Manufacturer backs fibre optic campaign

Schoolscapes - a firm that designs, manufactures and installs playground equipment - has backed a fibre optic campaign in Cornwall.

Marketing Manager Steve Bell says his Wadebridge-based business now manages download speeds of nearly 80Mbps and this is improving productivity.

But that's not the only advantage.

According to Mr Bell, the speed boost has allowed him to more effectively speak to his office in New York, which is improving Schoolscapes' exports to the nation.

"Superfast broadband is helping us to take the business forward, improving our service and helping us to grow. This is likely to lead to new jobs in Wadebridge too," Mr Bell added.

Schoolscapes' success was applauded by Jeremy Rowe, Councillor for St Issey and St Tudy, who claimed it was fantastic news that the work of Superfast Cornwall is starting to create jobs in the area.

Currently, however, only 68 per cent of homes and businesses in Wadebridge can access fibre broadband, but this is expected to rise to 95 per cent by the end of 2014.