Background and Challenge

The Rural Connectivity Programme in Mid Sussex highlights CJ Founds Associates' ability to deliver complex digital and civil engineering projects. Despite external challenges, the team's expertise and resilience ensured a successful outcome, providing essential digital infrastructure to support long-term community and economic growth.

Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) identified the need to address significant digital connectivity gaps across its rural areas, which were hindering local economic growth, community resilience, and access to digital services.

To achieve this, MSDC partnered with CJ Founds Associates and Cooperative Network Infrastructure Group (CNI), with coordination from West Sussex County Council (WSCC), to deliver a transformative full fibre network.

The challenge was compounded by the project’s timeline coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought additional logistical and operational complexities.

CJ Founds Associates

The Solution

Working collaboratively with key stakeholders, CJ Founds Associates led the strategic design and project management required to deliver a 31km fibre network across Mid Sussex, enabling enhanced digital infrastructure for rural communities.

  • Strategic Design: development of the design framework, which guided the network supplier to ensure efficient and effective implementation.
  • Project Management Leadership: end-to-end management to oversee the project through to completion.
  • Resilient Delivery: Despite national restrictions during the pandemic, the team ensured steady progress, managing challenges while maintaining high technical and operational standards.
  • Ongoing Quality Assurance: remedial works to ensure full satisfaction at the point of handover, reflecting a commitment to quality and long-term performance.

The Results

The successful delivery of the 31km fibre network has:

  • Enhanced Rural Digital Connectivity: The project provides substantial digital infrastructure improvements, bridging connectivity gaps across rural communities in Mid Sussex.
  • Catalysed Local Growth: By improving access to fast, reliable connectivity, the programme creates opportunities for businesses, residents, and local authorities to thrive.
  • Showcased Expertise and Resilience: CJ Founds Associates demonstrated exceptional technical, project management, and contract management capabilities throughout the project lifecycle, delivering a valuable and transformative solution.

Can we do the same for you?

Contact the CJ Founds Associates team and see how we can help with your project.