Many Worcestershire businesses who can access superfast broadband are using the service to maximise opportunities for growth, expand their customer base and improve their bottom line.

Ellen Halpin-Barnett, owner of Luxury Hampers and Gifts, is dedicated to the pursuit of creating the last word in bespoke luxury hampers.

Based in Worcester, Luxury Hampers and Gifts  is focused on creating high quality hampers with local and crafted produce. Ellen has recently launched her award winning Four Generation Grandma Lily’s Christmas puddings, selling them both at home in Worcestershire, but also exporting to Ireland and USA.

Working from home in Worcestershire a fast and efficient broadband connection is critical to Ellen’s business, a large percentage of which is website driven by the ability to respond quickly to e-mails. Uploading pictures and e-mailing out special offers is also paramount. Ellen has been using fibre broadband since it became available locally and gets download speeds of almost 20mbps.

Without decent broadband speeds Ellen would not be able to run her business from home and this is a key driver in her growing and developing the business. With a faster fibre broadband connection Ellen is expecting her orders and online presence to grow.

No more barriers

There are no geographical boundaries, so your new customers could be everywhere and anywhere.

Improved customer relations

Cloud based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems mean smaller businesses have access to the same tools as larger companies – with all the same benefits, but for a fraction of the cost.

To find out more about the Superfast Worcestershire Broadband Programme, a partnership between Worcestershire County Council, BT, the Government’s Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) programme and Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership through the Government’s Growth Deal visit: www.superfastworcestershire.com.