Nest UK - Online to success

Innovative company Nest UK is winning contracts across the globe from its base in rural Derbyshire by harnessing the power of broadband.

Bosses at the Hathersage firm, which produces the TUMTUM children's cutlery and tableware range, say they have built their company's success on the opportunities which faster broadband brings. Andrew Stokes, who runs Nest UK with wife Suzanne, said:

"Our entire business is based around using broadband, which means we can compete in a global marketplace from our rural base.

"Everything we do is online - from straightforward emails, to uploading and downloading large files, to sending data to manufacturers in China.

"Having a reliable connection which allows us to use Skype, where we can see people as we talk online, is great for us as we discuss details with clients in places including France, Australia, the USA and Hong Kong.

"We spend hours at a time talking to them. Most of the people we deal with speak very good English but being able to speak face-to-face, despite being thousands of miles away, means you can make sure you both have a proper understanding of the conversation."

Nest UK produces a range of innovative children's dining products under its TUMTUM brand, created to put the fun back into healthy eating. Among its successes are cutlery including a fork with a bowl shape to contain peas, removable grippy sleeves on cutlery handles and scooping corners in bowls to make it easier for children to eat. Andrew added:

"The Peak District is an amazing place to base our business. Companies in rural settings like ours need the best possible broadband connection so that we can compete on a level playing field with city based companies.

"When we speak to clients, particularly overseas, they tell us that reliable communication is a key element when awarding contracts."

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