CLA joins the high speed broadband revolution

A NATIONAL organisation which has campaigned for better broadband for rural businesses is itself now the beneficiary of faster fibre technology.

The CLA – formerly the Country Land and Business Association – which supports thousands of farmers and other rural businesses around England and Wales, has undergone an upgrade through the Superfast Staffordshire partnership.

The partnership, between Staffordshire County Council and BT, has seen the new facilities laid on to the CLA’s Midlands headquarters in Woodseaves, near Stafford.

The upgrade came after the partnership completed the latest round of installation work, which was confined to the Knightly and Woodseaves areas.

Caroline Bedell, CLA Midlands regional director, said: “Fast, affordable broadband is no longer a luxury – it is essential if we are to play a full part in modern society, economically and socially.

“Our years of campaigning for universal access have not just been based on the needs of our members, but also on our own experience. We are therefore delighted to become part of the Staffordshire Superfast network, which means that in common with our other regional offices, we can now share data and use the same programs via our London-based servers.  

“This means more efficient, cost-effective technology, with increased speed, greater choice and added resilience that ultimately benefits our members.”
 
Cllr Mark Winnington, Staffordshire’s economic growth leader, said businesses in rural areas should not have growth restricted by their location.

“The Superfast Staffordshire programme is enabling thousands of properties across the county to get connected. Superfast broadband is essential to any business and is vital to ensure vibrant and successful rural communities,” he said.

“We are a largely rural county balanced by our urban centres and superfast connection means the whole county can thrive. CLA is a major organisation which has long- campaigned for better rural broadband and so we’re pleased to have been able to connect its Midlands base.”