business Issue 124 May 1, 2012


Dragon’sden: Kris Broome, of St David’sFoundation (centre), with L-R: Jeff Kent, Dave Kyte, Steve Ashman, Adrian Evans, Osman Polat and Robert Holland


Broadbandrollout couldcreate


thousandsofjobs B


T’sinvestment in super-fast broadband in south east Wales is expected to give the area a


massive boost, creatingthousands of new jobs and start-upbusinesses over the next 15 years,anewreport reveals. The report,byRegeneris Consulting,


predicts the high-speed technology is capable of contributing hundredsofmillions pounds to the Welsh economy. It will allow existingfirms to operate


more efficiently and to develop new products and services and make it easier for new businesses to get startedthrough increasing use of innovations, such as ‘cloud computing’. In the Caerphilly area alone the report


predicts that the roll-out of super-fast broadband could give the economy a £143m boost throughimproved business performance, businesscreation and the benefits of increased home-working. It could also create 225 new jobs and 140 new start-up businesses over


ByJoBarnes


that 15-year period. There is also expected to be abig surge


in flexible and home working. The report says that the high-speed technology could result in about 1,000 more homeworkers in Caerphilly. Anthony O’Sullivan, chief executive of


Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “This report demonstrates the huge potential that superfast broadband will have in creating an environment in which business can grow and flourish in the county borough. “Connectivity has been akey priority for


the council and early adopters of this technology will gain access toawide variety of new applications. “We recognise that high speed


connections underpin the ability of our businesses to engage with internet technologies and compete in an increasingly global marketplace. Our digital


inclusion agenda will also benefit from faster connectivity in our communities to provide wider access to online services, training opportunities and social media.” BT’s£2.5bn roll-out of super-fast


broadband across the UK has already made the technology available to more than 280,000 Welsh homes and businesses – and this figure is expected to reach 540,000 by the Spring of next year. The report also showed that BT last


year gave the area a£349m pound boost and was responsible for the employment of nearly 1,900 people, including contractors. BT’sactivities also supported another 7,000 jobs in the area through spending with suppliers and the expenditure of its employees. Ann Beynon, BT’sdirector for Wales,


said: “This report demonstrates the great benefits that BT’sactivities, including its major investment in super-fast broadband, are delivering for Wales and will continue to deliver in the years to come.”


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Inside... Queen’s Awards


update


winners Page 7


Taxi firmaimsto fare well indragonboatrace


Ateam from an appropriately named South Wales taxi firm will take a fare of avery different kind when they enter the St David’sFoundation dragon boat race on the River Wye this summer. The Dragon’sTaxis


team, from Newport, have signed up for the annual fund raising event in aid of the Gwent based hospice at home charity. It will be the first time that Dragon Taxis have entered and team members are now in training.


Dragon Taxis operations


director Andrew Barley said: “We’ll be taking asquad of 20 on the day with everyone getting achance to show what they can do in the dragon boat. “It’ll be areally good


team building exercise for us and we’re all really looking forward to taking part and also helping to raise agood


deal of money for this very good local charity.” Kris Broome, of St


David’sFoundation, said: “We provide all the equipment for the teams including the all important boat and drum. “All that the teams have


to do on the day is to turn up, get on board and then row like mad for 500 yards along the River Wye against other equally pumped up competitors. “It’sadrenalin heaven!


It’sagreat day for families, rowers and anyone who would like to come and watch, having alazy day on the riverbank.” Kris said anyone over 14


years old can take part to make up your team of between 10 –14paddlers, plus one drummer although you should be in good health to participate. The ability to swim, in moving water and Turn to page 8


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