UP TO £10,000 each is being made available to Keighley and South Craven businesses to invest in new digital technology.

Small and medium-sized enterprises across the Leeds City Region, which includes this district, are being offered the funding as part of the Government-backed Digital Enterprise programme.

The latest initiative is the third phase of the so-called Digital Growth Vouchers scheme, which provides between £2,000 and £10,000 towards the cost of new IT hardware and software, or to upgrade broadband connectivity.

Funds are available to firms employing between two and 250 people, trading in a business-to-business environment rather than direct to consumers, and with a maximum turnover of £43 million.

Digital Enterprise programme manager, Muz Mumtaz, said demand for the vouchers in the past had been high and he urged interested businesses to apply as soon as possible.

The deadline is June 15.

"Cutting-edge digital technology can have a significant impact on the success of a business and is a vital catalyst for growth," added Mr Mumtaz.

"A small investment can lead to a raft of improvements such as cost and time savings, better customer service and the opportunity to expand on the products or services you offer. It also provides the opportunity to be one step ahead of the competition.

"It's great news for the district and the rest of the Leeds City Region that we have been able to reopen the Digital Growth Vouchers scheme.

"It has proven to be incredibly popular with smaller businesses which are often unable to invest in transformational digital technology under their own steam.

"Our scheme can provide significant funding for businesses and applying is quick and easy.

"We have a limited number of vouchers available and I would urge businesses which are interested in taking advantage of the scheme to apply now before it is too late."

Since it was launched in October, 2016, Digital Enterprise – which is backed by both the UK Government and the European Regional Development Fund – has agreed funding with over 450 businesses in the Leeds City Region and provided more than £1.7m for digital projects.

Up to 130 businesses will be able to take advantage of the latest round of funding.

Mr Mumtaz said businesses demonstrating the greatest need for upgraded digital technology or biggest growth potential would be given priority.

For more details and to check eligibility, visit digitalenterprise.co.uk.

The programme also offers connectivity vouchers, worth £1,000, to help eligible businesses upgrade their broadband connections.

And it stages free workshops, masterclasses and digital conferences, and offers mentoring support.