VodafoneThree's network improvements aren't just on paper, they're helping inspire businesses on the ground in places such as Bourne, Lincolnshire.
A Bourne-based artist turned her hobby into a side hustle, after being inspired by the nature and architecture of her hometown to create intricate paper cut art.
Rowena Roberts, 43, first got into paper cut art in 2013, after buying her partner a kit for their first ‘paper’ anniversary.
She immediately fell in love with the style of artwork, which is made by cutting pieces out of a single piece of paper to create a “paper lace” effect.
After sharing her artwork on social media, it wasn’t long before her followers started asking her for commissions.
She now sells her artwork through her Instagram and Facebook pages, as well as on her website, and occasionally exhibits it at local craft fairs.
Rowena’s story comes as research, commissioned by VodafoneThree, reveals how mobile connectivity helps turn inspiration into opportunity.
The study of 2,000 Brits found the best ideas come while outside the home, including while walking (33%), spending time alone (33%) and when in nature (29%).
Many are also most likely to be inspired while at the coast or beach (36%), in the countryside (34%) or in woodlands or forests (24%).
While 74% feel inspired by their everyday surroundings, 55% claim their local area fuels their inspiration.
Rowena is is always on the hunt for artwork ideas when she is walking around the town.
She is often inspired by Bourne in Lincolnshire and she has made paper-cut artwork of local buildings, such as Bourne Town Hall and The Anchor Inn.
She said: “You can walk around Bourne and every house on the street is different. We have quite a few historical and old-world buildings that are so stunning. These designs sell really well because people are so proud of Bourne and our heritage.”
According to the data from OnePoll.com, more than 17 million moments of inspiration become real side hustles or small businesses across the UK every year.
Of those who have ever started a business or side hustle, 11% got their inspiration while spending time alone, 9% talking to friends or family and 8% while walking.
When on the move, Rowena is constantly using her phone to help when inspiration strikes, often taking pictures and immediately uploading them to her social media, so that her followers can see her creative process.
Rowena said: “Without my phone, I don’t think I’d have a business.”
The study found that when an idea strikes, 35% use their smartphone to immediately search for more information. 22% have used their mobile connection to work remotely, collaborate with other people (20%) and share creative work (18%).
Without my phone, I don’t think I’d have a business.
Rowena Roberts
It also emerged that 92% find their phone helpful for capturing or developing ideas, while 87% say mobile connectivity is important when they want to act on an idea or opportunity immediately.
Overall, 55% said getting online while out and about has helped them turn inspiration into something tangible.
To celebrate the places inspiring creativity and driving regional economic growth, Vodafone is bringing ‘Opportunity Hubs’ to locations across the country where network improvements are helping people stay connected, seize opportunities and turn inspiration into action. These hubs will offer practical workshops from Enterprise Nation, free professional headshots and expert advice, showing how connectivity can help transform ambitions into hobbies, side hustles or businesses.
Andrea Dona, chief network officer at VodafoneThree, said: “As our research shows, we reach for our phones the moment inspiration strikes – another reason why fast, reliable connectivity is so important.
“It’s also why we’re investing £11 billion to build the UK’s best network, delivering high-quality connectivity to every corner of the country.
“That includes Bourne, where Vodafone and Three customers can now access up to four times faster speeds thanks to our recent network upgrades.
“By delivering stronger, more reliable connectivity, we’re helping people stay connected and make the most of every opportunity, wherever inspiration strikes.”
