Slough’s Vision for an Equitable Digital Future.

Slough is one of the UK’s most connected and diverse towns, home to major global businesses, a young and multicultural population, and a growing innovation economy. In order to continue to grow and remain a major player in the business landscape, Slough is committed to ensuring a digitally fairer future, where every resident and business has equal access to the tools, infrastructure, and skills needed to thrive in the digital age.

A growth industry

The UK’s digital economy is a powerhouse of innovation and growth, employing 1.7 million people and contributing £99 billion annually. Growing at 10% per year, it is one of the fastest-expanding sectors of the economy, contributing to making the UK the third biggest technology hub in the world. 

Slough is uniquely placed to drive and benefit from this growth. With its thriving business ecosystem, world-class connectivity, and diverse talent pipeline, Slough is fast becoming one of the most important locations for digital innovation and inclusive tech development, not just in the UK, but globally.

Closing the Digital Divide in Slough

Slough Borough Council is taking a proactive, partnership-led approach to digital inclusion, recognising that equal access to technology is vital for social mobility, education, and economic growth.

Since 2024, CityFibre, the UK’s largest independent full fibre platform, has completed the primary-build of its full fibre network in Slough for almost 42,000 homes, about 80% of residential properties and most businesses in the town.

An economic impact report by the consultancy Hatch, commissioned by CityFibre, found Slough stands to experience significant economic, social and environmental benefits from its new digital infrastructure platform, including over £487m in productivity and innovation gains and £107m from a widened workforce over a 15-year period. Enabling 5G rollout alone could drive up to £1bn in positive economic impact.

World Class Digital Connectivity 

Residents and businesses in Slough are benefitting from being part of Connected Berkshire (https://www.berkshiredig.org.uk/connected-berkshire), an ambitious programme to achieve world class digital connectivity and to help people take advantage of it throughout the area. The objectives are to:

• Increase gigabit capability to 85% by 2025

• Eliminate Connectivity ‘not spots’ through infrastructure

• Optimise use of wireless technologies and small cell rollout

• Establish a Digital Inclusion Task Force

Slough is already delivering on this vision through initiatives such as Dig Once and DCIA pilot projects, supporting telecoms operators to build critical broadband and mobile infrastructure. These projects also provide planning and street works support to speed up implementation and reduce disruption.

Pat Hayes, Executive Director of Housing, Property, and Regeneration at Slough Borough Council says: “Digital inclusion isn’t just about broadband speeds, it’s about giving everyone, from schoolchildren to business owners, the tools to thrive in a digital-first world. Through our work with CityFibre, Connected Berkshire, and grassroots initiatives like ‘Slough Beyond Digital,’ we’re building the infrastructure and the opportunity. Slough has the ambition, the partnerships, and the talent to lead the way in creating a truly equitable digital future.”

Starting Young

Slough’s commitment to digital equity starts with its youngest residents. The recent “Slough Beyond Digital: Where Innovation Meets Reality” event exemplifies this vision in action. In partnership with Slough Borough Council, Salt Hill VR, and the Indian Diaspora in the UK (IDUK) Group, the event welcomed students from Key Stages 4 and 5 across Slough and surrounding areas to take part in hands-on digital workshops. These immersive sessions introduced young people to cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, metaverse platforms, AI-driven learning tools, and 3D design. By offering early access to future-focused skills, Slough is not only inspiring the next generation of innovators but actively preparing them for careers in tomorrow’s digital economy.

Supporting Local with Digital Transformation

Although Slough is the headquarters for major global businesses, the council is just as keen to ensure digital equity also focuses on supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, vital to long-term growth. Supporting SMEs and entrepreneurs is a key part of Slough’s digital inclusion strategy, enabling them to modernise and scale through a combination of grant programmes, skills development, and expert advice.

Just one example is the Slough Borough Council digital marketing and digital skills masterclasses for business owners and managers, covering essentials like SEO, e-commerce, and online engagement, often delivered in collaboration with the Berkshire Growth Hub. This grassroots support ensures that Slough’s small business community is not left behind in the digital age, building resilience, boosting productivity, and helping local firms compete on a national and international stage.