Tag Archives: business broadband

Internet, ISPs, Online, Services

Plusnet Staff Take Part In New And Improved Cycling Programme

Plusnet has welcomed the launch of BikeBoost, a revamped cycling programme which aims to encourage more Sheffield workers to cycle to work.

The project – funded by Sheffield City Council through the Local Sustainable Transport fund – is part of a scheme based in the North East of the city and is being delivered jointly by Get Cycling, Pedal Ready and Heeley Development Trust.

The scheme offers the free loan of a top-brand bike and cycle accessories, in order for people to try their hand at cycling without the commitment of purchasing a bike. At the end of the loan period, trialists can return the bike or look to purchase at a heavily discounted cost from the high street.

In addition to the free loan, trialists can also enlist the help and support of cyclist instructors for bespoke road craft training; including accompaniment on the initial journeys to and from work and cycle maintenance.

“We’re aiming to remove the hurdles that stop Sheffielders cycling,” said Graeme Symington, BikeBoost Project Officer. “We know that people don’t want to spend money on a decent bike unless they know they’re going to use it and are often worried about dealing with traffic and bike maintenance and repairs. This scheme addresses all those deterrents and aims to get hundreds more people in the City cycling to work this year.”

Plusnet, a home and business broadband company which employs over 700 people, has recently moved to a new city centre office and has 57 staff taking part in the trial. Mark Dundon, CIO of Plusnet and one of the firm’s employees taking part in the scheme said: “Plusnet is delighted to be the first company in Sheffield taking part in the revamped scheme. Not only does the scheme help staff save money and get fit, it also offers a much more reliable journey into work. I have been cycling for ten years now but the advice of the cycle instructors from BikeBoost has really helped improve my traffic awareness and the tricky issue of tram lines.”

Councillor Leigh Bramall, Cabinet Member for Business, Skills and Development at Sheffield City Council said: “BikeBoost is a great example of how we are working with businesses across the city. There has been a fantastic response to the scheme so far from Plusnet staff and I hope this enthusiasm continues across the scheme. We are working with business across the city to help increase travel options and choice.”

BikeBoost is part of Sheffield’s Cycleboost scheme. Sheffield City Council is funding the scheme as part of the 4.9 million pounds, Local Sustainable Transport Fund settlement won earlier this year by South Yorkshire from the Department for Transport.

Cycleboost will run for at least three years and brings together Sheffield based companies Pedal Ready, who provide cycling road craft sessions and Recycle Bikes, who provide maintenance services to new and existing cyclists, along with Yorkshire based Get Cycling, who run the Bikeboost loan scheme.

The scheme will roll out to other companies, organisations and community groups in the North East of the city this summer.

For more information on go to www.bikeboost.org

Via EPR Network
More Internet & Online press releases

Internet, ISPs, Online, Services

Plusnet Reveals Nine Out Of Ten Mums Rely On The Internet For Parental Advice

Leave a comment

Plusnet has revealed that a staggering eight out of 10 (82%) mums rely on the internet for parental advice.

According to the survey* carried out by home phone and business broadband company, two in five (41%) mums say they do their weekly shop online to save time, with almost the same amount again (40%) banking online to avoid long in-branch queues. A massive 99% of mums spend up to four hours of their own ‘me time’ online each day.

The new generation of mothers are an internet-savvy audience with more than half (51%) researching their children’s homework online. Asking more than 3,300 mums, the study found that a quarter of mothers consider themselves as “networking mothers” who use online forums and other social media to get parenting advice. It is clear the internet has a big part to play in motherhood with well over a third of these networking mums (39%) finding it a vital resource when their child is ill and they need to look up symptoms.

It is not just parenting issues that these networking mums are clued up on, as half of those asked also liked the fact that while housebound with the kids, they can seek “adult conversation” from peers online through sites such as Twitter and Facebook.

Speaking about the survey results, Plusnet ambassador and Dancing on Ice Star Jennifer Ellison said: “It’s great that mums can find a quick way to get advice online when it’s needed. I personally really value being able to use the net to speak to my family when I’m away. Doing Dancing on Ice has made me realise how valuable something like video calls are – it’s fantastic to be able to see your little boy as well as talk to him on the phone. I’m also a big fan of online shopping – the last thing I want to do after a hard day’s training is go shopping – and I’d much rather spend any spare time with my family.”

The study conducted by Plusnet among the netmums community, also asked about favourite ‘mum moments’ in film and TV. Mother’s instincts struck a chord with this audience, with nearly a third (31%) voting for the most touching moment as that in the 2003 movie “Cheaper by the Dozen”, when Kate Baker, (played by actress Bonnie Hunt), sacrifices her career to care for her children at home. Meanwhile, Rachel Green from sitcom ‘Friends’ was voted the most admired mum character with more than a third (35%) of the results.

Jamie Ford, CEO of Plusnet said: “Through this study we can see how vital the internet is when you are a parent, in fact even us Dads are partial to turning to the net, especially for things like help with homework. With more and more people using the web for everyday needs Plusnet is committed to providing reliable and competitively priced broadband, perfect for family life.”

Via EPR Network
More Internet & Online press releases

Internet, ISPs, Online, Services

Plusnet Reveals Older Generations Are More Tech Savvy Than The Youth

Leave a comment

A Plusnet study* has revealed that despite 59%** of UK households owning internet enabled PCs, over a quarter (27%) are not familiar with terms such as bandwidth, Wi-Fi, cursor, router and download.

Dispelling the myth that it is youngsters who are most tech savvy of all, the research by the business broadband provider found it was those over 55 who scored well with jargon-busting, as 72% claim they understand all of the terms perfectly. Exactly 39% of 16-24 year olds did not have a clue about these expressions, which is much more than the national statistic of 27%.

Over a fifth (22%) of those aged over 55 have taken lessons on how to use the internet, compared to only 8% of 16-24 year olds, showing that it is not just the older generations who should make use of such classes. Despite widespread belief that the older generations aren’t too confident with technology, when it comes to the internet, they are on par or even more self-assured than those in the younger age brackets.

Sending emails and shopping online are the stronger areas for those aged over 55, with 96% and 91% claiming confidence with these activities, compared to 94% and 83% amongst 16-24 year olds respectively. Online bingo however is something that the younger generations are big on, much more so than the older generations, with 50% of those aged 16-24 confidently playing online compared to only 24% of those over 55.

Talking about the survey, Jamie Ford, CEO of Plusnet said: “It just goes to show that despite the growing online literacy in the UK, people are still unsure of certain key terms and uses for the Internet. An interesting finding from our research is the increased knowledge of the over 55’s who have perhaps had to go out independently and source online learning through support sessions in their local community.”

“Although youngsters have greater exposure to the internet through their communication habits and means of education, it is the older segment of the audience who are making the effort to get to grips with the net, and therefore learning more about how it all works. Perhaps this Christmas it will be the grandparents’ turn to show the grandkids how to use their new gaming console or e-book.”

Via EPR Network
More Internet & Online press releases

Internet, ISPs, Online, Services

Plusnet And “Go ON Sheffield” Help Hundreds To Get Online

Leave a comment

Plusnet volunteers have assisted at a number of events around Sheffield city centre as part of ‘Go ON Sheffield’ which supports a nationwide campaign encouraging UK residents to get online.

A team of Plusnet volunteers have been busy helping out at several events across Sheffield as part of a UK campaign run by Race Online 2012, which aims to help offline residents take their first steps with computers and the Internet. In Sheffield alone, there are an estimated 95,000 residents* without Internet access.

Over 50 events were held throughout the City, at venues including Sheffield Town Hall, The Bankers Draft pub on Market Place, High Storrs School and Sheffield United Football Club, with volunteers from UK online centres, Heeley Development Trust, Plusnet and Sheffield University all assisting at the events.

The events catered for a wide range of people including those looking for work, wanting to get in touch with relatives all across the world or just wanting to learn more about the things they love. Betty Tilbrooke, 78, was one visitor who got online for the first time at the event held at Sheffield Town Hall. She said: “I’m sick of calling myself the invisible person because everything that’s interesting is on ‘www’. If I can do this, I can book my cinema and train tickets, and will even be able to order my groceries online if the bad weather comes again this winter. My daughter and son have been saying “Get online Mum!” for ages. If you don’t learn about computers, you’re going to be left behind.”

Plusnet, the broadband company with headquarters based in Sheffield, had 25 volunteers helping out at various events round the city centre. Katy Lomax, Head of Marketing at Plusnet, volunteered at the session held on Friday at the Bankers Draft in Sheffield City Centre. She said: “Even as someone used to being online, it’s not until you show someone the very basics of the Internet again that you realise how much it has impacted your own life. It’s really important that people who do know how to use it can help those who can’t, because without using the internet there is so much that you can’t do.”

Plusnet has sponsored the ‘Go ON Sheffield’ campaign and donated fifty free broadband packages so some of the new online converts can try their new found skills at home. The fifty packages will be given to those who could benefit the most from getting online at home with the winners being presented with their prizes at a celebration event being held at Sheffield United Football Club. The celebration event will also provide an opportunity to thank all of the volunteers who gave their time during ‘Go ON Sheffield’.

Helen Milner, Managing Director of UK online centres said: “‘Go ON Sheffield’ has been a really great way for us to engage with people in the locations they feel comfortable. The people that aren’t currently online are often resistant to formal learning environments so, by bringing the learning to them – in pubs, at football clubs and wherever they feel at home – we can break down these barriers and show them the real benefits being online can bring them.

“We wouldn’t have been able to run a campaign as big as this without the volunteers who came from all over the City, and they really made the campaign what it was. By working with Heeley Development Trust and volunteers from Plusnet, Sheffield University and all over, it really felt like we were bringing the city together for a really positive cause.”

Via EPR Network
More Internet & Online press releases

B2b, B2C, Domain Names, E-mail, eCommerce, Events, Hosting, Internet, ISPs, Services, Web

BT Offers Small Businesses A ‘Kickstart’

Leave a comment

BT Business has launched a finance scheme offering start-ups the chance to lease up to £15,000 worth of technology and telecommunications solutions. Under the ‘Kick Start Scheme’, in conjunction with Shire Leasing, new businesses trading for under three years will be eligible for funding subject to credit vetting.

BT’s ‘KickStart Scheme’, available through BT Local Business, aims to help small businesses raise funds in a challenging economic climate and to avoid having to rely on bank loans, overdrafts or credit cards.

‘KickStart’ offers start-ups the opportunity to purchase a range of technology and communications products and services including business telephone systems, business mobiles, handsets, connection charges, software licences and IT equipment such as laptops, as well as small business IT support. The scheme is open to all industry types and has very flexible underwriting, aimed at delivering higher acceptance levels for new-start companies. An average £3,000 loan will cost less than £20 per week and can be added to as the business grows.

Declan McGlone, general manager of BT Finance, BT Business said: “The UK has an average of 270,000 start-up businesses every year. In light of the current economic climate we want to help these businesses access the products and services they need to get their new venture up and running. Our ‘KickStart Scheme’ offers finance over a fixed term, at a fixed rate, making it easier for customers to budget.”

One business that has already benefitted from a similar scheme with Shire Leasing is A.I. Global Media Ltd. The publishing company, established in November 2010, needed funding to purchase a technology and communications solution for its eight staff working on a new corporate finance publication.

Jane Peter, director, A.I. Global Media Ltd, said: “When starting out, it was crucial to launch the business in the most cost effective way possible. We needed to install a BT Versatility phone and broadband system, so that staff could work on the magazine straight away, but couldn’t afford any major spend. The leasing scheme allowed us to get the equipment we needed at a fixed rate and also meant we keep what capital we had in the bank to ensure we had some cash flow. This scheme really helped us get our business off the ground and we now have over 53,000 subscribers to our magazine.”

Karina Knudsen, Head of Business Development at the British Chambers of Commerce also welcomed the launch: “The BCC has long called for more support for small businesses. Financing that specifically helps start and grow new ventures will considerably reduce the current credit difficulties that owners face.”

New and existing BT Business customers will be able to take up the ‘KickStart Scheme’ offers as long as they have been trading for under three years, subject to a credit check. For more information about ‘KickStart’ and other BT products and services, interested parties can contact BT Local Business at www.btlocalbusiness.co.uk.

Via EPR Network
More Internet & Online press releases

Internet, ISPs, Online, Services

Plusnet Reveals Half Of Customers Want Businesses To Provide Wi-Fi

Leave a comment

A Plusnet Business survey* has revealed that the average Brit spends ten hours a day being connected to the Internet. The study demonstrates how the demand for Internet access has increased, with almost a quarter (24%) of people saying that they need it to be able to update people should anything happen.

Small businesses need to take note that almost half (49%) of respondents said Internet access, provided by businesses, is needed in public areas. Over 40% of respondents in the North West, Northern Ireland, Scotland, London and Wales say that having access to Wi-Fi is a deal-breaker when deciding on a hotel, showing how much this can affect a business’ bottom line.

This study by Plusnet Business has uncovered how much of an impact a decent wireless internet connection for customer use can bring to many sectors, with almost a fifth saying they will purposely choose a restaurant (17%), bar (17%), pub (17%), and shopping centre (18%), over one without it.

For nearly a third of respondents (29%), regular access isn’t good enough, they have to be constantly connected and can’t even queue or take a short journey without entertaining themselves online. Well over a third (46%) of respondents in London admitted that they needed to be connected to the Internet all the time, to stop the boredom of having to queue.

Talking about the survey, Nick Silverwood, Head of Business, Plusnet said: “Through the Plusnet Business survey we can see that installing something as simple as free Wi-Fi for customers can help generate repeat custom and definition within a market. With increased competition in the hospitality and retail markets, it’s important for small businesses to understand how investing in customer broadband has the potential to really boost sales. With over one in ten (12%)** respondents estimating that 21-30% of their profit is down to a fast and reliable Internet connection, there is a clear benefit to getting online.”

Plusnet has been successfully delivering high-quality, well-supported business broadband and connectivity products for over 10 years. For more information call 0114 296 5182 or go to www.plus.net/business.

Via EPR Network
More Internet & Online press releases

B2b, B2C, Domain Names, E-mail, eCommerce, Events, Hosting, Internet, ISPs, Services, Web

BT Openzone to enhance Internet services across Hilton Worldwide’s UK and Ireland hotels

Leave a comment

BT Openzone has entered into a strategic agreement with Hilton Worldwide to provide a fully-managed suite of Wi-Fi and Internet services across hotels in the U.K. and Ireland. The new technology will provide a tenfold increase in bandwidth and an even more consistent, high-quality online experience for guests at nearly 100 Hilton Worldwide properties beginning in Autumn 2011.

This agreement provides guests with BT Openzone Wi-Fi access, high-speed broadband, conference and event services in more than 17,000 bedrooms, public areas and meeting and conference spaces, including 24-hour customer support. The new Wi-Fi service will be available free of charge to all Gold and Diamond Hilton HHonors members and over five million BT Total broadband customers. BT Openzone users and customers from iPass, AT&T and other BT Openzone roaming partners can also use the super-fast broadband when visiting the hotels.

“We are committed to providing our guests with access to the very latest technology, complementing our world class hospitality, and are delighted to collaborate with BT Openzone to deliver an outstanding service in the U.K. and Ireland,” said Robert Webb, Chief Information Officer, Hilton Worldwide. “This deal builds on last year’s agreement with AT&T in the United States and Canada as we look to partner with the very best technology providers around the world.”

Chris Bruce, CEO, BT Openzone, said: “The growing number of travellers with mobile devices such as tablet computers and smartphones, means guests increasingly expect to be able to log on wherever they are and with a fast and reliable connection. BT currently has 2.8 million Wi-Fi hotspots across the U.K. and Ireland. By expanding our coverage at Hilton Worldwide’s portfolio of hotels, we are demonstrating our commitment in providing leading edge technology services to partners in a very demanding service environment.”

BT Openzone will use an ‘above property’, centralised cloud computing architecture, and will oversee network operations, guest Internet support, network engineering, software development and 24/7 network monitoring for Hilton Worldwide’s business Wi-Fi and Internet services.

Hilton Worldwide’s portfolio of six brands in the U.K. and Ireland includes Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Doubletree by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton.

Via EPR Network
More Internet & Online press releases