A free business-support programme has been launched by an IT hub to help small firms in Bradford and West Yorkshire save time, money and improve efficiency online.

Superfast West Yorkshire, which covers five local authorities including Bradford, says the programme is designed specifically to help local businesses exploit the competitive advantages offered by faster broadband connections.

The programme was kick-started by events, including one in Bradford, to help local firms understand the benefits of faster broadband on their overall business performance.

The business-support programme includes one-to-one advice, practical master classes on topics such as digital marketing, social media, websites and search-engine optimisation, along with exclusive networking club opportunities.

Ian Gray, chairman of Superfast West Yorkshire project board,said: “We’re delighted to announce the launch of our business-support programme. Our aim is to help the region’s businesses to grow, be better connected and more competitive.

“We’ll support them to get online, develop their internet skills, boost their websites and grab new business opportunities. We’ve invested in upgrading West Yorkshire’s broadband to keep our area ahead of the game and encourage new businesses to set up here.

“We encourage businesses to register for the support programme through our website so they can be part of this new scheme.”

This support initiative is part of the Superfast West Yorkshire project, a multi-million pound investment that plans to extend high-speed fibre broadband to 97 per cent of households and businesses across most of West Yorkshire by the end of 2015.

As well as providing high-speed fibre, the partnership aims to ensure all premises in its area have access to speeds of more than 2Mbps and that businesses and residents fully exploit the opportunities broadband can offer.

The Superfast West Yorkshire business support programme is jointly funded by the European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007-2013, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and West Yorkshire’s five local authorities.

It will offer free business-support services for SMEs until June 2015, helping more than 350 businesses with intensive support, along with back-up for hundreds of others .

Local businesses can find out more about the business support on offer and check their eligibility by calling 0845 144 0040 or e-mailing enquiries@super fastwy.co.uk. Or visit superfastwest yorkshire.co.uk/business for details of future events for business owners, managers, key staff and decision makers.