TrueSpeed, the rural broadband provider, is heading for a new growth phase by targeting businesses after recruiting Henry West to its executive team as commercial director.
Henry, pictured, is tasked with evolving the Keynsham-based firm’s direct business sales strategy and developing plans for a wholesale offering, including appointing IT resellers and other service providers. 
TrueSpeed was launched five years ago by three investors fed up with poor broadband in their homes.
It has since built new infrastructure that enables it to deliver 10 gigabit-capable full fibre broadband directly into premises, providing a high-performance, highly reliable connection, and future-proofed connectivity.
It is already broadband partner for a number of West of England businesses, among them Thatchers Cider.
Henry’s appointment comes at a time when demand for reliable broadband is accelerating rapidly as more people work from home due to the coronavirus pandemic.
As a result, TrueSpeed is continuing to build its network to connect more customers.
Henry has joined the firm from London-based fibre network aggregator FluidOne, where he spent 18 months as director of channel sales. Prior to that he spent 12 years at communications and Hull IT services provider KCOM, most recently as head of channel sales.
Truespeed said his extensive experience in developing business propositions and indirect routes to market that drive sales of connectivity solutions and services would be invaluable in his new role.
CEO Evan Wienburg said: “It’s great to have Henry on board. As a local Somerset man with an impressive track record in this industry, he is the ideal candidate to supercharge our business offerings and help more businesses in the region get the reliable, ultrafast broadband connectivity they deserve.
“Plus, his experience in building and growing indirect channels will help us to lay the foundations for our future wholesale play.”
Henry added: “Having grown up in Somerset and spent most of my working life based in the South West, I am passionate about helping local businesses to thrive. I have been following Truespeed’s growth with interest and share its community-first ethos.
“My immediate task will be to review and expand the firm’s business portfolio so that we can offer businesses and IT resellers of all shapes and sizes the right digital springboard for their needs – both during these challenging times and in the future.
“This will help bring businesses into the digital fast lane, with a level of connectivity that's able to support Voice over IP and a whole range of cloud-based applications.”
