Superfast broadband boosting Welsh economy, research shows

Analysis carried out at Cardiff University reveals the full impact of digital technologies on the productivity of businesses. The Economic Impact Report for Wales was carried out at Cardiff Business School's Welsh Economy Research Unit and draws on survey data collected from more than 450 SMEs across Wales. The findings reveal that broadband-enabled services could improve turnover for around 111,000 SMEs in Wales. Based on a conservative 1% increase in turnover in affected SMEs for illustrative purposes, it is estimated that total sales for SMEs in Wales attributable to broadband adoption could be almost £229m, of which £124m (54%) is derived from superfast broadband-enabled services alone. Around 32,100 SMEs, of which 16,600 (52%) SMEs were superfast broadband users, also predicted a sustained employment increase. Based on an illustrative assumption of 1% employment increase in affected companies, around 1,752 new employment opportunities are expected to emerge. Superfast broadband take-up is currently at 42% among businesses.