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Listen: market towns ‘being regenerated’ by UK’s hybrid working boom

9th June 2021
Posted by Aston Avery

Market towns across the UK are thriving as hybrid working hotspots according to new research and analysis of broadband usage during the pandemic.

Latest network data from connectivity provider TalkTalk shows that market towns such as Kingston (52%), Guildford (52%) and Dudley (49%) have seen some of the largest increases in network data usage in the country since the start of 2020.

Reigate & Redhill (48%), Chelmsford (48%) and Dorchester (45%) also experienced significant growth, with many market towns registering higher rises in internet usage than major cities.

As multiple lockdowns have signalled the end of the traditional five-day office week, research shows 40% of office workers have moved home or considered moving during the pandemic.

Aston spoke to anthropologist and author James Suzman.