Cambridge Research Park provides a vital link for occupiers.

It goes without saying that communications - internet, intranet and extranet, as well as standard telecom requirements - are the lifeblood of high-tech companies. However, when it comes to business relocation, getting such communications up and running can be an organisational nightmare.

At Cambridge Research Park, the on-site presence of ntl effectively relieves potential occupiers of this headache. Slough Estates, the developers, are working with ntl to provide state-of-the-art communication links to the buildings on the park. This, explains Mark Duckworth - who heads up ntl�s Commercial Services Division - enables them to offer occupants a fully integrated service.

Most importantly, when purpose-built premises are commissioned, ntl work hand in glove with Slough Estates and local internet service providers, to create customised communications solutions. This means that not only is the whole process better organised - and, as a result, operational on day one - but it is also more cost-effective.

�We�re very flexible� says Mark. �We�re willing to work alongside British Telecom or any of our clients� current suppliers to achieve the desired set-up. We don�t insist on doing things our way or not at all - we�re ready to accommodate two or more parallel systems if it suits our clients. We�re also happy to meet them informally and �talk and chalk� through ideas�.

Another plus in this connection is the fact that ntl have an impressive track record in working with Cambridge University and locally-based companies on communications projects. It�s now over ten years since the company helped pioneer local broadband communications in partnership with the University, as well as designing and installing systems for Addenbrooke�s Hospital.

As communications experts themselves, it also comes as no surprise that ntl use state-of-the-art technology to service their clients. Mark heads what he describes as a �virtual team� dedicated to client service, which is to say that specialists throughout the ntl organisation are always available for on-line consultancy or technical troubleshooting. Better still, for occupants of Cambridge Research Park, they�re right next door!