Enterprise Nation calls for fibre broadband investment

Public and private partnerships have been urged to improve conditions for start-up businesses by increasing the availability of fibre optic broadband.

Emma Jones, founder of small business support company Enterprise Nation, has unveiled a ten-point plan designed to encourage growth in smaller firms.

Launched at the Conservative Party's annual conference in Manchester, the publication states fibre broadband and affordable workspaces are critical to creating the right conditions for organisations to prosper.

Ms Jones claimed there is an opportunity for the UK to display its "entrepreneurial spirit" and argued self-employment should be encouraged as a viable option for millions of people.

"Businesses should be supported by products and services from the public and private sector, enabling technology and peer support from fellow owners," she added.

Her comments come after Clodagh Murphy, director of Eclipse Internet, insisted super-fast broadband will play a vital role in helping the UK economy to recover.

She described the technology as a "cost-effective way for businesses to benefit from faster speeds".