We're proud of the work that we've done and the innovative approach that we have taken to many of the initiatives we have had the opportunity to lead or be involved in. Our insights, and application of cooperative solutions, have repeatedly delivered excellent outcomes for the organisations that we've worked with.
Together, these landmark projects demonstrate how effective cooperation between communities, businesses, and public institutions can create innovative, sustainable infrastructure solutions, enabling everyone involved to progress further, faster.
Today we are building on these successes and insights, expanding the vision into new realms that encompass digital infrastructure, data centres, renewable energy, and heat networks. Our approach remains rooted in collaboration, ensuring that the infrastructures of tomorrow are community-driven and fit for a net-zero future.
CNI unites public sector organisations, private businesses, and local communities to create and share digital infrastructure. The innovative cooperative model that CNI uses allows for infrastructure sharing while retaining ownership, enabling faster and more cost-effective deployment of high-quality digital services.
The Lancaster 5G Strategy is accelerating the deployment of 5G technology in Lancaster and its surrounding areas, supporting local businesses, public services, and residents. Developed in alignment with Lancaster’s existing Digital Strategy, which focuses on the THINK principles (Technology, Health, Innovation, Nature, and Knowledge).
networks.coop (formerly CBN) was commissioned to develop a Digital Infrastructure Action Plan for the Liverpool City Region (LCR) Combined Authority, supporting the Metro Mayor’s ambition to make LCR the best digitally connected city region in the UK, creating a fibre loop linking all six local authorities with key assets like the transatlantic fibre-optic cable near Southport. The plan laid the groundwork for a shared digital infrastructure that supports digital, tech sectors, public services, and 5G deployment.
networks.coop partnered with Suffolk County Council to create a Renewable Energy Programme aimed at advancing the council’s net-zero carbon targets. This strategy leveraged council-owned land to generate revenue while supporting Suffolk’s climate goals.
networks.coop has been working with Manchester City Council to develop a policy briefing to inform and shape their future strategy with respect to data centres in the city, as part of wider work on digital infrastructure development. The focus is on how the authority's approach can deliver on three key objectives:
In 2009, networks.coop (then CBN) was instrumental in winning Government support for, and launching the Independent Networks Cooperative Association (INCA), a body created to represent and support independent network providers (AltNets) across the UK.
We saw the need for a unified voice to bring together smaller network providers that were being overshadowed by the larger ISPs. Our leadership in INCA's formation ensured that AltNets could grow, innovate, and offer viable alternatives in the broadband market.
This current project exploits the potential of immersion cooling technology in a local data centre, and links into an existing environmental scheme to drive the decarbonisation of Lancaster's Salt Ayre Leisure Centre.
The Preston Digital Cooperative (PDC) has been established to combat digital exclusion, especially in underprivileged areas of Preston. The project uses a community-driven approach to tackle issues related to digital skills, device availability, and internet connectivity holistically. The cooperative model is designed not only addresses immediate digital needs but also to promote long-term social and economic improvements across the community.