Member Article

Telecoms firm fast tracks Ilkley hotel

Slow broadband is a barrier to growth for many businesses; hotels are no different. Talk Straight of Ilkley has put one hotel on the internet highway and helped it boost growth with more bookings.

ROMBALDS Hotel is an ambitious leisure venue in a picturesque location close to West Yorkshire’s busy commercial centre. It’s keen to grow its commercial and corporate business and develop a reputation as one of the best in Yorkshire.

Colin Clarkson, MD, knew he was being held back by slow broadband following a series of negative customer comments.

“It was adversely affecting business. We have targeted the business community who use the hotel for overnight stays and corporate functions,” he explained. “The slow broadband they were experiencing was putting many off re booking. We knew we had to do something.”

“Talk Straight is a regular customer and they hold some management meetings here,” he said. “They were one of the companies who mentioned the slow speed and told us about the Superfast Connected Cities programme.”

“With a £3000 grant for a new system, which covered the cost of the work it was a no brainer,” he added.

“Talk Straight made the application really simple, filling in all the forms and then as an accredited supplier, fitting the new system for us. It took a few days and since then we have had really positive feedback from business customers, with repeat business and new referrals.”

“Installing Superfast Broadband caused no disruption and was done within a day.”

“Today’s business customer carries numerous devices and demands fast access to the internet 24/7. They need to be able to work and communicate with people around the globe wherever they are. Being able to hook up to a Superfast Connection is essential for an organisation like us that relies on commercial travellers during the week.”

David Tindall, MD of Talk Straight said that the Government had extended the Superfast Connected Cities programme to enable more SMEs to take advantage of the funding.

“With grants of £3000 available every ambitious SME can access high speed internet connections. Slow broadband can lead to loss of productivity, repeat orders and hamper business growth. It makes sense to take advantage while the opportunity is available,” he said.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Carmel Harrison PR .