Rooted in Rural: People Spotlight – Adam Brunskill

At Fibrus, we’ve always been proud that our company is powered by rural people. Our colleagues are the heart of what we do, and many of them live, work, and thrive in the very communities we serve.

To celebrate this, we’re running a ‘Rooted in Rural’ People Spotlight series, a chance to shine a light on the incredible stories of our rural colleagues who help make Fibrus what it is today.

This month, we’re spotlighting Adam Brunskill, Head of Streetworks at Viberoptix, part of Fibrus Group.

• Where are you from? Tell us a bit about your hometown or where you live now, what makes your area special to you?  

I live in the small coastal town of Millom in Cumbria. Until recently, I lived six miles outside the town, where my nearest neighbour was half a mile away and there were fewer than 10 properties within a two-mile radius. 

Millom is uniquely positioned, within three miles of the Lake District National Park while also being a coastal town. Beaches, sea, mountains and lakes are all close by. With just over 5,500 people, it’s a close-knit place where most people know each other. 

• What makes you most proud of your rural area? 

There’s a real sense of community. People rely on and look out for one another –  long school commutes and travel times are simply part of life here. 

We’ve a wide range of local groups, from sports clubs to community organisations. A proud fact for Millom is that it’s home to the oldest Amateur Rugby League Club in the world, founded in 1873. 

• I understand you live in a very rural location, what aspects of that do you find most enjoyable?  

The peace and quiet, living in rural location mean you can enjoy beautiful scenery right on your doorstep, swimming in the summer months, mountain biking or walking in the winter months, sleeping under the stars at a minute’s notice can be some real benefits away from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

• What’s one thing you think people misunderstand or overlook about rural life? 

 Rural life can be a challenge, imagine something as simple as forgetting the milk and having to drive for 30 mins to go and get it. 

Everything takes so much longer and you have to plan for this continually. Mobile phone networks mostly have no signal, broadband speeds are slow and at the slightest sign of a storm electricity and phone lines are down essentially cutting you off from the rest of the world. 

• Having viewed our Future of Rural Communities report, what aspects of it did you find particularly interesting? 

I particularly enjoyed the section around farming and how technology and broadband can increase productivity within these rural work places. I was recently discussing with a farmer about how they were installing milking and feeding machines that run via computers and broadband allows them to not only operate this system remotely but also allows them to modify the feed mixtures so produce the greatest yield.  

Coming from a farming background and having many friends within that field of business I find it fascinating how technology can be utilized to change the face of an industry that has operated in the same way for generations. 

• Why do you think it’s important to invest in and connect rural communities?  

Rural areas play a vital role in food production and tourism, supporting towns and cities across the country. Investment strengthens productivity, resilience and opportunity –  while ensuring we protect the natural beauty that defines these places. 

• What changes or opportunities do you see ahead for rural communities?  

Faster broadband and new technology will open up more business and employment opportunities, particularly for younger generations. 

Improved connectivity can help rural communities remain vibrant, sustainable places to live and work.