A BRIDPORT business is taking advantage of the new roll out of Superfast broadband in the town - opening up more trade opportunities.

OS Telecom marked its second anniversary this month - having just moved into new premises along Downes Street in the centre of the town.

Company director Richard Smith thinks the roll out of high-speed broadband in Bridport has helped his business take off.

"A lot is down to the recent roll our of the Superfast broadband" he said.

"We have seen a good uptake of the new speeds we can offer. Higher speeds have also meant that companies are able to look at technologies such as VoIP - that hasn't been suitable before.

"After a period of being a bit nomadic, it's great to finally have a more long term base. The new offices in Downes Street means we are now in the heart of the town and because of the size of the space, we can do so much more.

"We have been able to create a demonstration area so potential customers can come and see the technologies actually working - as well as being able to manage new products such as satellite broadband, which requires space to store stock."

Dorset Superfast have been able to roll out fibre-optic broadband to 40,000 premises across the county so far - including around 9,000 in Bridport.

Matthew Piles, head of economy at Dorset County Council, said: "The fibre roll-out is progressing well and nearly 40,000 premises across Dorset can get faster and more reliable broadband today as a result of Superfast Dorset.

"Bridport was the first market town to get fibre through Superfast Dorset. Around 9,000 homes and businesses in Bridport can benefit from the fibre network, making it better connected than many other bigger towns and cities - enabling economic growth in the area.

"With superfast broadband, Dorset will become an even more attractive location for businesses, providing continued employment and new high-tech jobs, especially in rural areas. It will be much easier for small and medium enterprises to trade online and reach wider markets, boosting the local economy and driving economic growth."

Businesses across Dorset can now apply for up to £3,000 grants to get connected to faster and reliable broadband. For more information, visit dorsetforyou.com/connection-vouchers