Hear from our experts
Discover the latest news, insights and views from Trenches Law.
Learn more about how we're helping to bridge the UK's digital divide, and access our FREE guide to delivering high-speed broadband to multi-dwelling units (MDUs).
In a world where learning shows no bounds, the notion that academia ends with school has never felt so outdated. Today, exploring new horizons and building a career that truly inspires and fulfils you is actively encouraged by many. Alex Lawrence, paralegal at Trenches Law, stands as an inspiring example that it’s never too late to pivot.
Leading telecoms law specialist Trenches Law has announced the strategic hire of a new non-executive director, as the firm furthers its ambitions to bridge the UK’s digital divide in Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs). The news of the significant addition to the business’ leadership team comes just days after its Code powers consultation with Ofcom was released.
In a digital age where seamless connectivity is crucial for work, communication, and progress, there's a segment of the population that continues to be underserved: Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs). Recognising this gap, we’ve taken a significant step to help bridge the divide by requesting Code powers from Ofcom. And now, our fate lies in the hands of our Ofcom consultation — live as of 5 September 2023.
Learn more about how we're helping to bridge the UK's digital divide, and access our FREE guide to delivering high-speed broadband to multi-dwelling units (MDUs).
In a world where learning shows no bounds, the notion that academia ends with school has never felt so outdated. Today, exploring new horizons and building a career that truly inspires and fulfils you is actively encouraged by many. Alex Lawrence, paralegal at Trenches Law, stands as an inspiring example that it’s never too late to pivot.
Leading telecoms law specialist Trenches Law has announced the strategic hire of a new non-executive director, as the firm furthers its ambitions to bridge the UK’s digital divide in Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs). The news of the significant addition to the business’ leadership team comes just days after its Code powers consultation with Ofcom was released.
In a digital age where seamless connectivity is crucial for work, communication, and progress, there's a segment of the population that continues to be underserved: Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs). Recognising this gap, we’ve taken a significant step to help bridge the divide by requesting Code powers from Ofcom. And now, our fate lies in the hands of our Ofcom consultation — live as of 5 September 2023.
From transatlantic insights to local initiatives, join us as we break down the developments that have made waves throughout the telecoms arena in the first half (and a bit!) of 2023.
At Trenches Law, we’re a progressive organisation with a team of employees possessing a range of extremely varied skills. So, we decided to let some of our staff fill you in on what their typical working day looks like. Next up is wayleave officer, Kelly Hope…
Exploring the pervasive issue of jargon in the broadband industry, Louise Elliott, chief customer and operations officer at Digital Infrastructure and BeFibre, emphasises how the excessive use of technical terminology creates confusion for alternative network providers (altnets), infrastructure operators, internet service providers (ISPs), and customers, ultimately hindering the adoption of Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) services. Here, she advocates for a more straight-talking, accessible approach to empower progress in the full fibre roll-out.
Multi-layered and increasingly complex to navigate, even the savviest of UK altnets don’t utilise the full potential of their Code powers — hindering their ability to negotiate effectively and overcome obstacles hampering network deployment. Explore how our personalised wayleave training and legal counsel enabled community-led altnet Lightning Fibre to overcome challenges with unresponsive landlords and accelerate their full fibre installations in MDUs with ease…
Proud to be at the forefront of the ever-evolving telecoms industry, it’s always a delight to welcome next-generation talent through our doors at Trenches Law. From German exchange students to local further and higher education pupils, we’ve offered a variety of young talent a deep dive into the intricate worlds of commercial and telecoms law over the years. And last month, we helped another duo from Salesian College explore their horizons. See what they got up to at HQ…
If you know anything about Trenches, it’s that we don’t do things by halves. And this year, hot on the heels of celebrating our sixth anniversary, we followed our usual suit of gathering for a weekend of fun, frolics, and awards to finish off the excitement. Here’s a quick round-up of what we got up to at Trenches Fest, earlier this month…
In our latest employee spotlight, we’re putting wayleave officer Debra Rowberry in the hotseat — learning more about her role at Trenches Law, dream client, sector inspiration, and how she switches off when she’s ‘out of office’.
It's a time of celebration here at Trenches Law, as we mark our sixth year in the telecoms law industry. While we reflect on the milestones we've achieved, the exceptional talent we've brought on board, and the valuable partnerships we've formed, we are filled with gratitude for the journey so far, and eager anticipation for what’s to come.
Dean Checkley, CEO of Flomatik, explores why reframing the so-called 'talent shortage' in the telecoms sector will be key to progressing the UK roll-out.
Family is a term that’s thrown around in the modern workplace. Many employers claim to treat their teams like a family, but this may fit a traditional mould that’s not in keeping with today’s society.
Following Royal Assent in December 2022, the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act has now been passed. Further updates were made in April this year, which will have key impacts on telecoms operators, landlords and occupiers.
Get to know more about Rebecca Short, one of our wayleave officers here at Trenches Law — including her highlights at the business, how she loves going for walks with her dog Geoffrey, and why building relationships with managing agents and freeholders makes her feel so fulfilled.
We’ve had a busy first quarter of 2023 — including notable client achievements, a presence at critical industry events, and a trip to the USA for the inaugural Connected America expo.
But earlier in the year, we also marked a milestone achievement in collaboration with Building Digital UK, National Parks England, and Openreach.
It’s a time to mark milestones here at Trenches Law this month, as we celebrate one year of Phill Stockdale-Woodhead’s expertise. Phill joined the team in April 2022 and has since made huge strides as our business partner for HR and learning.
As the UK Government continues to push towards net zero by 2050, we turn our attention towards infrastructure. Playing a pivotal role in our green future is the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). According to OFGEM, the demand for EVs is going to increase by 24% between now and 2025.
The COVID-19 pandemic shone a light on Britain’s universal need for broadband connectivity. As more of us worked from home and subscribed to online streaming services, demand shot up significantly.
In this month's employee spotlight, we're learning more about one of our wayleave officers, Sonja Momchilovikj — who currently operates overseas in Macedonia.
Sharon McDermott — the founder and managing director of Trenches Law — has been appointed as a non-exec on the advisory board of WISPA (Wireless Internet Service Providers’ Association).
Recently, our managing director and co-founder Sharon McDermott was interviewed by TechBlast - where she explored how a lifetime of breaking glass ceilings and challenging misconceptions has helped build her character, and her business. If you missed the original article, or simply fancy a catch-up, just keep reading…
When ambitious network provider Digital Infrastructure emerged in the connectivity market, the team sought the legal counsel of a partner with the same level of drive and experience as them. Aware of our reputation in the telecoms industry, they came to Trenches Law…
From what it takes to scale a tech start-up and how the business continues to evolve, to favourite client projects, partnering with Trenches Law, and more, we're learning more about DevOps and digital transformation consultancy, Adroit Cloud Consulting...
While EV adoption is picking up pace across the UK, the public charger roll out is not keeping the same momentum. And with an ambitious government target on the horizon for 2030, it won’t be long before new petrol and diesel cars will be removed from the market altogether.
The trouble is, it’s not just about fast-tracking approvals of EV infrastructure. What operators often don’t realise, is that strategies need to be more streamlined from the outset. And all too often, we’re seeing how legal oversights in the early stages of planning are creating significant stalls on EV charge point installations.
Here, Georgina Rudak – Head of Legal at Trenches Law – delves deeper into the importance of wayleaves in building an EV future, and offers some food-for-thought on other emerging market insights.
Adroit Cloud Consulting is a DevOps and digital transformation consultancy, built and run by experts in the field to help leverage the complexities of cloud computing. Founded in 2020 by ex-BP engineers, Pavneet Khural and Thomas Hudson, the company has gone from strength to strength – particularly with the support of the legal counsel of Trenches Law.
To celebrate the annual National Apprenticeship Week campaign, we’re shining a light on finance manager and recently-appointed apprentice, Lisa Hearn.
Sharing more on her career path and skills progression to-date, as well as insight into what being an apprentice at Trenches Law entails, she offers some crucial perspective on the topic of self-development…
Tim Mercer — CEO of cloud-first technology firm, Vapour — joins Trenches Law for the second instalment of our barriers busting series. Penning some thoughts on the underlying challenges brought by innovation, he shares some crucial perspective on how taking a more holistic view of tech and infrastructure needs — with a closer eye on ROI — could help boost progress in the telecoms sector.
At Trenches Law, we want to see more rural communities staying connected, which is why we team up with companies such as leading internet company, Ogi. Find out more about our involvement in its multi-million pound full fibre roll-out taking place right across south Wales.
Exploring more about her role and the part she plays in Trenches Law's success, musing over her dream client, and sharing how she switches off when she's 'out of office', we're learning more about Wayleave Officer, Amy Marshman.
At Trenches Law, we’re committed to unlocking the benefits of high-speed connectivity across the UK. That’s why we leverage our wayleave expertise to work with telecoms companies such as WightFibre. They chose our expertise to help them roll out an ambitious £110 million fibre-optic broadband project on the Isle of Wight.
Besides much-talked about concerns such as range anxiety and high cost, progress in today's electric vehicle (EV) roll-out is being largely hindered by lack of charging infrastructure. Without wayleave agreements in place, charge points simply can't be installed. So, why is the market not talking about this?
As another year draws to a close, we’re still finding it hard to believe that 2023 is just weeks away! It goes without saying that the past twelve months haven’t been without challenge and uncertainty for most businesses and individuals. But in more generous measure, we’ve faced a significant number of opportunities, and achieved some monumental successes too.
Every person in the Trenches Law family is important to us, which is why we’ve decided to introduce you to a different member of the team each month – so you can learn more about them.
In this Q&A, we’re finding out more about Amanda Symmonds, our Paralegal. Hear her thoughts on company culture, the importance of celebrating the success of her employees, and where she hopes to see the company in a year’s time.
Our wayleave automation system has been making waves since disrupting the market in 2020.
In our three-step guide for telecoms operators, we’re sharing just how crucial technological innovation is in rolling out complex builds at pace.
Our Operations Director Terry Daniell was one of five panellists to take to the stage for a straight-talking debate at the INCA Conference in Liverpool last week.
Every person in the Trenches Law family is important to us, which is why we’ve decided to introduce you to a different member of the team each month – so you can learn more about them.
In this Q&A, we’re finding out more about Chester Walsh, one of our Wayleave Officers. Discover more about his role, career highlights, and hopes for the future of the business.
Gita Sorensen is the Founder and Managing Director of GOS Consulting – a specialised regulatory, economics, and strategy consultancy, with deep-rooted expertise in the electronic communications sector.
Trenches Law is drawing on our network of experts from across the tech and telecoms landscape, to deliver the latest news and views surrounding the biggest barriers to connectivity.
Trenches Law – the legal specialist for the electronic communications industry – has launched a new service to further breakdown the barriers to gigabit-capable connectivity in the UK.
Every person in the Trenches Law family is important to us, which is why we’ve decided to introduce you to a different member of the team each month – so you can learn more about them.
In this Q&A, we’re delving deeper into the mind of our Wayleave Officer, Lucy Anderson. If you’re keen to learn more about everything from her day-to-day responsibilities to what she loves the most about working at Trenches Law, you’re in just the right place…
Every person in the Trenches Law family is important to us, which is why we’ve decided to introduce you to a different member of the team each month – so you can learn more about them.
In this Q&A, we’re finding out more about Kevin Broome, our Client Services Manager. Responsible for ensuring the quality and efficiency of our services, he plays a key role in our day-to-day operations…
In this Q&A, we’re finding out more about Alex Baker, our Business Development Manager. Discover more about her hopes for Trenches Law, career highlights to date, and what she loves most about her role…
In less than one month’s time, the Trenches Law team will take to the stand at the UK’s most renowned connectivity event, sharing insight into the crucial role of wayleaves in streamlining full fibre projects.
Following the announcement at our most recent Trenches Fest event, we’d like to publicly share that the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) will be our nominated Charity of the Year.
Passionate about defending vulnerable child victims, the IWF removes hundreds of thousands of harmful online images, as well as helps governments shape new laws to create better protection on the web, and run public campaigns to share learnings. Here’s more about our partnership…
Trenches Law is supporting Internet Service Provider, WightFibre, in its mission to roll-out ultrafast broadband to around 80,0000 homes on the Isle of Wight. Here, the firm's CEO, John Irvine, explains why swift wayleave agreements have been critical to keeping the project on track.
Telecoms law specialist, Trenches Law, recently welcomed two new recruits to bolster its wayleave expertise and upskill colleagues through professional learning and development.
In this blog, Head of Legal at Trenches Law, Georgina Rudak, elaborates on the work we’ve achieved together with BeFibre, to highlight the importance of collaboration in the broadband industry.
In this Q&A, we’re finding out more about Colin, one of our Wayleave Officers. Discover more about his role, how he would describe Trenches Law and which colleague he would nominate to win an award…
In this Q&A, we’re finding out more about Joanne, one of our Wayleave Officers. Discover more about her role, how she would describe Trenches Law, and her favourite part of working here so far…
As we’re now fully immersed in the summer of 2022, for Trenches Law that means we’re celebrating another special milestone. This time it’s our five-year anniversary!
Facing challenges head-on and creating a wave of exciting opportunities, what has our organisation gone through during the last 12 months? We asked Co-founder and Managing Director, Sharon McDermott, to tell us more…
Establishing long-term relationships with some of the UK’s largest telecoms operators is something we pride ourselves on here at Trenches Law.
So, when a progressive organisation such as Virtual1 approached us to help support them on various projects, we’ve enjoyed building a trusted partnership with the team ever since.
By 2030 the UK will require 300,000 public chargers in place. However, only 30,000 public chargers are currently online. So, how prepared are we for a greener, EV future? Hélène Maillet-Vioud, from Geldards law firm, provides further insight in our latest guest blog…
As more organisations look to a variety of ways to stay connected, there has been an increase over the years in demand for dark fibre and how it can benefit businesses moving forward.
In April 2017, the Government introduced a five-year holiday period on business rates for new fibre optic broadband infrastructure (FTTP).
So, what do business leaders have to consider, and how do they claim rates relief before the deadline? We questioned Phil Ray, Director of business rates at Altus Group, to provide this guidance…
Just weeks after lifting a Federation of Small Business accolade for the South East region, we were thrilled to hear our name announced as a national winner too!
As the nationwide roll-out of Fibre-To-The-Premise (FTTP) continues apace to drive the UK towards gigabit coverage, homes and businesses are being connected with the promise of having faster broadband speeds, improved upload and download times, and much more.
In this Q&A, we’re finding out more about Claire Oram, one of our Wayleave Officers. Discover more on her favourite part of the role, how she would describe Trenches Law and the most satisfying moment of her time here so far…
Our wayleave automation solution has won the Business and Product Innovation category in the South East’s ‘FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards’!
Following the passing of the Telecoms Security Bill in December 2021, the legislation states that non-compliance can result in hefty penalties of up to £100,000 per day for network providers. So, what does this mean for you as a telecoms operator?
In this Q&A, we’re finding out more about Mike Thompson, our Client Services Manager. Discover more about his role, how he would describe Trenches Law, and the most satisfying part of his time with the team so far…
Recently, co-founder of Trenches Law, Terry Daniell, was interviewed by Fibre Provider on the topic of wayleave issues currently being faced. If you missed the article, catch it in full here...
In this Q&A, we’re finding out more about Alex Lawrence, our Paralegal. Discover more about his role, how he would describe Trenches Law and why he couldn’t pick just one colleague for an award win…
Wayleave services for electric vehicle (EV) charging points are currently in high demand at Trenches Law. So, for our latest guest blog, we invited Oliver Shaw – Chief Executive of decision-making platform, Kalibrate – into the hot seat. He is no stranger to retail pricing and location planning – not least in the EV sector. But is the UK truly ready for the EV revolution?
Spearheading the recent rebrand and website project, Anna Hagglund, our Head of Brand and Marketing, delves into the reasons why our new look and feel is another vital step towards our ongoing expansion…
Whether logging on for a video call, sending an email, or replying to an instant message, the requirement for reliable connectivity has never been more vital for businesses who want to communicate effectively. Recently, our managing director and co-founder, Sharon McDermott, spoke to We Are Tech Women about this very topic. If you missed the article, catch it in full here…
At Trenches Law, we’re a progressive organisation with a team of employees possessing a range of extremely varied skills. So, we decided to let some of our staff fill you in on what their typical working day looks like – next up is Colin Mapleson, one of our Wayleave Officers…
In this Q&A, we’re finding out more about Niall Carey, our Wayleave Officer. Discover more about him – including what his role entails and the most satisfying moment of his time at Trenches so far…
We're excited to be recruiting 30 more new team members this year to help meet growing demand for our wayleave, commercial legal services and Code powers expertise .
With the ISDN switch-off anticipated to happen in 2025, and the withdrawal of copper-based services occurring a year later, these two phases alone mean everyone will have to revisit their connectivity in one shape or form.
In this Q&A, we’re finding out more about Sarah Dale, our Client Service Manager. Discover more about her role, how her colleagues would describe her, and the most satisfying moment of her Trenches Law journey so far…
As the UK continues its drive towards a greener outlook – with electric vehicles (EV) leading the way – there’s still a lot to achieve if we’re to enjoy a net zero future.
Full fibre broadband provider Ogi has appointed telecoms specialist Trenches Law to manage its entire wayleave process, as the company rolls-out a £200 million full fibre project throughout South Wales.
In this Q&A, we’re finding out more about Kat Raine-Ellerker, our Wayleave Officer. Discover what her role involves, the most satisfying moment of her Trenches Law career so far, and which colleague she would nominate for an award…
Recently, Sharon McDermott, co-founder and Managing Director of Trenches Law, featured in Capacity Media’s ‘A Day in the Life’ feature. If you missed the interview, catch it in full here…
Established telecoms law specialist Trenches Law is now providing vital wayleave services to facilitate the smooth roll-out and rapid expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charge point installations.
Connectivity is a complicated market but one that could be significantly simplified with greater stakeholder collaboration, believes Chris Wood, founder of Figure Telecoms. He’s the latest guest blogger in the Trenches Law hot seat. Chris, over to you…
In this Q&A, we’re interviewing Sally Collins, our Wayleave Officer. Find out more about how her colleagues would describe her, the most satisfying moment of her career so far, and her hopes for Trenches Law...
A collaboration between Trenches Law and network provider ITS, has unlocked a vast programme of work, as the full fibre specialist pursues its goal to deliver ultrafast connectivity in as-yet-untapped areas of the UK.
In this Q&A, we’re finding out more about Hope Calder our Wayleave Officer. In this interview, discover more about her role, how her colleagues would describe her, and her hopes for Trenches Law…
Recently, Georgina Rudak, Head of Wayleave and trainee solicitor at Trenches Law, appeared in Topic UK’s ‘Out of Office’ feature. If you missed the article, catch it in full, here…
Recent times have not been easy for many organisations, but we’ve been humbled to see how companies have survived and thrived beyond the Covid-19 crisis. As we celebrate our fourth anniversary, we tasked Managing Director and co-founder Sharon McDermott to discuss a year to remember...
In this Q&A, we’re interviewing Lisa Hearn, our finance manager. Find out about her role, how colleagues would describe her, and the best thing about her position at Trenches Law…
Most operators are familiar with the benefits that Code powers bring when it comes to building and maintaining UK networks, but the perceived time and costs associated with an application to Ofcom deter many from tackling the paperwork. Here, Sharon McDermott, founder of Trenches Law and an experienced telecoms lawyer advises how to prepare the perfect submission…
Internet Service Provider WightFibre, telecoms law firm Trenches Law, and property specialist BSC Management IW, have joined forces to accelerate the roll-out of ultrafast broadband to residents on the Isle of Wight.
As the pandemic accelerated the adoption of technology and communications solutions to enable workforces to keep in touch, the telecoms industry has played – and continues to play – a vital role in how organisations stay productive and prepare themselves for a gigabit-capable future.
In this Q&A, we’re finding out more about Tony Kane, our Wayleave Officer. Discover his hopes for Trenches Law, the most satisfying moment of his career, and which colleague he would nominate for an award...
At Trenches Law, we’re a progressive organisation with a team of people possessing a range of extremely varied skills. So, we decided to let some of our staff fill you in on what their typical working day entails – first up is Marcelle Walker, our Wayleave Officer...
The Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Act (TILP) recently received Royal Assent. But what does this mean for the industry, and, most importantly, UK consumers keen to benefit from better connectivity? Who better to ask than Till Sommer, Head of Policy at the Internet Service Providers Association…?
Established property agent Island Lettings has joined forces with telecoms legal specialist Trenches Law, to support the faster roll-out of ultrafast full fibre connectivity on the Isle of Wight.
In this Q&A, we’re finding out more about Louise Ford, our Wayleave Officer. Discover the best part of her job, the word she would use to describe Trenches Law, and which of her colleagues she would nominate for an award…
Recently, Kieran Nee, editor of Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer, quizzed Head of Wayleave at Trenches Law – Georgina Rudak – on everything concerning wayleave consent. If you missed the article, catch it in full here…
We’re witnessing a greater requirement to support social housing residents who don’t have solid or affordable broadband services, and the critical assistance they need to ensure they’re not left behind.
As the UK heads towards a gigabit-capable future, more network providers will be required to connect homes, businesses, and schools with telecommunications infrastructure at pace – and in a cost-effective way.
Full-fibre broadband provider toob has appointed Trenches Law as its telecoms law partner, to accelerate the roll-out of its £8m network in the Surrey towns of Camberley and Frimley.
Trenches Law has officially launched a new personalised training package to help organisations better understand – and simplify – the complex process of wayleave.
In this Q&A, we’re finding out more about Katie Fosten, our Wayleave Manager. Find out more about what her role involves, the most satisfying moment of her Trenches Law career so far, and why she can’t wait to visit the office…
Trenches Law, a legal firm specialising in telecoms and technology, has appointed five new recruits to help towards its goal of more than doubling its workforce – and becoming a 50-strong organisation – by the end of 2021.
With workplace stress levels currently at an all-time high for many people in the UK, we encourage everyone to take a breather for this month’s guest blog as we hear from Sue Skelton. Having qualified as a nurse in 1983, she knows all too well about the physical and mental pressures that the human body is asked to cope with. And she’s also extremely interested in the therapeutic benefits of yoga, which now sees her work with people from all walks of life – including the Trenches team – via weekly online sessions.
It sounds like a strange parallel to draw, but when it comes to the implementation of a digital transformation project – specifically the automation of business processes – Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) and their senior counterparts could learn a lot from the Great Britain Cycling Team. That’s the opinion of Terry Daniell, Operations Director at Trenches Law, who was recently interviewed for Interface Magazine. If you missed the feature, catch it if full, here…