This week saw a first for CrowdComms, we made into the Houses of Parliament! We were delighted to be mentioned during Prime Minster’s Questions at the House of Commons. MP, Simon Hoare cited CrowdComms as an example of a high-tech company that is thriving in a rural town in North Dorset. CrowdComms’ other office locations include Sydney and Seattle, so Sturminster Newton may seem an unlikely place to locate the UK office.
One of the reasons we’re here is because of the high-speed broadband available and that’s why Simon mentioned us. He was stressing the importance of ultrafast broadband and mobile signal to grow the rural economy.
Sturminster Newton’s local Town Councillor, Chris Spackman is also working hard to attract more tech companies into the town. He’s also passionate about the importance of ultrafast for the town’s long-term growth potential.
Under the Superfast Dorset initiative, high-speed broadband has been introduced across the Dorset region. Ultrafast connections (primarily intended for businesses and individuals who have high digital demands) will be prioritised for businesses and business parks over the course of the coming 18 months.
It means that Dorset is a viable and attractive proposition for established businesses and start-ups alike. It’s a great option for those that want alternative location choices outside the standard centres.
Opening up rural locations is a revelation in terms of business opportunity. It means small to medium sized organisations such as ours can take advantage of the region’s great wealth of talent and premises. Our operating costs are manageable and we can offer local employees a terrific work/life balance with minimal commuting and flexible hours.
And although most of the events that use our event technology are in London or in European capital cities, we can be in London or Heathrow within a couple of hours.
Of course, it’s no small factor that the opportunity to live and raise our families in this beautiful part of the country is hugely important. We get to grow a dynamic and progressive business and yet still enjoy a truly rural life. Our working time has all the cut and thrust of the city, but we step out the door into a close-knit community and stunning countryside.
We’re thrilled to be leading the way for other companies to make the move to Dorset. CrowdComms’ success is proof that the future of Dorset’s rural economy is vibrant and exciting.
