Clearwater International advises internet group on multimillion-pound investment
Birmingham’s Clearwater International has advised the shareholders of Orbital Internet Group on its multimillion-pound investment from Mobeus.
Based in Kent, Orbital provides wireless, fibre and leased line connectivity, voice services and internet managed services under its Orbital Net (B2B) and Vfast (B2C) brands. The business has built considerable fixed line and wireless telecommunications infrastructure in Kent over 20 years.
It says demand for ever faster data from both consumers and businesses is a longstanding trend, which has only been accelerated by the enduring shifts in behaviour caused by the pandemic.
While working, studying and leisure at home have steepened the upswing in residential demand, business connectivity needs have not been impacted, as employees still need rapid access to corporate systems.
However, the pandemic has exacerbated the disparity between internet speeds in rural areas compared to cities. With this significant new investment, Orbital will leverage its position as a leading independent ISP in Kent to roll out high-bandwidth network connectivity for underserved rural regions, as well as installing fibre infrastructure into local business parks, offering enhanced connectivity at lower cost.
In addition, Orbital aims to become a leading specialist ISP for holiday parks across the UK.
The business has recently completed a significant project for Park Holidays Group, delivering ultrafast internet connectivity to 14,000 holiday homes and is well positioned to install infrastructure for other park operators and connect new customers across the UK.
The Clearwater International team comprised partner Wesley Fell-Smith, associate director Finn O’Driscoll and associate James Walker.
Darren Brown, CEO, Orbital Internet Group says: “The insatiable demand for data isn’t going anywhere and we have a significant opportunity to leverage our established position in Kent. With this new funding and Mobeus’ partnership behind us, we can achieve this with pace and agility.”
Matt Gordon-Smith, investment manager, Mobeus, adds: “Orbital offers a critical service in a market with considerable demand drivers. We have been impressed by the business’s existing infrastructure and local knowledge in Kent, combined with the team’s entrepreneurial approach and technical knowledge. We are delighted to partner with them to deliver their vision for the next stage of Orbital’s growth.”
Wesley Fell-Smith, partner, Clearwater International said: “We’re delighted to have supported Orbital find the perfect partner to help accelerate its exciting growth plans, including its fibre rollout and market leading holiday park offering. Orbital’s deep technical skillset and regional expertise provide great foundations to support its continued success.”
