MP Caroline Ansell Opens Lightning Fibre's New Eastbourne HQ

Lightning Fibre's new Eastbourne HQ was officially opened on Thurs 1st December by Eastbourne and Willingdon MP Caroline Ansell and Lightning Fibre's Founder & CEO, with some colleagues.

The firm, founded in central Eastbourne in 2018, moved to a Polegate HQ in 2021 which it quickly out-grew. The firm opened it's new HQ on Moy Avenue, which facilitates the rapid expansion (the firm is close to 200 employees) and continued growth. The Polegate facility will be retained as a local hub.

Caroline Ansell, MP, commented, "It's wonderful to be here to see such success; and everything that you do promoting ripples of success across our wonderful town.”

Ansell was also given a tour of the business and received an update on the Full Fibre upgrade of the South East, including the firm's expansion into West Sussex and Kent. Ben Ferriman commented, "We appreciate Caroline's support, from the get-go. It is very encouraging to receive the support and endorsement of local stakeholders. As our head count reaches almost 200 (97% of whom are locally-based), this new HQ enables us to accelerate our growth, bringing hyper fast Full Fibre broadband to more homes and businesses."

As well as focusing on local employment, the firm as uses local suppliers. For example, the building signage and wrapped vehicle fleet, are supplied by Signtek and Birchwood Group. The LED lighting was designed by local lighting consultant Steve Marshall for LED-UK who can "save you up to 71% on your energy bill and reduce your carbon emissions".

Team Interiors, based in Broad Oak, managed the fit out and supplied the office furniture, with glazing by ARP Window & Cleaning Services and frosting by Kaebo Graphics, based in Polegate.

Many of the suppliers used came to the firm's attention through Chamber of Commerce networking, highlighting the importance of Chamber membership for local businesses. Lightning Fibre are members of Eastbourne Chamber, Hastings Chamber, Hailsham Chamber, Heathfield Chamber and Haywards Heath Business Association.

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