Vorboss expands managed service and cybersecurity offerings, closes three strategic acquisitions
Alaco is a global business intelligence firm, trusted by financial institutions, multinationals, law firms, and family offices to manage risk, resolve disputes, and protect reputations.
Just two weeks before moving into their new London HQ, wayleave complications threatened to delay their internet connection. Their legacy provider estimated it could take over three months to get them online, putting the launch day at serious risk.
Keeping launch day on track
Thoughts of a delayed launch day crept in, and the team quickly began exploring alternatives. One of our channel partners, Onsite Technologies, introduced Alaco to us. Having worked with us before, Onsite knew we could expedite the delivery and keep the launch day on track. With our fibre network already close by, we were perfectly positioned to step in and take over the process – something we do for customers on a tight deadline.
Taking over the wayleave process
From the moment we were introduced, the Vorboss team moved fast. Within three working days, our engineers had completed the site survey, and our in-house wayleaves team was engaged straight away so the customer didn’t have to worry about it.
Because everything’s managed by us in-house, we were able to prioritise the approval as urgent. The night before installation, our team were still on the phone, coordinating directly with the solicitor and the customer to make sure everything stayed on track. The wayleave was finalised and signed the morning of the install, and the connection went live as planned.
For a business already under pressure, that support made a real difference.
Andy Simpson-Pirie, CTO said:
“There was real relief knowing Vorboss would take care of everything in-house and liaise directly with the necessary stakeholders.”
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In this special edition of our Leading London series, we were joined by the tech leaders involved in the City of London Corporation’s network transformation to discuss one of the UK’s most ambitious digital projects and what other authorities can take from the work.
The session was hosted by Christa Elizabeth Norton, Roc Technologies, and featured:
- Sam Collins, Assistant Director of Digital and Data, City of London Corporation
- Chelsea Chamberlain, Chief Technology Officer, Roc Technologies
- Scott McKinnon, Chief Security Officer, Palo Alto Networks
- Elliot Townsend, Senior Director, HPE Networks
- Rhod Morgan, Chief Operating Officer, Vorboss
Together, we explored the solution behind the new unified network and what it will mean for public sector teams, frontline services and the communities that rely on them.
Why the City needed a new network
Sam, who’s heading the Future Network Programme explained that changes in how people work and interact with public services meant the City’s existing network could no longer keep pace.
The MPLS network installed in 2017 was fit for purpose at the time, but the rapid shift to cloud services, video collaboration, mobile working and the growing role of AI changed the demands placed on the network. As Sam explained, this prompted the City to set out one of the most ambitious network transformation programmes in UK local government.
The City’s estate is uniquely diverse, spanning the City of London Corporation, the City of London Police and council services. These teams support critical services across the Square Mile and beyond. That meant the new network had to be designed for modern public service delivery from the outset.
Sam was clear that the new solution needed to be cloud-first, with security built in rather than bolted on, enabling staff to work effectively whether they were in an office, moving between sites or working remotely. It had to be a modern, scalable and secure network.
This ambition was directly linked to the City’s wider direction. The Town Clerk, Ian Thomas, has set out a plan for the organisation to operate as a world-class authority. As Sam made clear, delivering that vision depends on world-class technology, supported by a network built for the future.
Bringing the City’s vision to life
Delivering a project of this complexity required close collaboration across teams and partners, with a shared focus on getting the foundations right.
As the corporation’s chosen managed service provider, Roc Technologies worked closely with the team to design a solution capable of supporting both current needs and long-term ambitions. Chelsea, Roc CTO explained that their work began with understanding what future networking looks like across the estates, from campus environments to local government services, and stressed that everything depends on the quality of the underlying connectivity.
“Your networking connectivity provides the foundation layer upon which you can build AI capability, machine learning capability, and exceptional user experience for all parts of your business.”
Chelsea added that user experience and future readiness were central to the design. The City’s ambition, combined with partners aligned around the same goals, is enabling a step change in local government networking approach.
Security for a modern public service
This is going to be the first end-to-end SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) deployment in the UK public sector. Scott McKinnon explained that SASE delivers security from the cloud, enforcing access controls and inspecting traffic as users connect to applications across the internet, SaaS platforms and the cloud. Instead of relying on protection tied to a single site or traditional firewall boundaries, it gives people secure access wherever they are.
“You can give users fast and immediate access to the services they need wherever they are, while providing security on a continuous basis.”
SASE reduces the burden of managing separate security tools and gives digital teams clearer visibility across the City’s estate. Palo Alto Networks was chosen for this part of the solution because of their commitment to data sovereignty and a forward-thinking roadmap towards a full SASE architecture, rather than reliance on legacy firewall infrastructure.
For many landlords and building managers, the word “wayleave” feels like the responsible route whenever a fibre circuit is being installed on their property. It sounds formal and safe – a neat legal box to tick.
In many cases, however, a wayleave adds unnecessary complexity and delays, frustrates tenants, and can expose landlords to long-term legal risks.
At Vorboss, we’ve connected thousands of office spaces across London without a wayleave, keeping landlords in full control and getting tenants online faster.
What is a wayleave?
A wayleave is a written agreement between a landowner and a telecoms operator. It gives the operator permission to install and keep equipment on private property.
What many people don’t realise is that signing a wayleave also activates “Code rights” under the Electronic Communications Code. These rights go beyond simple permission, they give the operator legal powers to stay on the property indefinitely, access it when needed, and even refuse removal of their equipment in certain situations.
For a typical connection into a commercial building in London, a wayleave can make the fibre installation process slower, more expensive, and limit the landlord’s flexibility long term.
Why a wayleave isn’t required for standard in-building fibre connections
For a standard in-building fibre connection serving a tenant, a wayleave isn’t a legal requirement. Important protections, like building access, fire safety, repairing any damage, and removing equipment, are already covered by the tenant’s lease and usual building rules.
If no wayleave is signed, no Code rights are triggered, meaning the landlord retains full control and the installation exists under a simple, fully revocable licence.
In practice, this gives landlords far more protection and flexibility:
- No legal lock-in – the telecoms operator has no long-term rights to stay or refuse removal.
- Landlords keep full control – equipment can be moved or removed when the building changes.
- Faster fibre installation – no time lost in drafting contracts or solicitor reviews.
- Happier tenants – connections go live quicker; tenants get to move in faster.
By contrast, signing a wayleave and granting Code rights introduces a complex and expensive legal process for any fibre removal or relocation. This can take at least 18 months, plus potential court or tribunal proceedings, making it slower, and far less flexible for the landlord.
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This special edition of our Leading London series brings together the partners behind the rollout of the City of London Corporation’s new unified network, a major upgrade designed to strengthen public services and improve connectivity across the Square Mile and beyond.
The panel included:
- Sam Collins, Assistant Director of Digital and Data, City of London Corporation
- Chelsea Chamberlin, Chief Technology Officer, Roc Technologies
- Scott McKinnon, Chief Security Officer, Palo Alto Networks
- Rhod Morgan, Chief Operations Officer, Vorboss
- Elliot Townsend, Senior Director, Juniper Networks
- Christa Elizabeth Norton, Marketing Director, Roc Technologies
Together, they explored how the new network will improve public services, strengthen cyber resilience and support a more connected, future-ready City.
Public services across central London are evolving, and the City of London Corporation is leading the way.
Whether you work, live or study in the Square Mile, you’ll soon feel the difference that faster, more dependable connectivity brings.
What is the Future Network Programme?
The City of London Corporation is rolling out the Future Network Programme, a major project to modernise its entire digital infrastructure and bring everything under one unified network.
From offices and schools to iconic green spaces like Hampstead Heath, cultural destinations like the Barbican, and historic markets such as Leadenhall and Old Spitalfields, this upgrade will mean more reliable connectivity across the City’s buildings and public spaces.
It also extends to essential services, including critical sites run by the City of London Police. This enhanced connectivity will support everything from secure communication systems to faster, more resilient networks for emergency operations.
Leading this transformation is Roc Technologies, supported by Juniper Networks and Palo Alto Networks; all powered by the Vorboss fibre network. Together, we’re bringing the City onto a modern digital foundation that’s ready to support its future.
Who the Future Network Programme benefits and how?
The programme is designed for everyone who depends on public services in the Square Mile:
- Students in City-run schools will have fast, reliable connectivity to fully access digital learning tools.
- Public-sector teams will experience smoother hybrid working, better access to online platforms, and more efficient collaboration across locations.
- Residents and visitors will see improvements in public Wi-Fi, digital services, and online access in libraries, community hubs, and other shared spaces.
- The City of London Police will gain a more secure, faster and resilient network that enhances CCTV reliability and enables more effective frontline operations.
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When Flight Centre, the unforgettable-experience-plotting travel experts, were preparing to open a brand-new shopfront on Upper Street in central London, everything was going to plan. The team had lined up suppliers early, including their internet provider, expecting smooth sailing to launch day.
Unfortunately, their installation was delayed, and the team kept chasing answers. Eventually, they learned the duct was collapsed and their chosen provider couldn’t fix it in time.
Grounded? Not for long
With just two weeks to go, Flight Centre had to act fast. They turned to Vorboss. In just over a week, the new shopfront was live and connected through Vorboss’s Rapid Install service.
Thanks to Flight Centre’s leadership and coordination across their teams in Europe and Australia, everything came together, and the store opened right on time.
“The collapsed duct was an unexpected challenge after months of delays with our previous provider. Vorboss stepped in quickly, took control, and kept things on track, ensuring the installation stayed on schedule despite the setback.”
-Tim Head, Global Service Delivery Head, Flight Centre
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So good, they brought us to Barcelona
The experience made such an impact that Flight Centre brought Vorboss into another project, this time in Barcelona. Using a local partner, they added another circuit for their new office. The line tails into the Vorboss infrastructure in Barcelona and links all the way back to the London network.
“Vorboss’s impressive internet service and customer experience gave us the confidence to bring them into further projects. Having a consistent connectivity partner across locations simplifies management and supports our growth.”
-Tim Head, Global Service Delivery Head, Flight Centre
Latest from the press room
London, 5 November 2025
Vorboss, London’s leading business fibre network, today announces the launch of a cutting-edge connectivity product built to enable essential public services across the capital.
The new solution offers high-speed, reliable connectivity that’s both affordable and quick to deploy, helping London stay connected and future-proof.
Built on the 100Gbps-capable Vorboss network, the new solution delivers ultra-reliable, high-capacity connectivity that underpins the growing demands of smart city technology and public infrastructure.
With a range of options to connect these end-points, the product enables councils, transport authorities, and service integrators to easily connect and manage thousands of devices, from real-time traffic cameras, CCTV, small cells, and environmental sensors to IoT-connected street furniture, all with enterprise-grade resilience and low latency.
“We have been listening to local government organisations over the last year as they explain their difficulty in finding cost-effective, reliable solutions to connecting machines across their boroughs. Through a lot of consultation and innovation we have been able to create a fibre-based solution that is reliable and can be installed quickly.”
Jason O'Malley, CCO, Vorboss, notes:
“With this launch, we’re extending the power of the Vorboss network to enable local authorities and service providers to make cities safer, and more efficient.”
Vorboss’s fibre network, which spans over 700km, is engineered for scalability and security. Our engineers are all based in Central London and are managed by a Liverpool Street based planning and NOC team. This provides an unparalleled level of proactive and reactive support to London's councils.
Rhod Morgan, Vorboss COO, adds:
"The density and quality of our network in central London puts us in a unique position to provide these innovative solutions. Every month 100s of new businesses are being connected to the Vorboss network and this is natural progression of the business as we further accelerate this growth."
About Vorboss
Vorboss is London’s most advanced business fibre network, designed to meet the connectivity needs of modern enterprises and critical public infrastructure. As a member of the Fern Trading Group (part of Octopus Investments), Vorboss is focused on empowering organisations with direct, high-capacity fibre that supports innovation and growth.
London, 17 July 2025
Vorboss, London’s leading fibre network built exclusively for business, today announced the expansion of its managed services portfolio, reinforcing its position as the trusted single provider for the city’s enterprise connectivity needs. This strategic move reflects the growing demand for comprehensive, resilient services from a single, expert partner – particularly in light of the increasing complexity of cybersecurity threats and IT infrastructure.
- London businesses can now consolidate connectivity, managed services, and cybersecurity, backed by the fastest fibre network built exclusively for businesses
- Completed acquisitions of 40fi (cybersecurity) and Optimity (managed services), and strategic investment in Layer8 (network management for commercial real estate)
- 80+ new specialists join Vorboss, expanding total workforce to nearly 400
As part of this strategy, Vorboss has closed three acquisitions designed to broaden its capabilities beyond its core strength in managed network infrastructure. Among these are 40fi, a respected cybersecurity business, and Optimity, a leading provider of managed IT services. Together, these acquisitions bring an additional 80 experienced professionals into the Vorboss team, significantly enhancing the company’s ability to deliver end-to-end solutions for London’s most demanding businesses. Vorboss is excited to welcome the hundreds of customers that Optimity and 40fi serve across the UK today, and look forward to continuing the high levels of customer service and technical expertise currently provided.
This expansion addresses a clear and urgent need from Vorboss customers: the ability to consolidate connectivity, IT, and security under one accountable provider. By integrating cybersecurity expertise and managed IT services capabilities into its offering, Vorboss is now uniquely positioned to provide a comprehensive suite of services – spanning secure network infrastructure, endpoint management, threat mitigation, and strategic IT and cybersecurity consultancy.
Tim Creswick, Vorboss Founder: “Vorboss has a long history in managed services, but for the last 6 years, our focus has been on delivering the best enterprise fibre network London has ever seen. That has been a huge project, commanding millions of hours of labour from our team, and we are now connecting thousands of business customers to that network – all at 10Gbps and above. I’m excited that we’re now able to return to some of our managed services roots, with the timely addition of cybersecurity services. These are things that our customers and partners ask us about all the time. As operators of extensive, high-capacity infrastructure, we have a huge amount of real expertise in-house already, so customers know that they’re getting advice from real practitioners, not just consultants.
The addition of the Optimity and 40fi teams gives us some immediate scale to address those customer needs, with the same vertically integrated, high quality approach that they’ve come to love from us”.
In addition, Vorboss has also invested in Layer8, a first-of-a-kind software platform enabling building operators to automate, manage, and monetise their networks. Designed for commercial real estate environments, Layer8 gives building managers, managed service providers (MSPs), and non-technical users simple, secure control over on-site network infrastructure.
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