Plusnet reports surge in broadband and landline customers

Plusnet has reported a significant rise in broadband and home phone customers for the year to March 31st 2012.

The Yorkshire-based internet service provider (ISP) has just released its latest set of annual results, revealing an increase in subscriber numbers thanks to its focus on customer service, competitive deals and investment in marketing.

Following a £27 million loss in the 2010-11 financial year, Plusnet achieved a pre-tax profit of £17.6 million in 2011-12, while turnover rose from £88.6 million to £113.4 million, reports the Yorkshire Post.

At the same time, gross profit leapt from £10.6 million to £61.1 million, thanks to a steep decline in the cost of sales, which fell from £78 million to £52.3 million.

Jamie Ford, chief executive of Plusnet, said the ISP is a smaller brand than some of its competitors, meaning the company's biggest challenge lies in "getting people to understand who we are".

"Getting that message across through advertising is a key focus for us and a key investment for us," he explained.

Plusnet recently bolstered its marketing efforts with the launch of a new TV ad for its fibre optic broadband service, which offers speeds of up to eight times faster than standard copper broadband.