Inspire Middleton rescued by Pennine Telecom

Andrew Roberts from Pennine Telecom with Carl Roach from Inspire Middleton

Inspire Middleton was rescued by a community‐minded local business after it faced losing its vital broadband connection following relocation to new premises.

Inspire Middleton says it was let down by two suppliers who had previously promised to install a connection in time for their move earlier this month to new premises on the Cromer Industrial Estate. The charity learned the devastating news just days before it was due to re‐open its doors. Thankfully Bury‐based Pennine Telecom stepped into the breach, to save the day, by arranging an emergency connection over a 4G mobile telephone network within just 48 hours.

Inspire Middleton director, Carl Roach was frank about the importance of Pennine’s support, saying: “Pennine Telecom rescued us, and without their intervention we’d have been stuffed,” he said “Our two broadband suppliers simultaneously abandoned us at the worst possible time. We were just two working days from re‐opening and it looked like we would not have any digital connectivity in time, which for us is a vital service and one of the main ways we help people.”

“So I called Pennine’s managing director, Andrew Roberts, for advice and he immediately offered us a 4G router which has given us a great connection, as good as if not better than the one we had previously. We’re really appreciative of what the company has done for us, our partners and the many people that we support.”

Mr Roberts from Pennine Telecom said: “I am delighted to have been able to help. Inspire Middleton is a brilliant charity which motivates and supports so many local people in so many different ways. When Carl told me of the problems caused by their suppliers and the devastating effect that this would have on those reliant upon the internet services provided, we couldn’t do anything else but offer our immediate help.”

Inspire Middleton, a long standing customer of Pennine Telecom, was already being supported by Pennine through the donation and free installation of a high‐tech Avaya IP Office business telephone system, for use by staff and volunteers working for all three projects in the building.

Broadband is essential to the day‐to‐day running of the charity which runs the Lighthouse Project community hub and Middleton Central Foodbank, as well as housing another local charity Disability Information and Advice Line (DIAL) Middleton which provides wheelchair and walking aids for low cost hire. The three projects serve around 100 to 120 people daily with many visitors needing to access online services for job hunting and other activities, such as the Government’s Universal Jobmatch service.