Click and Connect New Forest

Digital skills for communities and commerce

The New Forest is entering a new digital era. Thanks to Project Gigabit, over 10,500 hard-to-reach homes and businesses are being connected to ultrafast broadband – a £14 million investment in the district’s future.

But technology alone isn’t enough. That’s why New Forest District Council has commissioned YTKO to deliver the Click and Connect New Forest Initiative. Our role is to make sure residents, communities, and businesses have the skills and confidence to take full advantage of this new infrastructure.

What the programme offers

Through free workshops, training and tailored resources, we’ll help:

Businesses – increase productivity, adopt new technology, improve customer experiences, and grow sustainably.
Residents – build confidence in digital skills, access services online (from banking to healthcare), and reduce isolation.
Communities – embrace digital inclusion, strengthen connections, and open up new opportunities for learning and collaboration.

All support will be flexible and co-designed with participants, ensuring it reflects the real needs of people across the district.

Why it matters

Enhanced productivity and efficiency for local businesses
New skills linked directly to ultrafast broadband access
Improved access to online services for residents
Stronger community connections and reduced isolation

This project is about more than faster internet – it’s about unlocking digital opportunities that transform lives and economies across the New Forest.