Vote for North Lincolnshire Council as digital council of the year

North Lincolnshire Council has been shortlisted for the Digital Leaders 100 2016 Awards in the Digital Council of the Year category. The authority now needs Isle residents' help by voting.
Coun Liz RedfernCoun Liz Redfern
Coun Liz Redfern

The 2016 Digital Leaders 100 list honours the highest digital achievements from across the UK celebrating individuals and organisations that are pioneering the use of digital methods to transform the UK’s public service.

The council’s nomination is centred on the hugely successful Northern Lincolnshire Broadband (NLBB) project that started in 2012 to provide access to superfast broadband for 90 per cent of premises across Northern Lincolnshire by 2015, including some of the most hard to reach rural areas.

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The original targets were exceeded ahead of schedule and coverage has now been increased to 99 per cent in the second phase of the project that will be complete in March 2017 – exceeding the national target of 95 per cent.

In addition, the project has provided nearly 3,000 hours of support to 475 businesses through a business support programme. NLBB developed the free programme of business support to help eligible small businesses save time, money and improve efficiency. The programme of dedicated IT specialists and business advisers provided tailored support geared towards maximising the benefits of improved connectivity.

Through effective management of the NLBB project over £1.4m in revenue savings have been achieved.

Following the shortlisting, a public vote has been launched; the results of which, combined with the views of a judging panel of experts from across the Digital Leaders community will determine the winners.

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To help us win this award, you can vote for us online. It will only take a few minutes of your time. You can vote at: www.digileaders100.com/vote.

Voting opens on Thursday April 7 and will close on May 27.

Being part of the Digital Leaders 100 club is a great networking opportunity for the council to work alongside other members and attend conferences to discuss the digital community.

Councillor Liz Redfern, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: ​“I am delighted that the Northern Lincolnshire Broadband project has received the recognition it deserves. Not only has the project reached its targets ahead of schedule; it has exceeded them. The Digital Leaders 100 Club is an exclusive club that we are proud to be part of. It will be a fantastic networking opportunity for us in the digital community and provide further opportunities for us.

“The first phase of the Northern Lincolnshire Broadband project was a huge success. It was in the top six nationally for completing the rollout the quickest. I’m positive we will add to this success with the second phase. Reaching 99 per cent of properties will be a fantastic achievement.

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“Please help us win the Digital Council of the Year award by voting for us online. It will only take a few minutes of your time. We would greatly appreciate your support.”

Simon Driver, NLC’s chief executive, said: “We are very pleased that we are now a member of The Digital Leaders 100 Club. The Club meets a few times a year to network, collaborate and take part in activities. The Club currently has 189 members, so we are part of an exclusive group, which is fantastic for us as a council to be involved in.

“Being shortlisted for the Digital Council of the Year Award highlights how successful the Northern Lincolnshire Broadband project is. We really hope people in Northern Lincolnshire can get behind us and show their support by voting for us online. It will make a big difference.”