Analysys Mason supports Liverpool with major fibre investment
Liverpool City Region has tapped experts from Analysys Mason to support a major digital infrastructure drive. The firm worked to help select a partner to execute a telecoms market joint venture.
In February 2021, Liverpool’s Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram announced the launch of a new partnership aimed at making the Liverpool City Region the most digitally connected area in the UK. The £30 million partnership is aimed at providing a £1 billion boost to the local economy.
Speaking at the time, Rotheram said, “I believe that this project can help us be at the forefront of the fourth industrial revolution, creating thousands of jobs and ultimately generating £1 billion for the local economy. It will make us leaders in the industries of tomorrow and will help us attract talent and investment from around the world as others look to take advantage of our skills, infrastructure and expertise.”
“Local people and businesses will feel the benefits too – in the form of significantly faster speeds as well as the jobs and training opportunities, although the Government still needs to tackle the problem of digital exclusion.”
The LCR Digital Infrastructure Project is a joint venture half-owned by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, and half-owned in partnership by North West-based ITS Technology Group. The firm will lead the project, working alongside construction partner NGE, which is managing the build and roll out of the network.
Daren Baythorpe, CEO of ITS Technology Group, commented, “ITS is delighted to be awarded this contract and be part of the team rolling out full fibre across the Liverpool City Region… As shareholder partners in the joint venture we are proud to be contributing significantly to the tremendous growth in the digital economy of the region, and supporting national targets for full fibre access by 2033.”
The decision to select ITS as partner in the joint venture was supported by consultants from Analysys Mason. The professional services firm provided specialist telecoms market and commercial advice during a competitive procurement process.
During the search, ITS showed its team has a track record in deploying and managing gigabit capable full fibre networks, and that it was best positioned to drive innovation and productivity. The firm will now oversee NGE in the construction of a 212km network, providing gigabit-capable speeds.
