The drive to deliver fibre broadband to half a million forgotten properties has received vital assistance from a Cheltenham solicitors.

Tim Ward, head of Harrison Clark Rickerbys' corporate team, acted for communications company Full Fibre in its financing deal with Basalt Infrastructure Partners ahead of delivering gigabit services across the Midlands and South West.

Focusing on market towns and areas left behind by the national rollout, the scheme will see the fibre optic network to half a million more properties by 2025.

The investment will augment the delivery of lightning-fast broadband which is due to reach 100,000 premises this year with the first wave of towns due to be announced soon.

Mr Ward said: "This is a major step forward at a time when fast broadband is increasingly important to both employees and students, often in areas where the service has traditionally been poor.

"Full Fibre have been a client for some time and I was very pleased to be able to support their development with this transaction."

Exeter-based Full Fibre work with retail broadband providers to deliver gigabit connectivity across previously underserved areas.

Chief executive Oliver Helm said: "We are delighted to have secured this deal with Basalt that will enable us to invest millions of pounds into much needed, new fibre infrastructure.

"As with any complex deal, securing comprehensive but practical legal advice was vital to achieving a successful agreement."

He continued: "Harrison Clark Rickerbys have been invaluable in advising us throughout the process and providing the specialist knowledge and risk analysis we required.

"We look forward to continuing to work with them as we deliver our transformative gigabit networks."

You can find out more about Harrison Clark Rickerbys at hcrlaw.com or call 01242 224422.