Issue - meetings

To receive a verbal report from the Economic Development Officer on Digital Economy & Technology.

The Economic Development Officer provided the following information with regard to the digital economy and technology sectors:

There were approximately 225 technological and digital businesses within the district, many of which had suffered or had to relocate as a result of poor connectivity. In the wider Tiverton area there were 64 businesses, around the wider Cullompton area there were 58 and around Crediton 86. This left approximately 17 other technological and digital businesses within the district and it was anticipated that all businesses would benefit from the rural Broadband project.

Discussion took place regarding:

·         The business plan would need to address capacity issues.

·         The help of local Ward Members would be much appreciated especially the identification of landowners.

·         Consultation with the public was also of vital importance.

·         Timescales were very tight.