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Zen on top of internet tree

24/ 7/2008

ROCHDALE-based business Zen Internet has plenty to celebrate at the moment.

The independently-owned internet service provider has just moved into new offices and has been voted the UK’s best broadband provider.

The company won the top accolade from Which? consumer advice magazine.

It gave Zen top marks for connection speed, customer service, online and telephone support and reliability of connection.

Richard Tang, the managing director, who set up the company in 1995, said: “We are delighted to have won this prestigious award as Which? is the largest consumer body in the UK and is relied upon by many consumers for its truly independent product recommendations.”

And the news came not long after the company moved into new offices in Sandbrook Park.

The multi-million pound state-of-the-art building was bought from My Travel.

From just four employees when it began 13 years ago Zen has rapidly expanded and it now employs more than 290.

It is predicted 200 new workers will be taken on in the next four years.

Mr Tang said the success of the company was in the beginning merely a dream. “It can’t ever have been a plan.”

And he admits luck and timing both played a part. He said: “We chose to become an internet service provider in the days when the internet was a niche thing for technical people at home.

“Businesses didn’t really take the internet really seriously as a business tool.

“Just over ten years ago only a few people used it at home.”

“We got in at the stage where you could start an internet service provider for a few thousand pounds.

“These days it would be very expensive.”

Future plans include expanding into other providing other products including providing an internet based telephone service.

But no matter where the business goes, there are definitely no plans to change its location.

He said: “Rochdale is my home town, I grew up here and it’s a really great location.”