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Firms to get Pounds 1.2m broadband boost ; BUSINESS: Virgin deal to provide faster internet speeds [Derby Evening Telegraph (England)](Derby Evening Telegraph (England) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) COMMUNICATIONS giant Virgin has signed a Pounds 1.2 million deal to deliver superfast broadband to businesses operating from a network of offices in the city. Virgin Media Business, part of the Virgin Media Group, has agreed the deal with Derby City Council to deliver faster internet speeds to firms in buildings that come under the Connect Derby scheme. Connect Derby is a project which was launched earlier this year, providing serviced offices to small and medium-sized companies. Included in the scheme is Friar Gate Studios, Kings Chambers, Sadler Bridge Studios, Riverside Chambers (the former Derby Magistrates Court) and Shot Tower. The deal means that up to 150 businesses will have access to Virgin's superfast internet service, which will provide speeds of 2GB per second. It means that tenants in each building will have a unified communication system and the broadband capacity to perform highdefinition video conferencing and multi-device instant messaging. They will also be able to access full-time IT support services from on-hand experts, giving them more time to focus on growing their businesses. Andy Fisk, director of public sector at Virgin Media Business, said: "In the heart of Derby, this is about giving local businesses access to the very best technology at a cost they can afford, helping them achieve their ambitions faster. "Small and medium- sized enterprises are the lifeblood of our economy, so it's critical that we give them the digital capabilities they need to grow and succeed. "Getting these tools and infrastructure in place will play a critical part in maintaining the UK's digital advantage and supporting our economic recovery." Connect Derby is a Pounds 14.2 million scheme, which sees the city council's primary managed workspaces come together under one banner in a project to create local jobs. It was launched to improve the survival rate of businesses - particularly new enterprises - by providing office accommodation, with lower overheads. Tenants also have access to a range of business support services, while sharing reception areas and meeting rooms. A number of high profile businesses, including US company Florida Turbine Technology Ltd and local firms BinaryFold4 and GSE Media have already taken space at Connect Derby's flagship Sadler Bridge Studios. Councillor Martin Rawson, city council deputy leader and cabinet member for planning, environment and regeneration, said: "Connect is set to generate jobs across the city and will also provide existing firms with a wider skill set to employ, which is a very positive move for the city as a whole." WHAT CITY BOSSES HAD TO SAY Roger Moggs, MD of Moggs Marketing Communications. "Virgin's superfast broadband system will benefit all involved in the Connect Derby scheme." Ken Davies, director of GSE Media. "Having access to superfast broadband will mean we can send and receive data much quicker " Andy Sykes, lead rail designer at Seymourpowell. "Superfast connectivity was one of the reasons we selected Sadler Bridge Studios for our office." (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |