Eircom has begun offering services to the British market following a £2 million investment in the expansion of its network.

The telecoms firm described the move as a "natural progression" and said it would provide managed network services, enterprise voice and unified communications to its British clients.

"Although it is a competitive market, we see huge potential for growth and we will continue to invest in the GB market as part of our long term strategy, creating employment as we do so," said general manager of Eircom UK Darren Lemon.

"Exports between the two countries remain high and currently run at €1bn per week. That is leading to an increase in the demand for digital connectivity across the Irish Sea and indeed within multi-site operations in GB; a demand we are able to meet."

Last year the firm was selected by Britain's Cabinet Office to be among the 12 companies to build a public service network across the country.

Eircom has already been trading in Northern Ireland since 2009.