Business Broadband

Business Broadband

Over the last six years, thanks to European funding through Objective One, the actnow project in Cornwall has helped more than 10,000 businesses to make the most of broadband. Today's Cornish businesses are working in a way that would have been inconceivable six years ago - selling goods and services worldwide, using ICT to reach new markets, work flexibly and increase productivity.

What does that mean in practice?

Companies like Cornwall based email marketing agency Jarrang now use broadband to work flexibly from different locations around the UK and around the globe, increasing productivity and reducing office overheads.  Managing Director Stafford Sumner says: 'Although we are based in Cornwall, 70% of our business comes from outside the county and we also able to work overseas, allowing us to turn around client projects faster than before by taking advantage of time zone differences. Everything is being linked to our UK operation through the use of cutting edge technology and services like VoIP to present a top class service interface to the world.'

Meanwhile, Altcom has been based at Penzance since its launch in 1995. The directors and staff have fused their world-class expertise in geophysics with their strengths in software development, creating a unique global business that provides ICT consultancy and software to clients in the oil and gas industries worldwide. Director John Cowles, says 'Our client base is truly global. This creates its own opportunities and challenges - and for us, using ICT to enable flexible working allows us to overcome some of the challenges. For example, most of our clients are in different time zones and so to speak to a client in Japan, for example, we need to get up especially early. All our seven staff now have broadband at home and we have a Virtual Private Network, so it is just as easy to work from home or remotely as it in the office. This clearly makes it easier for us to provide a top notch service to clients' worldwide 24/7'.

Business use of broadband in Cornwall is now at the forefront of the UK. But we are not stopping there. We are now focused on bringing the benefits of Next Generation Broadband Access to Cornwall, so that communications in the county remain at the cutting edge and businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly can stay one step ahead. More info.

For further information please click here

Click here for information  about actnow flex, and on the benefits of flexible working.