Keynsham-based TrueSpeed Communications, which was started by three investors fed up with poor broadband in their homes, has won the regional stage of a major enterprise award scheme.
Having been launched four years ago, TrueSpeed last year received a £75m investment from insurance giant Aviva which enabled it to move offices and hire more than 80 new staff. 
It is now challenging mainstream suppliers so that rural communities have an alternative to outdated copper-based networks.
The firm’s success has earned it an accolade in the Social Entrepreneur category of the Barclays Entrepreneurs Awards. The category recognises fast-growing start-up businesses or ventures making a significant societal benefit to the local community.
TrueSpeed chief executive Evan Wienburg said rural businesses were now signing up for the service and benefiting from greater broadband speeds to take advantage of cloud-based tools, improve their customer service, reach new customers and ultimately grow revenues.
“At TrueSpeed, we’re proving that it is feasible, profitable and hugely beneficial to deliver ultrafast broadband to rural communities,” he said.
“Providing future-proofed infrastructure that enables local communities to thrive is essential for a flourishing digital economy, so we’re honoured that the fruits of our team’s work are being recognised by the Barclays Entrepreneurs Awards.”
Barclays South West high growth and entrepreneur director Matt Brook said: “The awards are a celebration of our clients and an official recognition of their entrepreneurial successes and leadership. This is the third year of the awards and as a regional winner TrueSpeed Communications will go forward to the national stage, which will recognise clients from across the UK.”
One winner from each of the six UK regions will be selected by a regional judging panel who will then be invited to the national awards dinner in London on October 10,which will be attended by the other winning entrepreneurs and industry experts.
A national judging panel of key industry leaders and influencers will select the overall winners and present the awards on the night.
