Month: August 2012

Community broadband for better social interaction

Next generation access is what many of us already have these days. Many of us have the kinds of busy lives that make instant access to the internet nigh on essential and we panic when the connection speed fails to meet our expectations. This is not necessarily the sign of an overly demanding, technology-dependent generation, but rather a development we should welcome, provided that it leads us to new pathways of learning, better social interaction and even ways of resisting the status quo. The latter is a tricky point: while using the internet has in recent years involved the increasing exposure of the user to insidious methods of advertising, and social media has blurred the once staunchly-defended line between our public/professional and personal, private lives, the online realm has also been where we can freely access tools for learning and entertainment. Perhaps even more importantly, ICT infrastructure has linked us up with an international community with whom we can share experiences, formulate opinions and grow. A number of people remain isolated from the above, however, because community broadband has not yet extended to all geographical locations.

Many initiatives are underway to extend the reach of broadband. This is important if we want to avoid an uneven rate of development both internally and internationally. Just take the example of the UK – it is such a small nation but one still blighted by the government’s tendency to privilege the capital and the South before attention turns to the needs of the North and the regions. Luckily, a number of initiatives involving the latest in fibre optic technology and data transmission are aiming to close the gap between the best and worst connected communities. This good work needs to be continued: while in London even the underground transport system is beginning to offer free internet access, there are a considerable number of rural communities who are at least five years behind.

The word ‘community’ in ‘community broadband’ gives a good indication of why we need to encourage the growth of next generation access: communities currently need to be thriving in terms of business and social interaction and better ICT infrastructure can help this happen. Even cottage industries and farms that we have a tendency to think of as stuck in the past and technology-resistant could benefit hugely from better access to the internet. They could tap into new audiences interested in their products. They could create online forums for discussion of the ups and downs problems in their sector.

Please visit http://www.broadbandvantage.co.uk/ for further information about this topic.

http://www.broadbandvantage.co.uk/

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Shops to rent in north London areas

The time has come to think about shops to rent in north london. As yet, Camden, Holloway Road and especially the borough of Harringey, all of which are situated in North London, have yet to develop their retail potential. This is not to say that they don’t possess their fair share of shops, but rather that the shops existing in these areas are somewhat tarred with a bad reputation. Camden, people tend to think, consists of a few a run-down streets that are heaven for tourists, teenagers and those fond of piercings and goth or emo-style clothes. Holloway road, meanwhile, possesses rather too many tired chain stores and could do with an injection of independent outlets. Harringey finds itself in the same boat, though to its credit it does possess a few good finds in terms of vintage clothes and bookshops. As you can tell, the time is right for entrepreneurial types to bring their fresh visions into commercial property London. Many predicted that our shopping habits would shift into the online realm. But this has not happened: apart from when we are buying products with which we are already familiar, we delight in the physical experience of shopping because we can touch, try and talk about the things we want to buy. And because this preference for real life experience looks set to stay, a long-term option of a shop for sale in London might also appeal to more knowledgeable retailers.

The service industry might also look seriously at relocating to North London premises. In spite of the financial recession, studies show that one of the last things we stop spending on is the experience of eating and drinking out. This is an understandable fact: though our budgets have been tight, we still need respite from the monotonous daily grind of going from home, to the tube, to work and home again. Positive social experiences are what the majority misses most when the pressures of working life get too much. And because these are often best had while relaxing around a table sharing food, conversation and smiles, commercial property in London is worth restaurateurs and pub landlords’ investment.

Commercial property London is also being turned into art galleries in some areas in London, especially in East and South London. shops to rent in north london could easily be converted into art galleries too: there is no reason why north London would not appreciate an injection of culture on its streets. A shop for sale in London is perhaps less attractive for the art expert who realises that the market can be fickle. Fashion designers can meanwhile resort to their skills for catering to new trends and desires.

Please visit http://www.claridges-commercial.co.uk for further information about this topic.

http://www.claridges-commercial.co.uk

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