Powys County Council is keeping a close eye on developments after Broadway Partners was placed in administration.

The broadband provider has been working on seven community schemes in the county with the aim of bringing ultrafast fibre connections to more homes in rural areas. It had also been expected to become the supplier for several others that were still at the stage of assessing demand.

There are hopes that a buyer may be found during the administration process, but, if necessary, the council will look to work with the affected communities to source an alternative provider.

The only community broadband scheme in the county where homes have been connected to ultrafast fibre so far, by Broadway Partners, is Aberedw and Glascwm. Customers in this area have been advised by the company and its administrators, at Teneo, that its network is still functioning and that its usual customer service channels remain open.

In a statement released this week by Broadway Partners and Teneo, they said:

“Benjamin Dymant and Daniel James Mark Smith of Teneo Financial Advisory Limited were appointed Joint Administrators (“the Joint Administrators”) of the Companies on 31 May 2023.

“Customers of Broadway Broadband should see no change to their supply or ongoing administrative matters, and the Broadway Broadband support channels are operating as usual and remain available for customers, should you have any questions or technical difficulties.”

The affairs, business and property of the Companies are being managed by the Joint Administrators. The Joint Administrators act as agents of the Companies and contract without personal liability. The Joint Administrators are authorised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. All licensed insolvency practitioners of Teneo Financial Advisory Limited are licensed in the UK.

“While the situation with Broadway Partners evolves, there may be delays or changes to currently planned projects in the county,” said Cllr Jake Berriman, the council’s Cabinet Member for a Connected Powys. “We will do all we can as a supporter of these schemes to minimise disruption and remain committed to securing reliable, high-speed connectivity for as many of our communities as possible.

“Delivering improved digital access to rural homes and businesses remains a key part of our plans to build a stronger, fairer and greener Powys.”

The other communities in Powys that Broadway Partners has been working with are Llanafan Fawr and Llanwrthwl, Dwyriw and Manafon, Llangunllo and Whitton, Nantmel, Rhayader, and Painscastle.

Anyone in these communities who has questions about their community broadband schemes should contact: [email protected]