Wessex Internet wins top ‘Oscar’ The firm were named Best Rural Enterprise in the UK at the prestigious Countryside Alliance Awards for outstanding service to rural communities

Wessex Internet has been named the Best Rural Enterprise in the UK at the prestigious Countryside Alliance Awards, held at the House of Lords in London on Tuesday, 25th June. The awards, now in their 17th year and often referred to as ‘the rural Oscars,’ are the most prestigious in the rural industry, recognising businesses that go the extra mile within their communities and which support the rural economy.

Nominated anonymously by its customers, Wessex Internet topped a public vote in the south west region and was then selected by a panel of judges as the overall national winner from thousands of nominees across the UK

Hector Gibson Fleming, CEO of Wessex Internet, was thrilled with the award: ‘I’m absolutely over the moon that we have been recognised as Rural Enterprise Champion. This is a huge testament to the history of the business, the hard work of all of our people and also to staying true to our values. We formed as a small company to help our neighbours and are now serving rural communities across Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, and Hampshire.

‘It was particularly heartening for the judges to recognise not only the impact we make directly on the rural economy as a growing company and local employer, but more widely that the ultrafast broadband we provide enables other rural businesses to thrive and allows people living in the countryside to enjoy a higher quality of life. Whether by enabling remote and hybrid working for professionals, keeping businesses connected to their customers, helping families to keep in touch with loved ones, or simply enabling people to enjoy the range of entertainment and essential services available online, we are determined to bridge the digital divide.’

Where others fear to tread

During the ceremony, the organisers highlighted Wessex

Internet’s dedication: ‘Wessex Internet has developed out of the absolute need to be part of the digital world. They have fought tooth and nail to be an internet provider that meets the needs of those rural communities where the larger providers have failed.’

Sarah Lee, Director of Policy at the Countryside Alliance, added: ‘We are proud to be honouring these exceptional rural businesses, and the people behind them who are passionate about providing quality goods, services and employment to rural communities. Running a business in a rural community isn’t easy, and it’s so important to celebrate the valued role these rural enterprises have in their communities.’

North Dorset businesses were well represented at the House of Lords, with Andrew StevensonHamilton, the proprietor of the Child Okeford Village Shop, also in attendance to receive a Highly Commended National Award for Best Village Hall & Post Office, after topping the south west region.

by Laura Hitchcock