Andrew Nelson: The breakthrough that brought us the web

While developing fibre-optic communications for BT in the 1980s, Dr Andrew Nelson spotted a massive busines opportunity. He set up on his own making compound semi-conductors - and now his business turns over £72m a year.

During the early 1980s Dr Andrew Nelson helped develop fibre-optic communications for BT. It "was one of the breakthroughs that made the internet possible". It also gave him an idea for a new business.

At BT he was responsible for building the "compound semi-conductors used in the lasers and detectors at either end of a fibre-optic cable". He realised that "even though BT had developed the technology it was obvious that they wouldn't manufacture it because they are service providers". That meant "massive opportunities" as telecom companies around the world began using the "ground-breaking technology".

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James McKeigue

James graduated from Keele University with a BA (Hons) in English literature and history, and has a certificate in journalism from the NCTJ. James has worked as a freelance journalist in various Latin American countries.He also had a spell at ITV, as welll as wring for Television Business International and covering the European equity markets for the Forbes.com London bureau. James has travelled extensively in emerging markets, reporting for international energy magazines such as Oil and Gas Investor, and institutional publications such as the Commonwealth Business Environment Report. He is currently the managing editor of LatAm INVESTOR, the UK's only Latin American finance magazine.