A DORSET broadband company has been shortlisted as one of the best rural businesses in the UK.

Wessex Internet will battle it out against fellow businesses and entrepreneurs from across the region after being shortlisted for a Rural Business Award.

The Blandford-based specialist internet provider has been shortlisted for the Best Rural Innovation award which, if successful, will see the team through to the national final in early 2022.

The company employs more than 100 people and connects full fibre broadband to thousands of people in hard-to-reach areas across Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire.

Hector Gibson Fleming, Wessex Internet MD, said: “We’re honoured to be recognised in this category, it really makes all the hard work that the team has undertaken worth it.

“The challenges we face when connecting rural areas means that we are constantly innovating to bring full fibre to people who have been overlooked. It’s great to share the platform with so many fantastic rural businesses, too.”

The 2021/2022 Rural Business Awards, in partnership with Amazon, will mark the awards’ seventh year of celebrating the success of businesses across the UK’s rural economy.

Director and co-founder of the Rural Business Awards, Jemma Clifford, said: “On behalf of everyone at the Rural Business Awards, we want to say well done to Wessex Internet and wish them luck ahead of the regional finals.”