04.04.07
Fishing industry nets the advantages of broadband

This week sees actnow launch a publication promoting the benefits of broadband to the fishing industry in Cornwall.

The publication has been produced by actnow, the pioneering Objective One project, led by Cornwall Enterprise, that is promoting the use of broadband to businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Working in association with EverybodyOnline, that is driving a local project in Newlyn, aimed at promoting use of the Internet in the community, actnow have set out to showcase the achievements of local fishermen and fish wholesalers and retailers.

David Pascoe, who set up www.cornishsardine.com a year ago, says: "Broadband has opened up new ways of reaching out to customers. I have received many private orders through my website as well as help promote awareness of the industry to a wider public."

Bernadette Kessell of Kynance Crab, says: "With broadband, it is so much simpler to buy the items we need for the business. We buy everything online now, saving us time and money."

Robin Turner of JH Turner and Co, retail and wholesale fish merchants in Newlyn, says: "With broadband, there is instant access to a whole range of useful information such as weather forecasts and pressure charts, making planning and safety easier. It also gives us access to online fish auctions. Broadband has really helped increase our productivity."

Gary Palmer of EverybodyOnline says: "We are working hard in Newlyn to raise awareness of the benefits of the Internet to the fishing industry and the wider community. The Internet really can help transform businesses and peoples lives."

Nigel Ashcroft, Project Director of actnow says: "We are working closely with EverybodyOnline to ensure that the benefits of broadband are appreciated by a wider audience."

actnow recently set up the wireless broadband network at the Community Centre in Newlyn free of charge, so that the community could make the most of the technology.

Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Objective One Partnership says: "actnow is one of the most significant and far-reaching projects in the Objective One Programme. We are delighted to see that the benefits of 21st century technology are now being extended to the fishing industry, where it will contribute to maximising the landed value of Cornish fish."

John Berry, Managing Director of Cornwall Enterprise says: "The fishing industry is at the heart of Cornwall's traditional economies. We want to ensure that the internet and broadband is embraced so that fishing can seize future opportunities."

For more information, contact Lynn File at Brand Innovation on 07968 015731.

Editor's notes:

The actnow programme is a demand-led initiative to encourage businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to gain the support they need to move into the broadband economy. It is one of the largest private and public sector partnerships in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly since it was granted Objective One status by the European Union in 2000.

The £20 million pound Objective One project is part financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF). Other project partners include Cornwall Enterprise, BT, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the South West of England Regional Development Agency, Cornwall County Council, Business Link Devon and Cornwall, Cornwall College and Rural Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Partnership.

EverybodyOnline in Newlyn is an initiative run by the national charity Citizens Online. It is supported by BT, Penwith Distrct Council and actnow. The project aims to help the local community overcome any barriers that they may have to digital technology. EverybodyOnline provides access to technology and training, enabling residents to take advantage of the wealth of opportunities digital technology and the internet has to offer.

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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