Wedoany.com Report on Feb 13th, Elevate recently announced the completion of a new full-fibre network in St Helens town centre. The project, which started less than a year ago, aims to enhance the town's digital connectivity. Funded by a £2.5 million St Helens Town Deal grant, it provides local businesses with fast and reliable internet services.

Supported by St Helens Borough Council and the St Helens Town Deal Board, the network is delivered by Elevate, with management and technical consultancy provided by digital infrastructure specialist Founds Group. As a key component of St Helens Borough Council's digital infrastructure programme, it will help local businesses compete, expand, and thrive in the global digital economy.

Councillor Keith Laird, Cabinet Member for St Helens Borough Council, said: "We are delighted to report that the network is now live, and businesses and residents in the town centre can now start to benefit from it. This vital piece of digital infrastructure will help make us one of the best digitally connected towns in the region."

On March 12th, Elevate, St Helens Borough Council, and the St Helens Town Deal Board will host a formal launch event at the BrewDog Stadium in St Helens. Local businesses are invited to discuss how fast, reliable internet can improve the local economy and attract inward investment. Business WiFi and cybersecurity clinics will offer participants the chance to speak with experts and learn more about the project's social value initiatives.

Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for St Helens Borough Council, said: "As outlined in our Inclusive Growth Strategy, improving digital infrastructure is a key part of our work to enhance connectivity across the borough of St Helens, supporting businesses to start, grow, and prosper here, and providing fast, reliable internet for residents and visitors. The completion of this transformational project demonstrates our commitment to delivering projects that benefit residents now and for generations to come."

Andy Tatlock, Chief Revenue Officer at Elevate, said: "Taking the network from contract to completion in less than a year is a proud moment for everyone involved in the project, thanks to the close partnership between Elevate, St Helens Borough Council, and Founds Group. This new digital infrastructure will provide local businesses with the speed, reliability, and resilience they need to plan and expand with confidence, unlocking opportunities and attracting investment."

The project also creates positive social impacts across the borough by improving education, inclusion, and digital access. This includes supporting young people with special educational needs and disabilities, providing online courses for disadvantaged learners, and offering free high-speed internet. Organisations Thrive and Tute, who are partnering with Elevate, will also speak at the launch event to further showcase the social value of the St Helens full-fibre network.