Zen at 30: powering UK businesses for three decades

Thirty years ago, the tools we used for business were very different. Data was filed in cabinets, not stored securely in the cloud. Communication relied on fax machines and landlines, not the futuristic video calls that now connect teams across the country. And for most businesses, the concept of a reliable high-speed internet connection wasn’t even a thing – it certainly wasn’t the essential utility it is today.

Since our own journey began with a conversation in a pub back in 1995, we’ve had a front-row seat to this transformation. For three decades, we’ve worked with UK businesses to navigate constant technological change, connecting them to the solutions they need to succeed. And so, as we mark our 30^th anniversary, we’re not just celebrating our success, but 30 years of partnership and progress alongside our incredible business customers – you!

From dial-up foundations to a full fibre future

In 1995, our first service, launched from our founder Richard Tang’s kitchen table, supported just six users on a shared 64 kbps connection. Today, as our business customers rely on cloud applications, VoIP, and numerous other data-heavy workflows, we’re delivering broadband speeds up to 2.3 Gbps – a nearly 80,000-fold increase.

But this isn’t just a story about speed. “The internet has got faster” isn’t much of a boast. This is about how we’ve enabled business to achieve things their own success, in its many different forms.

Our first broadband service, launched in 2000, helped businesses launch their first websites and explore the potential of business email. Today, our full fibre network supports the complex operations that define modern businesses and enterprises. We’ve helped over 100,000 businesses and homes make the switch to this modern, future-proof, technology. And that has had totally unforeseen knock-on benefits. Like the 31% of respondents to our recent survey who told us that the internet has allowed them to work remotely or flexibly.

Ours is a history built on a commitment to long-term success and sustainability – for our business and yours.

Proper partnerships, built on trust

If the last 30 years has taught us anything, it’s that technology changes. But the need for a trusted partner remains constant. And the best providers give you that perfect blend of reliable, high-performance solutions and expert support you can rely on. Our own research tells us that these fundamentals still matter most: businesses and consumers alike prioritise reliability (60%), speed (54%) and customer service (35%) above all else.

That’s why we’re proud that some of our earliest business relationships are still active today. One of our very first domain name orders from January 1996 is still live on our network. And one of our business customers has been with us since we launched our first broadband service back in October 2000. They’ve upgraded as they’ve grown, supported by 25 years of award-winning service, of challenges met, and a partnership that just works.

By shipping more than 250,000 AVM products, including routers, mesh WiFi devices, digital phones and more, we’re continually equipping businesses with the tools they need for seamless and secure operations.

Purpose evolving, still putting people first

For 30 years, we’ve been guided by a simple principle: “Happy Staff, Happy Customers, Happy Suppliers”. This has been the bedrock of everything we’ve done as a business over this time, ensuring that we always prioritise people no matter what. And it’s why we’ve been consistently recognised for our service and named a Great Place to Work.

As we look to the future, this commitment has evolved to meet the challenges of a modern world. Our new purpose – “Do right by people and planet” – is the natural extension of our founding values. It formalises our dedication not only to the people we work with, but also the wider community and environment. For our business customers, this means partnering with a provider that shares your values and is committed to a responsible, sustainable future.

Looking to the future

The internet has become essential to modern business growth, with our research showing 15% of people credit it with enabling them to start their own business. And while we’re proud of the part we’ve played in this, our focus is firmly on what comes next.

We can already see a shared vision for the next 30 years taking shape. The people we’ve spoken to see a future where the internet enables remote access to healthcare (40%), makes fully remote work a reality for all (30%), and provides better education access for all (38%). Daily experiences will be reshaped by smart homes that anticipate our needs (28%) and AI-generated content that is indistinguishable from human-made (30%).

All of these advancements will depend on powerful, reliable and secure connectivity. We continue to invest in our network, our people and our services to provide the foundation for this future with the aim of giving your business the tools it needs to succeed.

Thanks for being part of our journey. We look forward to being here for you for the next 30 years and beyond.

Find out how our connectivity, cloud, communications and security solutions can help your business grow.