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UK Connect

Celebrating a decade of Connectivity: The UK Connect journey

From penguins to advanced wireless connectivity, UK Connect has come a long way

It's hard to believe that it's been a whole ten years since we set out on a mission to change the way the UK stays connected.

As we reach this exciting milestone, we want to take a moment to celebrate where we started, how far we've come and the bright future that lies ahead.

August 2023

From penguins to Mbps: The PJ Farr story

Every great journey has an interesting origin, and UK Connect is no exception. Our story begins with PJ Farr, CEO and founder of UK Connect. Back in 2013, PJ embarked on a unique expedition serving abroad in the Falkland Islands, a place inhabited by numerous penguins. While he was there, he realised how tough it was to stay connected in remote locations. Little did he know that this would lead to the birth of a company that would bring people and businesses closer together through advanced wireless connectivity.  

Stepping stones that define us

2013 – Countrywide Telecoms forms: Our journey began with the birth of Countrywide Telecoms. This laid the groundwork for what was to come – innovation, growth, and a whole lot of connecting.

2015 – Teaming up with Taylor Wimpey: Fast forward to 2015, Countrywide Telecoms (now UK Connect) achieved a major breakthrough by securing its first national contract with Taylor Wimpey, one of the UK's leading housebuilders. This partnership marked a significant turning point, demonstrating our commitment to delivering reliable connectivity solutions to industry heavyweights in the construction sector.

2016 – Unleashing 4G Connectivity: 2016 witnessed the launch of our 4G connectivity solutions powered by the Cradlepoint IBR900 solution. This move empowered businesses with faster, more efficient wireless connectivity, laying the groundwork for our evolution into an advanced connectivity provider.

2017 – Powering Construction giants: As we continued to grow, 2017 saw us supply cellular broadband to some of the UK's largest housebuilders and main contractors. This expansion solidified our position as a key player in the construction industry's digital transformation.

2018 – Hello, UK Connect: We decided to freshen things up in 2018 and gave ourselves a new name: UK Connect. This change marked our expansion beyond construction sites.

2019 – Accelerating growth: The year 2019 brought accolades as we were recognised as the 'Fastest Growing Business' at The Business Excellence & Forum Awards. This recognition was a testament to our dedication to pushing boundaries and delivering exceptional value to our clients.

Celebrating a decade of Connectivity: The UK Connect journey
Celebrating a decade of Connectivity: The UK Connect journey
Celebrating a decade of Connectivity: The UK Connect journey

Embracing the future: 2020 and Beyond

The subsequent years were marked by remarkable achievements and accolades that underscored our commitment to innovation and excellence:

  • In 2019, we embraced the future of connectivity by launching 5G solutions through the Cradlepoint R1900 solution.
  • 2020 brought us the honour of being named Cradlepoint EMEA Partner of the Year, recognising our pivotal role in advancing wireless connectivity across the region.
  • In 2021, we proudly achieved Cradlepoint Elite Partner status, a testament to our deep expertise and unwavering dedication to our partners and clients.
  • The year 2022 brought a series of milestones. We were officially recognised as a Great Place to Work®, a testament to our thriving and inclusive company culture. Moreover, we were ranked among the UK's Best Small Workplaces for Women and Wellbeing, reflecting our commitment to diversity and employee welfare.
  • 2022 was also a year of impactful projects. We lent our expertise to the UK Defence effort by spearheading a mission-critical Connectivity project, connecting over 6,000 overseas soldiers.
  • Recognition continued to pour in, with UK Connect being named an LDC Top 50 business in 2022, a prestigious acknowledgment of our remarkable growth and contribution.  

Looking ahead: A bright and connected future

As we step into 2023, our journey continues with renewed vigour and ambition. We proudly announce:

  • The launch of our new website, a testament to our evolution as an advanced wireless connectivity provider. The website showcases our 20+ core connectivity solutions designed to cater to a diverse range of industries.
  • The attainment of ISO:9001 accreditation status, reflecting our unwavering commitment to delivering the highest quality services.
  • Formidable partnerships with industry giants such as Cala Homes, Keepmoat Homes, Kier Group and Persimmon Homes, underlining our continued expansion and influence in the construction sector.  
  • An exciting foray into new markets, including the Public Sector, Warehousing & Logistics, Manufacturing, Utilities and Mining. This expansion underscores our determination to shape the connectivity landscape across various UK industries.

A decade of connection and cheers

As we celebrate our 10-year anniversary, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our clients, partners and dedicated team members who have contributed to our remarkable journey. From penguins in the Falklands to an advanced wireless connectivity provider, UK Connect has come a long way and the road ahead holds even more exciting possibilities. Here's to a decade of innovation, growth, and a future where connectivity knows no bounds.

Celebrating a decade of Connectivity: The UK Connect journey
Celebrating a decade of Connectivity: The UK Connect journey
Celebrating a decade of Connectivity: The UK Connect journey

About UK Connect

With a rich background in the Construction industry, UK Connect has been a trusted Connectivity provider since 2013. Our expertise extends across various sectors including Public Services, Manufacturing, Warehousing, Logistics, Mining and more. Discover how our comprehensive Connectivity solutions can elevate your business at www.ukconnect.com.

For all media-related enquiries, contact marketing@ukconnect.com.

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"In a decade, we've hit incredible milestones, showcasing our dedication to innovation – from 5G launches to top-tier wireless partnerships. Our journey embodies expertise, dedication and a promising future. A heartfelt thanks to all who joined us. Cheers to the next chapter!"
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Awards & Accreditations