Join us as we take a look back at the incredible highlights of the past year, and celebrate the strides that have been made to transform Trenches from a duo’s ambition to shake up the market and challenge ‘the way it’s always been done’, to the burgeoning business it is today…
Expanding our expertise with fresh talent
At Trenches Law, we believe in the power of exceptional talent. In the last year, we’ve welcomed a duo of highly skilled professionals – Phill Stockdale-Woodhead and Kelly Hope – who have demonstrated a profound impact on our legal support services and cultural health, as our growth continues.
They’re not the only faces who’ve joined the fold recently, but you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled to get the latest insight on that front. Watch this space!
Making a difference through our charity partnership
We’re proud to have partnered with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) as our chosen charity for 2022-2023.
Our commitment to supporting the charity in their mission to combat child sexual abuse aligns with our core values of making a positive impact beyond the legal realm. Plus, with altnets comprising a large proportion of our client base, we know how crucial it is to ensure the safety of our digital networks.
Connecting with industry peers on a global level
Connected Britain in September marked a significant milestone, as we exhibited at the industry leading event for the very first time. This prestigious expo provided us with a platform to engage with key stakeholders, showcase our services, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the future of the telecoms industry.
In addition, our operations director Terry Daniell joined a panel at the INCA Conference and participated in the SCTE’s Autumn Lecture with head of legal Georgina Rudak, further cementing our position as thought leaders in the field.
Connected America was an even greater feat too. As the continent’s inaugural edition of the event, it represented an excellent opportunity for the Trenches team to share our expertise and experience overseas, as well as observe the connectivity progress being made by our transatlantic neighbours.
Making sense of the complex with GOS Consulting
Collaboration has always been at the heart of our success. In September, we had the privilege of collaborating with GOS Consulting, a renowned industry expert specialising in network industries support, on the firm’s TSA Compliance Toolkit.
With ISPs and mobile network operators under increasing scrutiny by strict Telecoms Security Act legislation, the new provision offered a game-changing service to help our clients make sense of the complex and enhance their operations.
Addressing the lack of qualified surveyors with our very own division
Our commitment to removing barriers to connectivity remains unwavering. Acknowledging the distinct lack of qualified surveyors within the industry – and the impact this was having on the country’s infrastructure projects – we took decisive action in November 2022, with the launch of our very own surveying service.
Piloted by ambitious altnet Digital Infrastructure, it’s the ultimate client impact reduction strategy, offering an end-to-end compliant solution – if required – from initial support at the network design phase, through to wayleave management, surveying, and completion.
Exceeding client expectations
Significantly surpassing our targets and expanding our client base, we’re incredibly proud to have fostered such a volume of new relationships and solidified our position as a trusted partner in the telecoms law landscape. There’s plenty more to where that came from too!
Showcasing our diverse portfolio of services
Six years has afforded many an opportunity to cement our position as a leading telecoms law specialist. One offering that others might perhaps not know much about, not least because of the attention our wayleave automation tool has garnered over the years, is our trusted commercial law expertise – including legal support for tech startups, who might be working with tighter budgets and less resources.
That’s why it was such a pleasure to let the story of our work with DevOps and digital transformation consultants, Adroit, unfold recently, showcasing the support we have extended to the firm over the years to support its ambitious growth plans.
Unveiling our three-step guide to wayleave automation
Our wayleave automation system has been making waves since disrupting the market in 2020. Bringing our expertise together into a three-step guide for telecoms operators, we were proud to unveil this project in November — demonstrating just how crucial technological innovation is in rolling out complex builds at pace.
Driving the conversation around the EV infrastructure roll-out
Keen to make noise about the ongoing challenges in rolling out EV charge points – and shed light on the stark similarities with the full fibre deployment – we penned a number of pieces on the topic.
By initiating conversations and raising awareness, we aim to foster innovation and collaboration that will accelerate the growth of EV infrastructure, and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
Busting barriers with leading lights of the sector
To amplify dialogue surrounding connectivity progress in the telecoms sector and help accelerate roll-out, we’ve been working on a dedicated series featuring thought leaders in the industry.
Exploring topics including the paradox of industry regulation with GOS Consulting’s Gita Sorensen, a need for more considered innovation with Vapour’s Tim Mercer, and the importance of redressing recruitment efforts with Flomatik’s Dean Checkley, these insightful discussions strive to break down barriers and shape the future of the telecoms landscape.
Watch this space for the next contribution!
Sharon McDermott complements the WISPA advisory board
Earlier this year, we were proud to announce that our very own Sharon McDermott, the co-founder and managing director of Trenches Law, had been invited to join the WISPA (Wireless Internet Service Providers Association) advisory board.
Having been a member of the industry body for over three years, the prestigious appointment represents Sharon’s impressive legal counsel experience and presence within the telecoms sector, and allows Trenches to help shape the future of wireless internet service provision.
Investing in the development of our team
We recognize that our team’s growth and well-being are integral to our success. In the past year, we have made significant strides in our learning and development (L&D) programmes, ensuring that our team members stay at the forefront of legal expertise.
Entrusting Phill Stockdale-Woodhead with the role of people business partner – HR and learning associate, we have seen investment in our team’s professional development empower exceptional client service delivery.
We’re also proud to see the likes of Lisa Hearn, our finance manager, take charge of personal career progression, as she continues with her AACT qualification throughout the remainder of 2023. Keep up the excellent work, Lisa!
Keeping diversity and inclusion (D&I) in sharp focus
At Trenches, we believe that fostering diversity and inclusion (D&I) in the workplace fuels innovation and creativity. Our ongoing commitment to D&I means that we strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to reach their full potential. It is through this collective strength that we drive meaningful change in our industry.
Coinciding with our sixth birthday, this month’s Pride celebration presented no better time to explore the importance of the topic further, as we did in our recent blog.
Preserving natural beauty with the National Parks Accord
Our dedication to sustainability and responsible connectivity led us to launch the National Parks Accord earlier this year. In collaboration with National Parks authorities — Building Digital UK, National Parks England, and Openreach — we are committed to supporting the deployment of telecoms infrastructure while preserving the pristine beauty of these cherished landscapes.
We talk so much about the importance of digital inclusion — and quite rightly — so it’s crucial that rural areas aren’t left behind, just because these builds are more complex.
Recognitions and awards aplenty
We are honoured to have received several prestigious awards that recognise our dedication and innovation over the years, but the last handful have been particularly special to us here at Trenches.
Bestowed with the Best Customer Innovation Award at the ISPA Awards, the Best Technical Innovation at the INCA Awards, and the Barrier Removal Award at Connected Britain, these accolades serve as a testament to the hard work and expertise of our team, and represent the resources we plugged to ensure our wayleave automation tool truly met the needs of our clients too.
Another exciting year awaits!
As we celebrate our sixth birthday, we are filled with gratitude for the milestones we’ve achieved and the invaluable partnerships we’ve formed. Our journey thus far has positioned us as a leading telecoms law specialist, and we are excited to continue blazing trails in the years to come.
As we embark on the next chapter of our journey, we remain dedicated to breaking barriers, driving innovation, and delivering exceptional results for our clients.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our clients, partners, and team members who have contributed to Trenches Law’s success for another thriving year. Together, we have accomplished remarkable feats, and we look forward to the exciting endeavours that lie ahead. Happy sixth birthday, Trenches!
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