Quickline, the rural broadband provider, has announced a transformative partnership with South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF) to tackle unemployment across the region. The initiative will see the launch of the QFutures Community Fund, aimed at boosting employment prospects for individuals aged 30 and over in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, and Sheffield.
This new collaboration also secures the continuation of SYCF’s acclaimed Moving On Up (MOU) programme, which focuses on improving the employability and skills of those aged 30 and under. Initially launched as a pilot three years ago, MOU has already made a significant impact, awarding almost £300,000 in grants to 24 local groups and organisations.
Quickline, known for providing fast, reliable broadband to rural homes in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, views this partnership as a vital element of its social values programme, developed in alignment with the UK government’s Project Gigabit. The initiative demonstrates the company’s commitment to fostering not just connectivity, but opportunities for meaningful change in the communities it serves.
Michelle Dickinson, Head of Philanthropy and Programmes at SYCF, welcomed the partnership:
“The employment landscape remains a growing challenge for employers, educators, and particularly our young people. SYCF’s vision to inspire and prepare people for the fast-changing world of work mirrors Quickline’s ambitions to tackle unemployment in the region. Together, we aim to break down barriers and create lasting opportunities.”
Quickline’s investment in the QFutures Community Fund will channel resources to projects targeting unemployment for those over 30, complementing the ongoing work of Moving On Up. Grants of up to £15,000 have already been allocated to groups across South Yorkshire, supporting their efforts to connect people with businesses and improve employability.
Julie Holmes, Social Values Manager at Quickline, said:
“At Quickline, we’re passionate about more than just broadband; we’re committed to connecting communities with opportunities. Our partnership with SYCF is about driving real, lasting change—tackling unemployment and supporting the people who need it most in the region. By investing in these initiatives, we’re helping to build brighter futures for South Yorkshire.”
Quickline recently secured four major contracts under Project Gigabit, enabling it to bring full-fibre broadband to almost 170,000 homes and businesses in rural areas of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Alongside this government-backed rollout, the company is expanding its commercial network to reach an additional 190,000 premises, ensuring that rural communities are equipped for the digital age while benefitting from broader social initiatives like the QFutures Community Fund.
With SYCF standing as the region’s largest grant-giving charity, awarding £1.7 million to over 400 groups in the past year, the partnership with Quickline underscores a shared commitment to creating positive change. Together, they’re tackling one of South Yorkshire’s most pressing challenges, equipping individuals with the skills and support they need to thrive in today’s job market.
