Premier Computer: Business and Economy

Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire Superfast Broadband â€“ New Coverage Maps

We are pleased to share with you the latest coverage maps for the rollout of fibre broadband through the Connected Counties programme in Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire.Â These new maps reflect recent remodelling work by BT and shows the best estimate of where the Connected Counties programme plan to rollout fibre broadband, alongside services which are already commercially available.Â These plans are, however, subject to the completion of detailed ground assessments which will survey local conditions and will be carried out in phases throughout the programme.

The maps show a preliminary estimate of the likely broadband coverage resulting from the Connected Counties programme’s investment.Â The maps are indicative and should not be relied on or otherwise treated as a guarantee of current or future provision.

See more at: Connected Counties

The Connected Counties programme with BT has triggered a Â£18m investment to bring superfast broadband to more than 90 per cent of homes and businesses across Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire.

In June the Government announced a further Â£250m locally match funded investment in broadband for the UK, with the aim of achieving national coverage of 95 per cent or higher. The way this funding is being allocated isnâ€™t yet known, but it should help the Connected Counties programme stretch out coverage plans. This means it is still important for communities to register on the Connected Counties programme website to tell them they are interested in getting superfast broadband.Â These levels of interest can be factored into their decisions on which areas are rolled out to and strengthen their business case when biding for further funding.

UK Map Suggests Superfast Broadband Coverage Still on Target for 2015

Where is BDUK rolling out broadband?

Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire Superfast Broadband - New Coverage Maps

Mobile Workforce

Whether itâ€™s flexible working hours, or conducting business from multiple places, including at home, there is a trend for employees to become more mobile in their working patterns.

Forester Research’s 2013 Mobile Workforce Adoption Trends shows 37% of European and US employees work from multiple locations. Whilst that’s still a minority the trend is only going in one direction.

For both employees and employers, remote working can improve the business environment and boost performance.

Flexible working

The 9am – 5pm daily work-routine is being eroded by flexible working. Colleagues are increasingly able to build a working pattern around their home lives (for example leaving the office at 3pm to pick up school children, then work for two hours from 7pm when the kids are in bed).

For employees the flexibility helps them maintain an effective work / life balance, and employers benefit from a) less staff churn and b) effectively extending the working day â€“ which helps improve customer response times.

Reduce office space

How many desks does an office need? By encouraging remote working, and introducing hot desking, a business can reduce its office headcount considerably. Smaller office spaces mean lower running costs and can even lead to a company moving into a smaller space; keeping rents as low as possible.

Improve efficiency

A mobile workforce means being able to respond from any location. Customer orders, and queries, can be processed without returning to the office. This gives a competitive advantage and increases company efficiency.

Lower business costs

The benefits already outlined add together to lower running costs for an organisation. Fewer desks, smaller offices, less electricity being used all bring down the day-to-day business charges. Added to this are the potential savings from lower travel expenses, which have both financial and environment benefits.

Read more from our partner – Simply Mail Solutions