FASTER AND FAIRER LINKS ESSENTIAL IN DIGITAL AGE

FAIRER FUNDING, better connectivity and more kit are needed if the North is to level up in the digital age.

That was the message to government from speakers at the Digital Infrastructure breakout session of the conference. Discussing how infrastructure needed to develop to allow businesses to compete in the new commercial environment, three speakers called for affordable prices, greater participation and respecting diversity.

Jonathon Kini, managing director of Talk Talk Business, said an area’s fibre infrastructure was key to connectivity and access to it had to be for everyone.

He added: “Full fibre connectivity is critical. It has to be done fairly and made affordable.”

Sarah Tulip, digital director for EY across the North, added the public and private sector must work together to ensure greater access to networks.

“Covid has had a huge impact on the North- South divide and this has been exacerbated by the digital divide. We’ve got to achieve greater participation.”

Steve Turner, director for Devolved for Devolved Authorities at the Connected Places Catapult, said: “The skills agenda is crucial, access to training is a must.”

The session, sponsored by Talk Talk, was told leaders must work together to grasp the opportunities of the sector. Sheffield and Leeds have companies at the cutting edge of digital development, but work is still needed to make that available to more people.