A North Lancashire community broadband company is celebrating after winning more two awards this week.
B4RN, Broadband for the Rural North, based at Melling, were named winners at the INCA Gold Awards.
B4RN claimed ‘Best Community Project’ for a second year running and also took the ‘Outstanding Contribution’ award.
As part of its unique build model, B4RN works shoulder-to-shoulder with volunteers from within communities, to get those communities connected.
Chief Operating Offer, Tom Rigg, said: “We are humbled to have received these awards on behalf of all our staff, volunteers, and the communities we serve. It is the strong partnership between landowners, communities, and staff that make it possible to deploy Full Fibre Gigabit Broadband services to some of the hardest to reach areas in England, that would otherwise be left behind.”
The awards were accepted at an awards dinner at St. George’s Hall in Liverpool on 16th November, which took place during the annual INCA Conference.
B4RN CEO, Michael Lee, said: “At B4RN we do things differently. We exist to bring the best internet in the country to the communities that are hardest to reach. We do this by working shoulder to shoulder with those communities, and we do it to deliver enduring benefit to those communities. It is humbling to see our unique approach, and the hard work and sacrifice of our staff, volunteers and landowners recognised on the national stage once again.”
INCA’s ‘Best Community Project’ award highlights community-led projects that might otherwise go under the radar using innovative approaches to challenging circumstances. The ‘Outstanding Contribution’ award was for B4RN’s leading role in the creation of ‘Voucher Priority Areas’ under Project Gigabit last year, which protected vital funding for altnets trying to connect the most remote communities.
Further recognition could be on the way for B4RN in late November. We are defending the title of ‘Best Rural ISP’ at the ISPA Awards in London, having claimed that trophy in 2021. At the same event, B4RN is also up for the public-nominated ‘Internet Hero’ award.
Meanwhile, in September this year, B4RN had another outstanding result – winning two awards at Connected Britain - the UK’s no.1 connectivity event.
Lancaster-Morecambe train services cancelled amid heavy rain warnings
Pair jailed for violent attack on man in Lancaster street
Panjab Warriors interview: "Morecambe FC will never be in danger while we are owners."
Canal charity gets the ‘hump’ as Lancaster Canal bridges suffer more collision damage
Lancaster wills company donates thousands to help local community groups making a difference
Morecambe Bay Curriculum wins top award
Lancaster film director's latest action movie now showing in UK cinemas
Appeal after Jack Russell dog found collapsed in Lancaster
Lancaster food companies announced as finalists in new Taste Lancashire Producer Awards
New student apartments block opens in Lancaster
Former BBC reporter and ex-Heysham shipping chief launch popular maritime podcast
Lancaster children get life-saving advice at 'Crucial Crew' water safety event
Crews tackle house fire in Heysham
Police appeal after 20 motorbike thefts in 30 days in Lancaster and Morecambe area
Truck driver jailed for causing death of six-year-old Lancaster girl
Former Morecambe Football Club co-chairmen break silence after shock resignation from board
Royal Lancaster Infirmary ward closed to visitors due to norovirus outbreak
Morecambe Football Club stalwarts resign from board
Heysham coffee shop couple take over Morecambe craft ale bar
Morecambe seafront cafe reopens
