Mobile Fun launches new smartphone platform

BIRMINGHAM-based smartphone accessories retailer, Mobile Fun, has responded to growing traffic from smart devices by launching a new mobile site.

The firm said it wanted to make it easier for customers using their smartphone to access the business.

The new site features touch screen optimised navigation, fast loading times, simplified content and better visuals. It will also allow users to view the firm’s expanding portfolio of mobile device and tablet accessories.

Mohammed Hussain, managing director of Mobile Fun, said: “Mobile traffic has been growing steadily over the last 18 months. With close to 30% of traffic generated on smartphones, we see our new optimised mobile site as a way to increase conversions.

“We predict that mobile and tablet sales will match online sales within the next two years, so the launch of an integrated mobile platform will enhance customer experience and drive further growth.”

The new site has been developed internally by the Mobile Fun team. Headed by Alex Ashman, the team took just three months to build the site.

Custard Factory firms set to benefit from faster broadband

HUNDREDS of firms at a Birmingham business hub are set to benefit from new superfast broadband.

Around 800 business at The Custard Factory and The Big Peg will now have access to the improved network following an agreement with Openreach, BT’s local network business.

Under the agreement, Openreach has deployed its latest fibre to the premises technology throughout the two buildings allowing each firm to have its own dedicated fibre link.

It means businesses based in the two buildings can access broadband download speeds of up to 330 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds of up to 30Mbps. The faster speeds improve tasks such as from file sharing to HD video conferencing.

Businesses at the two sites will be able to choose from a number of different communications providers of fibre broadband and have the flexibility and freedom to find the best deal for their company.

The Custard Factory in Digbeth is home to 500 businesses ranging from innovative start-ups and SMEs to nationally renowned companies such as Maverick TV and global brands such as ASOS.  

Broadband help at hand for Black Country firms 

BUSINESSES across the Black Country are to get advice and support on how to maximise the benefits of new superfast broadband.

Wolverhampton City Council is administering the Black Country Broadband Business Support Project, which aims to help around 12,500 SMEs grow.
 
Funding of £250,000 was secured from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to deliver the scheme and will be match funded by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership through the Growing Places revenue pot.
 
The project will assist eligible SMEs in connecting to a superfast broadband network, and to fully understand and exploit the commercial benefits offered by it.
 
Support on offer to companies includes:
 
•    One-to-one advice sessions

•    An ICT diagnostic review to assess connection requirements and what other ICT services they could benefit from

•    Seminars and workshops to share good practice among businesses and showcase new products
 
Simon Eastwood, managing director – Carillion Developments, and a Black Country LEP board member said: “This is an excellent step towards the achievement of our ambition to ensure that full and effective superfast broadband coverage is available to the majority of businesses in the Black Country.