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The Covid-19 pandemic has had – and continues to have – an impact on all UK businesses, across all industries, but with varying degrees of complexity and magnitude. It is a situation that has called for quick, impactful changes guided by a commitment to protecting workers and the community at large. In ways large and small, the telecoms industry has stepped up to the plate.

In 2017, Grosvenor Britain & Ireland went into partnership with VX Fiber as part of its drive to transform the digital landscape for residents, commercial occupiers and visitors to its London estate in Mayfair and Belgravia by collaborating on a long-term project called Prime Fibre.

The impact of unicorns – start-ups that grow to reach a valuation of £1 billion or more – on a country’s economy cannot be underestimated. As well as being instrumental to economic growth, having a healthy system that supports start and scale-ups can be linked to prosperous employment and progression.

It’s funny to think, but fifteen years ago, the only consideration towards fitting out a property for the internet was a single phone point, connected to one computer, in the corner of one room. Fast forward, and in 2020, the world is changing at a dazzling rate.

We applaud this initiative by the Digital Secretary, Oliver Dowden, for all new-build homes to come with gigabit-speed broadband. It’s been a long time coming, and still has some way to go, but it’s certainly a step in the right direction.

Mikael Sandberg, Chairman, VX Fiber, discusses how collaboration, public/private investment and an Open Access model are the key ingredients to getting Europe connected. In late April, the FTTH (Fibre to the Home) Council Europe published its 2020 Market Panorama detailing the status of full-fibre connectivity (homes and business) in Europe. According to the report, as of September 2019, there were almost 172 million FTTH/FTTB homes passed in the EU39 countries – up from 160 million from the previous year.

In an interview with IoT Global Network Magazine our Chairman Mikael Sandberg gives his thoughts on wireless’ heavy reliance on fibre networks and the basic infrastructure needed to make 5G and IoT a reality.

In just five years the Northern tech sector grew by some 619%, making it the fastest growing region for the industry in the whole of Europe. High profile corporations continue to open northern bases, joining the likes of Channel 4, the BBC and KPMG.

‘Unleashing Britain’s Potential’ – the slogan we saw blazed across the Conservative 2019 election manifesto. A document full of pledges to make Britain the land of milk and honey, it showcases the many opportunities Britain can offer, putting it, amongst other things, as the best place to start and grow a business.

‘Get Brexit Done’ has been Johnson’s mantra during the lead up to yesterday’s election and the strong Conservative majority certainly suggests that the agreement will be one he has negotiated. With Brexit taking centre stage, we must ensure that the UK has all the tools necessary to remain a competitive market worldwide.