• LilaConnect has relocated to a new office on Keele University’s Science and Innovation Park. 
• The move to Keele emphasises LilaConnect’s commitment to the area and will facilitate further business and workforce growth. 
• The relocation has been made possible through funding from the ‘Getting Building Fund’, and comes off the back of the University's commitment to enhance the ‘digital society’ through the formulation of its newest multi-disciplinary research institute, the Digital Society Institute.

LilaConnect, the specialist full fibre company responsible for enabling the digital landscape in Staffordshire, has relocated to Keele University’s Science and Innovation Park. The move will enable it to engage with Keele’s industrial and societal research in the areas of business and digital innovation, as well as be able to tap into student and graduate talent. 

LilaConnect, a subsidiary of the digital infrastructure specialist VX Fiber, delivers gigabit full fibre connectivity to homes and businesses across the UK. The move to Keele emphasises LilaConnect’s commitment to the area and will facilitate further business and workforce growth. 

The relocation has been made possible through funding from the ‘Getting Building Fund’. It comes off the back of the University's commitment to enhance the ‘digital society’ through the formulation of its newest multi-disciplinary research institute, the Digital Society Institute.  

The Digital Society Institute brings together researchers, students, and businesses from across the University. As an interdisciplinary and intersectoral community, they have a wealth of experience in understanding how to unlock the socioeconomic and economic benefits the digital world can offer society. Its aim is to create new partnerships and contribute to continued innovation at regional, national, and international levels.  

Jan Lange, Managing Director at LilaConnect, said: “LilaConnect has had a strong relationship with Keele University for several years, specifically with Dr Colin Rigby and the Estate team - who have been a great support over the past months. We are proud to be extending this further through a partnership with the newly formed Digital Society Institute, a move to the campus, and by providing a connection to LilaConnect’s full gigabit full-fibre network. 

“Not only will this move help to revolutionise the work environment for everyone operating on the campus, but also ensure we can play a small part in helping to drive technological advancements, innovation, productivity, and sustainable growth - as well as helping to end digital poverty in the local area. This is a small step forward in creating a brighter future for those at Keele, but also for wider society in the UK and beyond. We’re looking forward to working closely with the University over the coming years.” 

Joe Caine, Head of Keele’s Science and Innovation Park, added: “Gigabit infrastructure is critical for UK economic growth, and we are thrilled to welcome LilaConnect to our Park. Collocation with the University will provide many mutually beneficial opportunities such as reducing the digital divide, enabling e-health, and investigating the behavioural and environmental impacts of increased connectivity, not to mention accessing the talent that is Keele students and graduates.” 

Since 2017, Keele's Science and Innovation Park has seen rapid growth, with eight Innovation Centres now housing nearly 1,000 full-time equivalent staff across 60 businesses. These businesses provide £60m gross value added (GVA) in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, and £75m in the wider West Midlands, supporting 1,630 jobs.

*The Innovation Centre 2 refurbishment works were part-funded through the Getting Building Fund.