A LEADING Torbay business whose company relies on good internet access has backed a campaign to put the resort in the broadband fast lane.
Torbay Development Agency and Torbay Council are lobbying BT to increase broadband speeds into the resort and to put Torbay in the front row when the company rolls out super-fast broadband.
A nationwide survey is under way to enable households and businesses to show local demand for super-fast fibre broadband, run as a competition called the Race to Infinity.
BT’s Open Reach division will be deciding which parts of the country will receive the improved technology first.
The winning areas will be upgraded by early 2012 at the latest.
Torbay businesses and residents are being urged to vote on the BT website.
Kevin King, owner of Createanet website design firm, said: “I moved to the Bay in 1976 and since that time I have witnessed several what I would call traditional businesses come and go.
“In my opinion the basic problem has been and always will be our geographical location.
“In terms of lifestyle, amenities and outlook, in my opinion it’s one of the best places in the country to live and work. But the truth of the matter is we are around 40 minutes away from the nearest motorway and probably an-hour-and-a-half away from any form of transportation hub.
“This, I’m sure, has over the years contributed to the local demise and relocation of companies like Nortel, Sifam etc. I think we have to accept that this area will never support major industry.
“Virtual businesses, on the other hand, present a completely different scenario. “Createanet successfully trades all over the world. At the same time, I get to look out on Torquay’s harbourside, and this scenario is the same for a number of our clients.
“The virtual world offers a fantastic opportunity for our area, we should be encouraging companies to move their virtual operations into the area. All we need is a good broadband infrastructure to support them which is why I feel it is essential that the area gets BT Infinity.
“Apart from the obvious employment benefits this could offer the area, it’s a real opportunity to get some major brands down here. It’s an industry that would easily fit into a number of the buildings left under-used due to the reduction in our tourism industry.
“Createanet offices themselves now occupy an old casino building that lay empty for 18 years. The reality is we needed little more than a broadband connection and a 13 amp supply and this would be the same for what I would classify as virtual businesses.
“High-speed broadband would be a great asset as I believe it could encourage businesses to the area. Without fail, every client we bring down from London or any of the major cities is completely impressed with the location. I had the pleasure picking up one of our London clients recently from Torquay train station and it was visibly jaw-dropping for her to be driven along the seafront and then hold our meeting overlooking the harbour.
“I think it’s easy for us to take for granted our surroundings, we have a natural environment that just can’t be matched in any of the UK’s major cities and towns. It’s only when you see the reaction of people based in these areas that you can begin to appreciate that we have something very valuable all around us.
“What we need to do is encourage initiatives like BT Infinity and look at how we can encourage industries to the area that wouldn’t necessarily impact on our natural beauty but at the same time provide employment and wealth into the Bay.
“The reality is this area is probably never going to see major manufacturing again but there is absolutely no reason why it couldn’t become the UK’s equivalent to Silicon Valley.”
The TDA is urging every business to take part in the race — which runs until December 31 2010 by registering at www.bt.com/racetoinfinity. BT will upgrade the five UK exchanges with the highest demand by early 2012 at the latest.