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Gateshead's Advantex secures £150k region-wide IT contracts

Gateshead-based Advantex Network Solutions Ltd has won new contracts to install superfast broadband services in several managed offices across Tyneside, as part of a Government funded scheme.

The work, worth £150k, will see the IT firm undertaking infrastructure installations to enable secure Wi-Fi connection at Broadacre House on Market Street and Westgate Road’s The Beacon business centre.

Other sites include the Mea Trust, a five-storey city centre building providing accommodation to charities and at accommodation across the North East owned and operated by The Office Company.

The move will provide faster and highly secure broadband services to dozens of businesses and organisations occupying the managed offices and is being carried out under the Broadband Connection Vouchers scheme.

This initiative has seen the Government set aside £150m to enable businesses to apply for up to £3,000 to pay for super-fast broadband connection and associated hardware such as wireless and internet security.

Under the scheme, landlords are also eligible to apply for up to £3,000 worth of funding per tenant.

Advantex director Stephen O’Connell said tenants at the sites stand to benefit well into the future from better access to services using their own super-fast secure networks.

“We are supporting businesses at these sites, paving the way to free funding to help them unlock their potential and underpin growth and expansion plans through the provision of safe and secure, super-fast internet.

“Furthermore, these contracts are an example of how we are able to support customers benefit from the funding - from the initial application to the final installation and on-going support - with expertise and advice.”

The UK already does more business online than any other European country, and the improved access to superfast broadband offered by Broadband Connection Vouchers is being seen as a huge potential boost to the local economy.

However, Stephen O’Connell is still urging more people to take advantage and not miss out on thousands of pounds of free funding.

“More companies need to register and take advantage of an initiative that can help them to improve competitiveness and boost growth. After all, which business wouldn’t want the opportunity to tap into a no-obligation funding package?”

He also wants to see more commercial property landlords take advantage of the scheme, and added: “If they have several tenants then the available funding package can add up to tens of thousands of pounds for investing in an enterprise grade internet for their building as well as an enterprise level wireless network and Internet security.”

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