Lightning Fibre Ltd - Eastbourne-based full fibre broadband network operator and ISP, and local office build and fit out specialists Metrix Contractors Ltd have completed a low carbon office build and fit out in Polegate at Lightning Fibre’s new HQ using all-local suppliers and tradespeople.

Whilst Lightning Fibre put the project out to a geographically wide-reaching competitive tender, the ‘local credentials’ of winning contractor Metrix did hold a significant amount of sway in the company’s choice. 

Suppliers included Howdens, Flooring Specialists Limited, Kaebo Graphics and Metrix who are all based at the same site at Polegate (Connect 27 Business Park), CDS Electricians located on the Chaucer Estate, plumbers based in Langley and Evolution Glass with an office in The Dicker.  It was important that, whilst materials did travel-widely in some cases, people did not. 

Office furniture was supplied by Rapp Interiors, based in Brighton.

Air-conditioning by LRS Eastbourne, with an enhanced fresh-air filtration system was added to the designs to make the space COVID-safe. Not only are these units great for regulating temperature, but they also help to keep the air quality high, as well as staff-productivity levels. 

Matt Voss, Director at Metrix said, “We were delighted to win the project for this fit out, and our values are aligned when it comes to using local traders, suppliers and installers.”

Ben Ferriman, Lightning Fibre Founder and CEO, added, “It’s important to me personally and as a business owner that we use local suppliers and keep our investment within the local economy wherever possible. Lightning Fibre is a local business, building a local full fibre network. As far as possible, our staff live in East Sussex, and our supplier network is also locally-focussed. Our neighbours, Metrix, whilst remaining competitive were the obvious choice delivering our new HQ. We share a ‘locally-sourced’ ethos which has also led to carbon savings in the build; an added bonus.”