Wireless broadband firm Airband scoops awards

Worcester-based broadband firm Airband scooped the Fastest Growing Family Business award at the Midlands Family Business Awards.

Airband director Red Peel was also highly commended for the Entrepreneur of the Year award.

The Fastest Growing Business award reflects Airband's strong and sustained growth, whilst still maintaining its family values.

Founded in 2009 by husband-and-wife team Red and Miranda Peel, Airband has grown to become one of the UK's leading suppliers of wireless broadband, specialising in delivering superfast broadband to rural and hard-to-reach areas.

In the last two years, Airband has been awarded four large projects, totalling £23 million, supplying broadband to a contracted 34,000 homes and businesses. Airband's extended network spans Worcestershire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Powys, Warwickshire, North and South Wales, Devon and Somerset.

Airband's workforce has doubled in the last two years, from 18 employees in 2015 to 48.

The firm's expansion has been via both government-led infrastructure projects and smaller independent community-led projects. As infill partner for Superfast Cymru, it also continues to extend its network in Wales.

Turnover has increased from £1.5 million in 2015 to £3.8 million in 2016, and forecasts for turnover and growth suggest it will continue to rise substantially over the next three to five years.

"It feels wonderful to have the hard work and dedication of our team recognised in these awards," said Airband director, Red Peel.

Charlotte Perkins, MD of The Wilson Organisation and founder of the Midlands Family Business Awards said: "Our Fastest Growing Family Business panel were particularly impressed with Airband's ability to maintain their core family values whilst demonstrating strong and sustained growth."