Virgin Media Businesses’ social value programme in Greater Manchester has delivered economic benefits worth £11.8m in its first year.
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) commissioned Virgin Media Business in 2020 to connect more than 1,500 public sector sites to a new local full-fibre network.
A joint report has listed the benefits of this investment as bridging the digital divide, tackling homelessness and creating local jobs.
Virgin and the GMCA have connected 15 homeless shelters, community centres and charities to the network so far, with a further six sites to be connected in 2022.
Jo Bertram, MD of Business and Wholesale at VMO2, said: “In partnership with the GMCA, we are supercharging communities and supporting those most at risk of digital exclusion.
“Whether it’s through funding projects to help those experiencing homelessness, investing in children’s futures or upgrading community connections, we’re committed to doing more for the people of Greater Manchester today and in future.”
Over the course of the partnership VM is committed to creating 50 apprenticeship roles and using an additional 4,000 employee volunteering hours to support community projects.