Poundland has signed a communication deal with NextiraOne to design, supply, implement and maintain its LAN infrastructure. Poundland uses its core network to handle stock control, distribution, financial and staff management systems, and to integrate sales and stock information from electronic point of sale systems.

The investment comes as the company plans to add to its network of over 345 stores with a further 50 in the next year, creating around 2,000 new jobs.

Mike Gray, IT director at Poundland, said: "Poundland's strategy has always been to invest in the systems that will allow us to run our retail and warehouse operation with the highest levels of efficiency."

NextiraOne has been working with Poundland since 2004, when it won a tender to upgrade Poundland's LAN and voice environment and provide ongoing support and managed services.

The new contract covers the delivery of a Cisco-based core and edge LAN infrastructure using Cisco Catalyst switches to improve bandwidth and performance to support planned new applications, including wireless and video comms.