Member Article

Newcastle telecoms entrepreneur launches startup to further digitise construction industry

The entrepreneur behind Newcastle-based Fuse Telecom has launched Fuse Connect, a new venture which hopes to improve data connectivity in the construction industry.

Simon Dronfield, who runs the telecommunications businesses, says he hopes to tap into opportunities presented by the digital revolution apparent in the construction industry at present.

Providing 4G data using routers and specially configured hardware, Simon says that the business can enable most locations in the UK to be fully 4G operational within 48 hours - without the need for mains power on site.

Dronfield, who also co-founded IDN Telecom PLC, which successfully floated on AIM in 2000 and was sold to Redstone Telecom in 2007, plans to recruit two new members of staff including an IT graduate and an apprentice.

Simon said: “We believe a gap has opened in the market to supply construction and remote sites with fast data connections using 4G, since many companies are moving to hosted solutions requiring faster symmetrical data connections. 4G deployment also avoids the lengthy delays often associated with more traditional line methods.

“Our solution is highly mobile and can be moved to different locations as the site is developed. It also provides cost certainty from the outset to help estimators, quantity surveyors and the commercial team determine preliminary costs for data connections on any new construction development. Something which to date has been very difficult to establish.

“One of the key benefits to our service is that once we have set up the data connectivity on site, we provide full IT support to manage and track data usage and user access. In order to maintain this high level of service we are looking to make two new appointments.”

Fuse Connect recently secured a contract with North East construction company Metnor Construction Ltd.

David Laidlaw, commercial manager at Metnor Construction, added: “Previously our site staff have been left isolated with poor connections and have had to rely on dongles for connecting to the internet.

“The Fuse solution is simple and very effective, they understand our needs and can adapt the service to each different site to get the best possible results.

“It allows us to access current project information needed via cloud technologies, facilitating fast and efficient communications with staff on site, which is fantastic.”