About Backbone Connect
Backbone Connect, established in 2008, has emerged as a trusted cornerstone in the proptech and telecoms industries. Based in London and serving organisations throughout the UK, this reseller offers a comprehensive suite of managed network and IT infrastructure services. These services are specifically tailored to enhance performance, resilience, and security in specialised sectors—often those overlooked by traditional IT providers. Backbone Connect’s managed solutions empower their clients to establish connectivity, maintain security, and enable productivity both within and outside the office. With 15 years of experience in delivering cutting-edge connectivity, Backbone Connect equips its customers to thrive and adapt in dynamic environments. Notably, the company’s reputation extends beyond its solutions; it is equally renowned for its high-performing team.
The challenge
The telecoms landscape is clouded by legal jargon. From the UK Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021 to the Electronic Communications Code, operators face constantly evolving regulations that determine how compliant, credible, and robust their network deployments and infrastructure projects are. When there’s also the day job to contend with, these can naturally feel like a headache.
For Backbone Connect, leveraging the expertise of a legal professional was therefore non-negotiable. With sights set on ambitious expansion plans, the technology firm needed a trusted expert to secure wayleaves, handle property and land agreements, and ensure compliance with stringent legal standards underpinning the next phase of growth.
Highlighted for its strong industry reputation — boasting specialist legal nous in telecoms and network infrastructure — Trenches Law was soon engaged to fulfil the remit.
The solution
An exploratory audit marked the start of the partnership, enabling Trenches Law to dive into the unique needs and challenges experienced by the firm. With this, a series of tailored solutions were proposed, collaboratively refined to meet operational requirements and business objectives, and implemented to effectively manage the legal complexities of Backbone Connect’s project.
- Wayleave negotiations: Expert negotiation of complex wayleaves, involving multiple stakeholders, securing necessary permissions for network installations while maintaining consistent, strategic, and methodological communication across the board.
- Property and land agreements: Handling all legal aspects related to property and land use, ensuring adherence with local regulations to protect brand integrity, while avoiding costly project delays.
Regulatory compliance: Providing guidance on regulatory requirements, aiding compliance with the latest laws and industry standards.
The initial collaboration spanned just six months, from the point of engagement to the implementation of solutions. Now, with streamlined legal processes in place, Trenches Law remains an integral part of ongoing support work — facilitating new projects and expansions as they arise.
The results
Trenches Law’s bolt-on approach has helped Backbone Connect anticipate and mitigate potential legal issues before they arise — not only reducing the complexities of network deployments, but minimising delays in project timelines, preventing legal costs from spiralling, improving compliance with legal standards, and safeguarding the firm’s reputation among key stakeholders.
David Mcleod, CEO at Backbone Connect, offers a concluding comment to reflect Trenches Law’s impact to date:
“Partnering with Trenches Law has been instrumental in our growth and success. The firm’s expertise and proactive approach have significantly streamlined our legal processes, allowing us to navigate complex regulatory challenges and alleviating time to focus on delivering exceptional solutions to our clients. The team at Trenches Law is highly knowledgeable, responsive, and dedicated to our success. We thoroughly recommend their services to any company.”
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