Community, employment and environment at the heart of new report from Eastbourne-based Lightning Fibre

Wider community benefits from fibre broadband rollout

Eastbourne-based Full Fibre Broadband Operator, Lightning Fibre, presented its 2022-23 Impact Report at a special Stakeholder Event attended by Caroline Ansell MP and Cllr Stephen Holt, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council

Lightning Fibre hosted a Stakeholder Event at The View Hotel, Eastbourne on 25th May, with guest speakers Tim Passingham (Chairman of the Board, Lightning Fibre), MP for Eastbourne and Willingdon, Caroline Ansell, and Your Eastbourne BID CEO, and Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, Cllr Stephen Holt.

The Event was also attended by the Mayors of Eastbourne and Hailsham, Their Worships Cllr Candy Vaughan and Cllr Paul Holbrook, and the Deputy Mayor of Polegate, Cllr Heward.

The company presented its latest Impact Report, covering 'community', 'employment' and 'the environment'.

Rob Reaks, Lightning Fibre’s Sales & Marketing Director, commented that “as a ‘community-centric’ business, we are actively involved with the communities we serve; this impact report demonstrates our commitment to local events and good causes across East Sussex. As we grow our Full Fibre network into new areas, we look forward to contributing even more. Our customers - by choosing Lightning Fibre for their Broadband - play an important role in enabling us to make this local investment, of course”.

Highlights included the growing local workforce (almost 200 full time employees), a new commitment to 'net zero', and a range of event and charity sponsorship and support. The company relocated from Polegate to Moy Avenue, Eastbourne, in early 2023 to a new HQ, opened by Caroline Ansell, MP.

In Eastbourne, Lightning Fibre has sponsored Eastbourne Carnival, Wyntercon, the Mayor's Ball, and the Lightning Fibre Ice Rink (which returns for 2023 under new management).

In Hailsham, Lightning Fibre has supported Hailsham Festival and Hailsham Artists Network, as well as Hailsham Active, helping to secure almost £200,000 for community projects and groups in the town.

Lightning fibre report presents community-centred achievements

Heathfield benefited from substantial financial support for the Heathfield Show, enjoyed by 17,000 people. Hastings and St Leonard's enjoyed a Wild In Art Art Trail during the summer months, raising over £76,000 for St Michael's Hospice, in part thanks to Lightning Fibre's financial support. Lightning Fibre also sponsored Hastings' Pirate Day and St Leonards' Frost Fayre.

Charities supported included The WayfinderWoman Trust, Children With Cancer Fund, St Wilfrid's Hospice, Eastbourne Mencap and Eastbourne Foodbank.

The firm also supported several grassroots football clubs, and Heathfield and Hailsham Bonfire nights.

Read the impact report HERE

Watch the video here

And find out more about Lightning Fibre here: www.LightningFIbre.co.uk