A company that has helped bring fast fibre broadband to some of the remotest parts of Cumbria has won two awards at the Connected Britain event.

Broadband for the Rural North (B4RN) was named as Broadband Provider of the Year and also claimed the Community Improvement Award.

It’s further national recognition of B4RN, which operates in north Lancashire, the Yorkshire Dales, Cumbria, Northumberland, Cheshire and Norfolk.

As part of its build model, B4RN relies on volunteers from the areas it serves to get communities in rural locations connected.

“B4RN really couldn’t do it without the volunteers, who’ve given their time, expertise, hard work… and tea and cake” B4RN’s Volunteer and Media Manager, Jorj Haston said.

“It’s fantastic to be part of such a brilliant organisation helping communities bring fibre broadband to their rural areas.”

The Connected Britain Awards recognise the most significant and innovative organisations, solutions and programmes that are shaping Britain’s digital future.

News and Star: Tom Rigg (left) and CEO Michael LeeTom Rigg (left) and CEO Michael Lee (Image: B4RN)All of the organisations that entered were assessed by a large panel of 28 judges, which included key figures from Total Telecom, the UK Government, analyst firms, consultants, universities and various other companies or organisations with industry links.

"It’s a significant moment for B4RN to be recognised as the UK’s Broadband provider of the Year” Michael Lee, CEO, said.

“For the last ten years we have worked shoulder to shoulder with rural communities to bring some of the best internet service in the country to some of the hardest to reach places.”

“This award, alongside the 'Community Improvement Award’ are testament to the real impact we are now having on these rural communities, and the improvements we are bringing to day-to-day rural life.”

"This achievement was only possible thanks to the hard work, grit and determination of our amazing communities,  volunteers, staff, contractors and landowners, and the fantastic working relationships we hold with local and national government.”

 

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