In the changed business landscape of 2020, having fast broadband straight into the heart of their businesses has helped Irish firms adapt to the new work environment, react quickly to changing parameters and embrace digital and online channels.
Armada Hotel, Co Clare
At the Armada Hotel in Clare, the lockdown meant they had to close their doors to guests, but overnight the team were able to re-focus their efforts into providing an online food takeaway service. "Like businesses all over Ireland, we had to act fast. Our gigabit fibre broadband from eir allowed us to get off the ground quickly. Integrating new software with our existing systems was seamless and we were able to concentrate on growing this new revenue stream knowing that our broadband connection was reliable and consistent," says Noralynne Murrihy of the Armada Hotel.
The hotel's broadband connectivity also meant it was able to keep its brand in customers' minds during a difficult time. “Powered by our super-fast broadband, our CRM system became crucial for keeping in touch with our guests. We were able to send out regular newsletters and updates, keeping them up to date with the hotel and keeping our brand alive even while our doors were closed."
Wicklow Brewery, Co Wicklow
At Wicklow Brewery, eir's fibre broadband was also instrumental in helping them ride the storm. As a multi-pronged business operating a brewery, pub, restaurant and boutique glamping venue, they were severely impacted by the public health restrictions and had to quickly pivot to keep operating.
"We launched Mickey Finn's Collect during lockdown to keep our business alive and keep staff employed where we could. It was a new concept for us but it has been extremely successful, so much so that we've continued the service," explains co-owner Leigh Williams. "We also hope to expand the online channel over the coming months and start selling our locally brewed craft beer online. The reliability of our broadband connection from eir means we can be confident in our online services, now and in the future.”
Ballymaloe House and Cookery School, Co Cork
Ballymaloe House and Cookery School in East Cork is also making the most of its eir Gigabit Fibre Broadband at a difficult time. With its in-person courses cancelled during lockdown, Ballymaloe Cookery School was able to move its courses online, and reach a global audience. "We're now streaming our courses online and getting a great response. We simply couldn't do that without a strong broadband connection," explains Darina Allen, founder of Ballymaloe House and Cookery School. "Moving our courses online has allowed us to develop a new income stream and it is something we're likely to continue in the future."
For Dervilla O'Flynn, head chef at Ballymaloe House, the beauty of Gigabit Fibre Broadband from eir is that it is consistent and reliable. "Connectivity is very much at the heart of our business here at Ballymaloe, even before Covid-19. We use it to facilitate online reservations, connect with suppliers and guests, enable our online shop, and even simple things like being able to offer reliable on-site wifi to guests, which is a vital part of running a hospitality business. It's become an essential part of our operations."
Gigabit Fibre Broadband from eir Business
Customer stories like these highlight how Gigabit Fibre Broadband from eir Business is revolutionising the way Irish businesses operate. This lightning-fast broadband is bringing speeds of up to 1 Gigabit per second directly into offices and premises all over Ireland. It is Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband that reaches directly into a business with a line that is not shared, ensuring reliability with no interference.
With super-fast, consistent broadband, the possibilities for business are endless. It means large data files, like a 500MB PDF can be downloaded almost instantly and 4GB high definition video files can be uploaded in seconds. But more than that, at a time when Irish businesses are increasingly relying on the cloud and data, eir's Gigabit Fibre means SMEs can embrace technology and the cloud confidently.
Eir’s ongoing investment in its fibre network means that Gigabit Fibre Broadband is now available to over 500,000 premises across the country, and that figure is growing every day.
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Subject to availability. €30 a month for the first 4 months, €55 a month thereafter, ex VAT. 24 month minimum contract period for 1 Gigabit FTTP. Early cease charges may apply. Offer available for a limited time. For full details and terms see: business.eir.ie