Member Article

Innovative internet service provider takes home a 'very special' award

BESPOKE internet service provider Exa Networks has bagged its second award in two weeks – and this one, says boss Mark Cowgill, is very special indeed.

Exa was named as Best Small or Medium Enterprise in the Bradford Means Business Awards at a glittering ceremony in a grand marquee set up in the heart of the city, in Centenary Square.

But it was winning such a prestigious award – and widespread recognition – in his home city that had such a powerful effect on director and co-founder Mark (pictured, second right, with some of his team on stage).

“I can honestly say I have never been prouder to pick up an award in my life,” said Mark. “I am a Bradford lad, born and bred, with claret and amber [the city’s football team colours] in my blood. To be picked out from such an incredible number of amazing businesses in my home town was fantastic.

“Bradford is a great city on its way to becoming an amazing one. It is THE place to start, grow and thrive as a business, and we are delighted to be doing our small part.”

The award was one of 12 announced at the spectacular event and came hot on the heels of Exa’s success in the ISPA (Internet Service Providers) Awards ceremony, in London, where it took the trophy for Best Partnership. That honour was given in recognition of Exa’s work with the Exa Foundation and the Ahead Partnership in helping schools prepare for a digital future by inspiring, supporting and promoting the use of computing and computer programming from early age primary school through to University and helping students prepare for the world of work.

Exa Networks, which was founded in 2003, is one of the most innovative internet service providers in the UK, recently introducing the fastest internet technology in the world (DarkLight) through a pure fibre connection to businesses across Yorkshire, delivering speeds of 10,000Mbps and above.

It is one of the only ISPs delivering bespoke internet services, bringing incredible performance and complete customisability to thousands of schools and businesses across the UK, often significantly cutting costs while improving performance across the board

Mark was full of praise for the staff who helped the company win the award in Bradford.

He said: “I want to say a big thank you to my fantastic team at Exa; your hard work and dedication to going beyond are why we won this. I’d also like to thank everyone who said such beautiful things on the night and sent such lovely messages of congratulations the next day.

“The awards night will stay forever in the memory and heart of this proud Bradfordian.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Perry Austin-Clarke .