Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Western Isles Enterprise (WIE) are taking the 'Broadband for Business' roadshow to a venue near you!

The way we access the internet and global connections has a huge impact on the way we work.  Broadband offers businesses faster ways of working with 'always on' access, fixed costs and increased efficiency as well as opening up potential new areas of work.

HIE and WIE, in conjunction with AIMhi - the creative industries group for the Highlands and Islands - are inviting local businesses and organisations to see for the themselves the benefits of broadband.

The Broadband for Business roadshows take place on Tuesday 12th November at the Lews Castle College Conference Centre and on Thursday 14th November at the Dark Island Hotel at Lionacleit.  Starting at 2pm, both events will let people find out more about broadband technologies, demystifying the issues and discussing the benefits. 

The event will also update people on what progress is being made in the Western Isles to ensure that businesses and communities have access to broadband.

Speakers at the Broadband for Business roadshows include Mari Thomson, e-business adviser with WIE, David Drysdale of AIMhi and Maarten de Vries from HIE. 

Roadshow participants will also be able to access the internet via broadband technology in the internet café, which will be available at both venues courtesy of Bridge Broadband who will be providing a satellite link.  Boston Networks will be demonstrating the merits of using wireless network technologies.

Donnie Macaulay, chief executive of Western Isles Enterprise said: "HIE and WIE are promoting the Western Isles as a smart place to do business with decreased overheads and increased quality of life.  Access to broadband technologies, whether it is by satellite or wireless, is vital if island businesses are to compete on a level playing field.

"We are working hard to ensure that businesses and communities have access to broadband but we also need to generate the demand.  Events such as the Broadband for Business roadshows will highlight the significant benefits of broadband."

To attend the Broadband for Business roadshows you can register for the event on the Highlands and Islands Broadband website, www.hie.co.uk/broadband and follow the links for the roadshow.  Alternatively - or for more information - call the roadshow hotline on tel: 0800 032 8080.