Fargo Village - Case study

Businesses in Coventry are now benefitting from some of the fastest internet speeds in the UK with a connection to the city’s pure fibre network, the Coventry CORE. The CORE is transforming the city into one of the most digitally advanced locations in the world, providing businesses with speeds of up to 1000mbps. Businesses are realising the potential of ultra-fast connectivity and accessing all the advantages it brings including seamless online communication, VoIP technology, cloud computing and remote data storage, which can all save time and money. The city’s creative and cultural hub, Fargo Village, was the first business location to get connected to the network and it’s already reaping the benefits. The developer and landlord, Complex Development Properties, recognised the need small businesses have for ultra-fast connectivity and that poor connectivity could hold them back. They realised that as data consumption in business continues to grow, landlords can no longer afford to provide poor connectivity to their tenants. Even the smallest businesses need excellent connectivity to succeed and grow. With a diverse range of outlets in the village, Complex Development Properties had to come up with a solution that would suit all the businesses and worked in collaboration with the Coventry CORE and local internet service provider HBT Communications, to deliver an affordable internet solution which would meet the needs and demands of the various businesses. Brian Harrabin, director of Complex Development Projects, said: “As a brand new concept for Coventry, Fargo Village is at the cutting edge and needs the internet connection to match. It is great to be the first to connect to the Coventry CORE.” By upgrading to an ultra-fast connection Fargo was able to apply for funding through the Government’s SuperConnected Cities scheme. The programme encourages small and medium enterprises to upgrade their internet capabilities by awarding up to £3,000 in funding. Businesses at the development are delighted with the impact this new connection has had on their business. Access to a gigabit speed network has opened up a range of opportunities for them to work more efficiently and deliver a superior customer experience. Al and Maggie Davison, who manage Astral Gypsy art studio and bookshop, commented on the difference they saw between a standard internet connection and gigabit speeds. Maggie said: “At our previous location the internet was very slow and we didn’t have access to wireless. Since HBT and Coventry CORE have completed the installation at Fargo Village file uploads take a matter of seconds to complete and we can deliver a speedier service to our customers” Michael McEntee, who owns The Big Comfy Bookshop, has found that enhanced services available with HBT and the Coventry CORE have allowed him to take advantage of cloud-based applications. Michael said: “I didn’t need to make a financial outlay for a cash register, instead I run my till through and online app from my tablet. This syncs with both my accounts and the card reader, which speeds up customer transactions and makes keeping track of my business finances a much easier job” For more information and to register your no-obligation interest in the Coventry CORE, visit www.coventryCORE.com