Local resident joins Digital Infrastructure Project to transform St Helens town centre

Article date: 8 January 2026

Josh Abley, 25, self-studied project management and seized the opportunity to become a Project Support Officer in October last year for digital infrastructure and placemaking experts, Founds Group.

The North West based company is supporting St Helens Borough Council through the delivery of its Digital Infrastructure Programme to help design, manage and oversee the build of state-of-the-art, full fibre internet across St Helens town centre.

The appointment reflects a social value commitment to the council to prioritise local employment and supply chains wherever possible.

"It's obviously very different from anything I've done previously, but I'm really enjoying it," said Josh.

"My role involves streamlining the project, coordinating admin, and making sure governance is in place so everything runs smoothly. Being involved in such a big project that will transform the town centre and have a massive impact on the local area is exciting."

Commenting after meeting Josh at St Helens Town Hall, Councillor Keith Laird, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for People, Performance and IT, said:

"We're delighted to see local people like Josh taking up opportunities on such a transformative project.

"This investment in digital infrastructure will completely change the way St Helens town centre works - supporting our ambition to become the best-connected area in the Liverpool City Region. Strong connectivity underpins everything from business growth to innovation, and this project is a huge step forward for our borough."

Chris Founds, Managing Director of the Founds Group, added:

"We made a commitment to St Helens Borough Council when we got involved with the Digital Infrastructure Project to look at local employment and supply chains whenever the opportunity presented itself. We're North West-based ourselves, and when we needed project support and control for this scheme, we cast the net and Josh really stood out.

"If someone has the right attitude and approach, we can teach the skills and Josh demonstrated that perfectly."

The Town Deal-funded project, delivered in partnership with leading provider of full fibre business internet and networks, Elevate, is now entering its final works phase, installing fibre cables, and access points around the town centre. Once commissioned, the network will enable faster, more reliable internet speeds to support a thriving town centre.

The Digital Infrastructure Project has also delivered wider social value benefits, including the use of recycled materials and local labour - while a free, lifetime 1Gbps internet connection is being installed at the St Helens Coalition of Disabled People (Buzz Hub) based at Nuttall House, with around £40,000 also supporting local education, including SEND.