The announcement that Lightning Fibre is now officially expanding into West Sussex and Kent should come as no surprise to anyone who has been watching the development of the company, from a tiny start-up to one of the most successful Alt-Nets in the South East. Last week Lightning Fibre won the 'Best Large Business Award ' in the Eastbourne Business Awards 2022, and there are no signs that the pattern of expansion and success will end in the near future.
This year has seen the most geographical expansion so far as we have started to take on the infrastructure of Heathfield, Hailsham and Bexhill-on Sea. As well as continuing to build the network in Eastbourne, Hastings and St. Leonards. The towns of Hayward’s Heath in West Sussex and Tenterden in Kent are the latest to be struck by the lightning bolt, and will soon see the first stages of development.
Before each stage of the network build, we have introduced ourselves to the residents and taken part in local events and initiatives. Lightning Fibre is becoming a household name across the region, in no small part because of our targeted involvement in various communities where we work. Our dedicated Community Engagement team combined with our involvement in local events and ventures has allowed us to present ourselves properly as a company that means to be at the heart of the towns where we operate. Ultimately it is our aim to be considered a well-respected local company, synonymous with the South East. Our standing with the local community is really at the centre of our ethos.
It is our Community Engagement Team that shoulder much of this responsibility as they are the face of our company out in the field. Our work crews are trained to represent us well wherever they work of course, but it is the engagers whose role it is to present a friendly face in new areas. We knock on doors and drop letters to residents in areas that are about to receive our Full Fibre network. And we attend local events and festivals to declare our presence and are readily available for any questions people may want to ask.
Since March 2022 we have attended a stream of events and have taken part in various local initiatives. We cleaned the beaches in Eastbourne, and we picked up litter in Hastings. We attended as many events as we could including; Magnificent Motors, Armed Forces Day, The 999 Services Event and Soapbox Day in Eastbourne.
In addition, there are the events that we have sponsored this year, of which there were many more: The Mayor’s Ball Eastbourne, Big Futures Eastbourne, The Heathfield Show, The Eastbourne Carnival, Airbourne, Pirate Day Hastings, Vintage Festival Eastbourne and Wyntercon IX. We thank our dedicated staff who have attended these events throughout the year. Our sponsorship has also been given to Hailsham in Bloom, Hailsham Festival, Hailsham Artists Network and the Follow That Duck Art Trail in Hastings, St. Leonards and Bexhill.
Beyond that we also support several local charities that we feel are at the heart of the community. The Children with Cancer Fund in Polegate (where our offices are currently located). The Kid’s Count Project in Hailsham, St. Wilfrid’s Hospice, Eastbourne and St. Michael’s Hospice in Hastings. To raise funds for these good causes we have held charity football matches, raffles, taken part in ‘Jail ’n’ Bail’ and most recently our team completed a 15 mile walk for Wayfinder Woman.
We are also very proud to be involved with several local sports teams and clubs; Hastings Athletic u10s, Hailsham Cricket Club & Cavendish School u16s FC.
Additionally we are very pleased that our partnership with Hailsham Active has borne fruit, helping Hailsham to fund a number of new facilities.
In the coming weeks and towards the end of the year we will be taking part in yet more events and sponsorship. This will include the Hailsham Bonfire Society Bonfire Night on October 15, and the Heathfield& District Bonfire Society Bonfire Night on October 22.
After that the next, and one of our major events of the year, is the Lightning Fibre Ice Rink running from December 1st - January 8th 2023, this will be a great experience for a large number of residents and visitors to Eastbourne alike. Last year’s Ice Rink was a huge success, and we expect this one to be even better! Buy your tickets from Lightning Fibre Eastbourne Ice Rink.
Keep an eye on our social media to find out more about what we are involved in your area!
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