Northampton business leaders look to fibre to fuel growth
As the UK ’ s digital race gathers pace , local business leaders , representatives and decision makers gathered last week to discuss Northampton ’ s digital future and how full-fibre is the key to growth .
Hosted by alternative infrastructure provider , CityFibre , at Franklins Gardens , the event gave local stakeholders the opportunity to share their digital ambitions for Northampton and discuss how the town ’ s transformation into a Gigabit City could help it overcome the pressure on its existing legacy communications infrastructure .
Marc Lough , city development manager at CityFibre said , ‘ Upgrading the town ’ s digital infrastructure is an opportunity to future proof the area as our lives and work environments move increasingly online . This was a great opportunity to bring business leaders and stakeholders together across the community to discuss their digital future .
‘ The economic potential for Northampton is huge . Last year the town was named the best place for start-ups outside London in the Centre for Cities ’ Outlook report . So if the area is to continue to attract this level of growth and investment , it ’ s important future proofed digital infrastructure is in place to meet its needs now and in the future .’
Also speaking at the event , leader of Northampton Borough Council , Jonathan Nunn , said , ‘ The prosperity of the town relies on ensuring that businesses can get the facilities they need so we can retain and attract highly skilled jobs . The ball is in our court .’ For more information visit : www . cityfibre . com
Jonathan Nunn - Leader of Northampton Borough Council .
ON THE CASE
Huawei signs MOU with Milton Keynes Council to further Smart City innovation
Huawei has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Milton Keynes Council to design and build innovative ICT concepts for smart cities , together with other partners in the region .
A statement from both parties said they wish to enter into discussions regarding a strategic relationship to align and strengthen the approach and methodology to design and build innovative ICT concepts for smart cities , together with other partners in the region .
Milton Keynes is an ambitious and productive city with important economic drivers in knowledge industries and innovation , together with very good ecosystems in telecommunications , technology and entrepreneurs .
Last year the city was named one of the UK ’ s top smart cities in the Huawei UK Smart City Index , conducted by Navigant Consulting . Milton Keynes was one of the first UK cities to make a strong commitment to develop and promote smart city technology . It is now establishing itself as a primary location to trial and test new city technologies and is successfully attracting investment from IoT companies and other innovators looking to exploit this emerging market .
Milton Keynes Council leader Pete Marland said , ‘ We believe that innovative technologies are key to addressing the various city challenges that we face and help us better serve our citizens . ‘
Gordon Luo , CEO of Huawei UK , added , ‘ Cities may have different priorities , but the ultimate goal is the same : To improve local quality of life . We are pleased to have signed this MOU with Milton Keynes Council , which will see both parties collaboratively develop smart city solutions that leverage Huawei ’ s global expertise in smart city deployments .’ For further information visit : www . huawei . com
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