Wessex Internet is a Business Reporter client.

Wessex Internet has been recognised as a winner of the Best of British Businesses 2026 campaign by Business Reporter – an honour and a significant milestone for an independent, rural company. The award comes as Wessex Internet marks 16 years of delivering fast, reliable full-fibre broadband to homes and businesses across some of the most remote parts of Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire.

Founded in 2010 by the late James Gibson Fleming MBE, a Dorset farmer determined to connect his own property when mainstream broadband options were prohibitively expensive, Wessex Internet has grown into a rural success story. The challenge that sparked its creation – poor or non-existent connectivity – remains a reality for many families, businesses and communities across the Southwest.

Since its inception, Wessex Internet has been driven by a simple purpose: to connect isolated and rural communities that have long felt left behind. That mission continues to guide every decision the company makes. As a proudly independent rural broadband provider, it has now connected more than 60,000 properties and laid over 7,700km of full-fibre cable across some of the hardest-to-reach areas in the Southwest.

Like many technology focused businesses, its success comes from a blend of factors, but at its heart are the 350 passionate people who make up the Wessex Internet team. Many are local, with personal ties to the villages they serve and a deep understanding of rural life. That insight helps them navigate the unique challenges of building connectivity in remote areas.

To deliver a truly bespoke rural network, Wessex Internet works closely with landowners and farmers. The team take time to understand how each piece of land is used, from crop cycles and lambing seasons to rivers, flood prone areas and other geographical challenges – ensuring the build fits sensitively around the landscape and the people who rely on it. By avoiding unnecessary roadworks, using low-impact machinery and preserving the natural environment, the company ensures its rollout supports both communities and countryside.

This tailored approach has enabled Wessex Internet to overcome some of the most complex rural engineering challenges – from installing fibre beneath a river to give a home-based small business the stable connection it needed to grow, to connecting the English Heritage site Old Wardour Castle in Wiltshire while working closely with an onsite archaeologist to protect its historic setting.

Their approach to building and serving rural communities has attracted significant investment. Most recently, the company secured £50 million in funding from the National Wealth Fund (NWF) and a combined £72 million across four Project Gigabit contracts under the Building Digital UK programme, making Wessex Internet one of the fastest-growing tech companies in the UK, with no plans to slow down.

The company’s commitment extends beyond growth, funding and connectivity. To date, Wessex Internet has invested over £350,000 in rural charities and community projects, including Stampede by the Sea, an event supporting Weldmar Hospice. This commitment is best illustrated through Wessex Internet’s Community Hub initiative, which connects a local project in every build area for just £1, supporting causes that bring people together.

Recent beneficiaries include the Big Yellow Bus Garden Project, a volunteer-run community garden in Shillingstone, Dorset, which could not afford broadband access to its isolated site until Wessex Internet stepped in to create a bespoke connection and sponsor the project.

“The whole process was completed within a day and when they left it was like they’d never been there before,” said Paul Williams of the Big Yellow Bus Garden Project. “We were left with a game changing, reliable and fast internet connection that also gave us an essential phone line. We host many schools and the internet access allows us to instantly research topics that spring up during their visits.”

This community-focused, sustainable model has earned Wessex Internet 15 industry awards over 16 years, including Best Customer Loyalty (ISPA Awards 2025), UK Fibre Provider of the Year (UK Fibre Awards 2023), Best UK Rural Enterprise (Countryside Alliance Awards 2024), and Best Rural ISP (ISPA Awards 2023). Its customer-first ethos, supported by a locally based call centre with strong understanding of local challenges, is reflected in a 4.8 (Excellent) Trustpilot rating.

The late James Gibson Fleming, whose MBE in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours recognised his extraordinary contribution to the business, continues to shape Wessex Internet’s values. The culture he built – one of dedication, integrity and hard work – runs strongly through every team and function and remains central to the company’s success.

Wessex Internet will continue to grow its rural network across the Southwest, reaching the most remote communities. The company will maintain its commitment to putting customers, communities and landowners at the centre of its work. It is proud of the progress made so far and confident in the impact it will deliver over the decade to come.

For more information, please visit **wessexinternet.com/best. **