connectivity challenges and unlock the economic benefits of digital infrastructure investment, supporting inclusive growth and long-term resilience across Mid Wales.

Susi Marston, BT’s head of public sector Wales, said: “Reliable, high-quality broadband makes a real difference to how people run their businesses every day, giving them the connectivity they need to innovate and grow. 

“This programme means more people and places can benefit from fast, dependable digital access, helping them thrive in an increasingly digital future. Wales is a key location for BT and plays a vital role in powering the UK’s economy, so investing in the digital infrastructure which will power its businesses for years to come really matters to us.”

As part of the contract, BT will also deliver digital skills support for small and medium-sized businesses across Mid Wales. This will include a virtual programme led by industry experts, offering practical workshops, tools and tailored guidance to help businesses build digital capability and improve productivity.

Targeted promotional activity will ensure businesses across the region are aware of and able to take part in the programme.

Network rollout has begun, with businesses encouraged to sign up to the Growing Mid Wales newsletter for further updates as the project progresses – https://www.growingmid.wales/Newsletters .

Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price, said: “We welcome the rollout of full-fibre broadband to business parks across Mid Wales. Gigabit-capable connectivity will help local firms grow, innovate and compete on a level playing field.

“Support of £55m has been made available from the previous Welsh Government to the Mid Wales Growth Deal. As a newly elected government, we will work with partners to drive long term prosperity for the region and beyond by building stronger Welsh businesses, creating sustainable, high-quality jobs and connecting people and opportunities.”

Wales Office Minister Anna McMorrin said: “The UK Government’s investment in the Mid Wales Growth Deal is bringing about real change for businesses and people across the region, driving forward our commitment to growing the Welsh economy and creating jobs in every part of Wales.

“The rollout of superfast broadband will enable businesses in Ceredigion and Powys to work more efficiently and reach more customers, while also boosting connectivity for local people.”

The announcement builds on BT’s strong presence across Wales, with the company employing more than 4,500 people across the nation and providing an £680 million boost to the Welsh economy.