Exascale boosted by Invest Telford business grant support
Leading UK internet solutions provider Exascale, which has its headquarters in Telford, has secured a Business Growth Programme (BGP) grant to support its ongoing expansion.
Telford & Wrekin Council’s Invest Telford business support team worked closely with Exascale – guiding the firm through the grant application process and ensuring it received the £30,000 cash boost.
The grant has enabled the business to buy new equipment, expand its product range and invest in new machinery to speed up business growth.
Exascale, provides Ethernet Leased Lines and Broadband nationally alongside its own Gigabit Full Fibre network in both Telford and West Bromwich, connecting homes and businesses.
The company has most recently connected the Rural village of Horton to its rapidly growing network in Telford.
Established in 2009, Exascale provides services for a wide range of sectors including hospitality, aerospace, education, software and IT as well as consultancy sectors.
Exascale has points of presence in London, Wolverhampton and Manchester, its headquarters are based in Telford.
The Invest Telford business support team offers businesses fast, responsive and bespoke solutions to help organisations achieve their business goals – supporting with new developments, start-ups, relocations and growth plans.
The team can help businesses to navigate challenges, remain resilient and invest in their business.
Thomas Bibb, Exascale managing director, said: “As our business continues to grow and respond to the demand for a local, dependable, and high-quality gigabit full fibre alternative internet service provider in Telford and Wrekin, we look towards finding efficiencies to improve our productivity, and fuel growth.
“The BGP2 grant has enabled Exascale to fast track the purchase of plant and machinery, increasing our speed to market and creating several new full-time jobs in Telford.”
One of those new jobs has been filled by Ellis Nicholas, a field engineer and one of Exascale’s latest recruits.
Ellis said: “I’ve never been in this line of work before but Thomas has taken me on and taught me everything over the last month.
“It’s genuinely one of the best jobs I’ve ever had with one of the best bosses because he really looks after his staff and cares for them.
“I really hope that the job lasts for a lifetime, I can’t see myself working anywhere else. Don’t get me wrong it’s a hard job but we help each other and I want to come into work and do a good job.”
Thomas added: “A huge part of our business success is reliant on having the right skilled people in the team and so it’s vital we invest in the right people and find the right training to ensure that we’re at the top of our game when it comes to civil works and telecommunications.
“That isn’t always easy but I’m proud of the team we have - from individuals like Max who have been with us from the beginning to Ellis our newest recruit (both pictured).”
The BGP is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and supports small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, designed to strengthen supply chains, stimulate innovation and help businesses grow.
Katherine Kynaston, Telford & Wrekin Council’s director for housing, employment & infrastructure, said:“We’re proud that Exascale continues to grow in the borough and that our businesses and residents benefit from access to good quality internet connections as a result.
“Our job is to support businesses with their growth plans and help them access pots of funding that are available.
“We are therefore delighted that the Invest Telford business support team has been able to help Exascale secure the Business Growth Programme funding for continued expansion including new jobs.”
You can find out more about the Invest Telford business support which is available here.
Photo (l-r): Claire Critchell, Telford & Wrekin Council’s investment and business support team leader, Katherine Kynaston, Telford & Wrekin Council’s director for housing, employment and infrastructure, Thomas Bibb, Exascale managing director and Exascale field engineers Max Perry and Ellis Nicholas.
