St Helens town centre is undergoing a major digital transformation — and local talent is now playing a central role in delivering it. As part of St Helens Borough Council’s Digital Infrastructure Programme, Rainhill resident Josh Abley has joined the Founds Group team as a Project Support Officer, supporting the installation of state‑of‑the‑art full‑fibre connectivity across the town centre. His appointment reflects a shared commitment between the Council and Founds Group to maximise social value and create meaningful opportunities for local people.
Josh’s journey into digital infrastructure began through self‑study in project management before securing the opportunity to join the programme in late 2025. His role focuses on refining programme governance, coordinating delivery activity, and supporting efficient project management — ensuring the final phase of the fibre build progresses smoothly and effectively.
This contribution comes at a pivotal moment as the project moves into the final works phase, which includes installing fibre cables and access points throughout the town centre. Once fully commissioned, the new network will drastically improve digital speeds and resilience for businesses, residents and public spaces.
St Helens Borough Council has set a clear ambition: to become one of the best‑connected areas in the Liverpool City Region. Councillor Keith Laird has highlighted the role of enhanced digital infrastructure in strengthening business innovation, stimulating investment and enabling long‑term regeneration throughout the borough.
The Digital Infrastructure Programme forms a core part of the Town Deal‑funded regeneration strategy, expanding ultrafast connectivity across key economic zones and supporting the evolution of a modern, high‑performing town centre.
The introduction of a full‑fibre network brings substantial benefits:
- Faster and more reliable connectivity for local businesses
- Greater attractiveness for private investment
- Improved access to digital services for residents
- A stronger foundation for public‑sector innovation and smart‑town technologies
These enhancements support not just today’s digital needs, but the long‑term vision for a resilient and prosperous St Helens.
Founds Group’s Managing Director, Chris Founds, emphasised the company’s commitment to prioritising local employment and skills where possible. When recruiting project support capabilities, Josh stood out for his mindset, commitment and readiness to learn — qualities that align strongly with Founds Group’s values and approach to talent development.
This people‑focused strategy reinforces our objective to help local authorities not only deliver major programmes, but also grow local capability and create lasting community value.
As the Digital Infrastructure Programme nears completion, St Helens is poised to benefit from a next‑generation full‑fibre network that will boost economic competitiveness, enable innovation and support a thriving, connected town centre.
Founds Group is proud to contribute programme leadership, technical expertise and local partnership to this transformative project — ensuring communities, businesses and public bodies across St Helens can fully realise the benefits of a digitally enabled future.