I’ve been looking into changing back to Virgin Media for a our telecoms and broadband requirements. It seems we can get better performance and lower costs from Mr. Branson.

Our broadband is being supplied by Freedom 2 Surf, a company that used to provide excellent service. However, they were taken over by Pipex who retained the existing staff, and TBH we didn’t notice any deterioration. But Tiscali bought out Pipex recently, and since then the broadband performance seems to have gone downhill.

In order to back up my gut feelings I did a speed test at speedtest.net and then ran some comparisons using their global settings. Turns out for Lincoln Virgin were second placed and Tiscali were last with speeds up to nearly three times slower.

I mentioned the issues to Clive Catton of Octagon Technology and he’s discovered that since Tiscali took over Pipex Freedom 2 Surf no longer offer a business class service - they put you onto Nildram who are considerably more expensive than Freedom 2 Surf used to be. Clive has sourced a new business class supplier, so speak to him if you have any such requirements for an ADSL service.

We have all the Virgin equipment already installed so here’s hoping the transition will be a smooth one!

Just been talking to Nicola Summers (Project Fund Manager) for the Lincolnshire Broadband Initiative and the good news is there is still funding available for SMEs looking to update their ICT facilities - computer and Internet-related equipment.

It’s 50/50 matched funding and the entry level is £4000. That is £2000 from the SME and £2000 from On Lincolnshire

The grants are restricted mainly to the objective 2 funding area, but when you register on site there is a geographical eligibility checker tool if you’re not sure whether you come within the eligible area.

I suggest applying soon as funds are running low, although onlincolnshire are in the process of being assessed as to how much funding will be available.

If you are eligible you will have to go through a diagnostics process to assess your requirements, and to check that what you want the funding for is allowable.

A number of my clients have been through the process and have been impressed with the help and guidance they have been given.

So my advice is to act quickly if you think your business could benefit from such a service.