Digital boost 'could bring Telford £20 million'
Telford's economy could be boosted by almost £20 million if it improves its digital infrastructure, a report has claimed.
The town is one of 30 across the UK that could best benefit from better communications technology, according to the new "Rebalancing Britain" report from O2.
It suggests Telford's economy could generate an extra £19.4 million by 2020 if it follows the report's recommendations.
Six towns in the Midlands, including Telford, could inject an additional £351 million over the next four years, with the potential to kick-start the Chancellor's proposed Midlands Engine, the report says.
Britain's economy would be boosted by £1.5 billion if 30 UK towns were given access to better digital infrastructure and technology.
The reportighlights the potential of technology to drive economic prosperity outside of London.
It is based on O2's Digital Communities pilot with St Helens Council between October and December last year, which used technology to tackle poor productivity levels among local businesses, address digital skills shortages and improve access to connectivity.
Key recommendations include every local authority having a digital strategy and appointing digital champions to local enterprise partnerships,
Ben Dowd, O2's business director, said: "This report is a stark reminder that digital plays a crucial role in delivering future economic growth and rebalancing the chronic north-south economic divide currently gripping our economy.
"We've seen first-hand the benefits that simple connectivity, such as new wi-fi hotspots and smartphones, can bring to a town."
Other West Midlands towns identified in the report as viable locations to replicate the pilot include West Bromwich and Worcester.
