The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) has tooted its own horn and heralded the success of a £20m scheme designed to foster take-up and development of newer broadband infrastructure in Cumbria and North Lancashire.

Just a few years ago only 7% of businesses in the area had adopted broadband, which compares with a staggering 71% (16,612) today. Roughly 30% of Cumbrian businesses now say that their range of customers has increased, while 24% claim to have become more profitable because of the scheme.