Digital Infrastructure - Case Studies N-Z (use these sector links if your browser does not support javascript jump-menus: Business Support Digital Infrastructure Infrastructure Local Produce & Added Value Public Realm Sites and Premises The Knowledge Economy The Way to Work Tourism Training & Skills)

Porthminster Hotel
One of the longest established hotels in Cornwall has benefited from Objective One investment with 2006 bookings breaking all previous records. In early 2006, the hotel unveiled the results of a £750,000 upgrade. At the same time, the marketing was overhauled, with a new campaign targeting key customer segments, including those looking for a romantic break, developed by marketing consultancy Brand Innovation. New branding and a website offering online booking was developed by Gendall Design in Falmouth and launched in May 2006.

Objective One support for the new online system came from the actnow project, which has led to the successful roll out of broadband across 99% of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and a high percentage of business take up.
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Preston Goldburn Solicitors
Henry Preston and Tim Goldburn run a specialist firm of solicitors based in Falmouth where they operate from two separate offices in the town. Their team of lawyers deal with services such as conveyancing and family law as well as other areas which are unusual for Cornwall. Given the very specialist nature of the services Preston Goldburn provide, the need for high quality staff is crucial to the firm's success. However, in the past they did have difficulties in recruiting staff to meet their specialist needs.

When the actnow broadband partnership started to accelerate the availability of broadband technology in 2002, Preston Goldburn spotted a solution to their problems and were able to pioneer the use of flexible working practices. From actnow they received guidance, consultancy and a business adviser who helped with their plans. actnow also helped to find a local IT supplier who built their remote communications network.
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Rig Systems
Rig Systems supplies technical safety and rescue consultancy services to a wide range of clients, including the emergency services, public organisations such as councils and many blue chip private sector companies. Three years ago Rig Systems employed two people and their annual turnover was £150,000. This year (2006), their turnover is £550,000 and they employ 16.

The main factor in Rig Systems' growth over the last three years has been the way broadband has allowed the business to reach a whole new level. actnow helped Rig Systems to develop a three stage IT expansion strategy and provided investment to buy new PCs and laptops and to move from a peer-to-peer network to a standalone server, so that all necessary information could be held online.
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Somar International
Based in Truro, Somar International is an award winning company that provides innovative energy saving solutions to commerce and industry. Somar International has been trading for over 12 years and operates in 73 countries worldwide, including the USA, Australia, Africa and Europe.

actnow provided financial assistance to Somar to develop a new website specifically to attract new distributors. Previously Somar's website simply did not perform well on the search engines but now 60% of the company's business comes through the website, www.somar.co.uk. Somar have also made use of broadband to instigate an e-learning system and have created their own bespoke online training programme, using a local supplier.
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Sullivan Cuff Software Limited
Sullivan Cuff Software Limited is the leading supplier of anticoagulation computer decision support software (CDSS) for general practitioners in the UK. Both increasing sales and number of employees necessitated Sullivan Cuff Software moving to new offices in Hayle and at this time they took the opportunity to upgrade their IT system and improve the communication links to staff based in Truro, Torquay and Coventry by installing a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Additionally, they wished to provide remote access to the INRstar Intranet Edition allowing potential customers to experience the benefits of the system before purchasing and to train users in the use of the system.

actnow has helped Sullivan Cuff Software in a number of ways, both through grant support and advice, providing a grant towards the installation of the servers and to equip the offices with computers and broadband internet access.
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Tregongeeves Farm
Judith Clemo is now in her tenth year of running Tregongeeves Farm Cottages, a collection of seven holiday cottages around a courtyard, offering a full range of onsite facilities, including tennis courts, swimming pool, spa and gym.

Each of the seven cottages is able to access broadband since Judith had support from actnow to have wireless broadband installed six months ago. As well as promoting the in-cottage access, Judith plans to install a dedicated internet café at the site.
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