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Author: Dan Ashby

Championing Diversity, Innovation, and Excellence at the ITP Awards

Written by Dan Ashby on . Posted in Diversity, Events, Leadership, News.

At Cornerstone, our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is fundamental to who we are. We believe that fostering a workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered is essential to driving innovation and excellence. This ethos was proudly showcased at the Institute of Telecommunications Professionals (ITP) Annual Dinner and Awards, where we not only sponsored the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Award but also celebrated the outstanding achievements of three of our colleagues.

Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for a Stronger Industry

Our sponsorship of the DEI Award reflects our dedication to building a more inclusive and diverse telecoms industry. Spearheaded by our Chief People Officer, Ginette Kilroy, who proudly took to the stage to present the award, this sponsorship reinforces Cornerstone’s belief that diversity drives innovation. By embracing the unique perspectives and experiences of individuals from all backgrounds, we are creating a dynamic and forward-thinking environment where everyone can contribute to the success of the industry.

At Cornerstone, we have embedded inclusive practices at the heart of our strategy, ensuring that our workforce represents the diverse communities we serve. Through initiatives led by our DEI working group and by actively engaging with employees, we continuously improve our practices, promoting inclusivity at all levels of the organisation. We are proud to champion an industry where every voice matters.

Celebrating the Achievements of Cornerstone’s Leaders

The ITP Awards night was a celebration of industry leaders driving change, and Cornerstone was honoured to see three of our own recognised for their contributions:

Helen Main – Telecoms Surveyor of the Year Award

Helen Main, our Head of Delivery, won the ‘Highly Commended’ award ‘Telecoms Surveyor of the Year’. Her exceptional work in overseeing the successful delivery of key telecoms projects across the UK has set new benchmarks for the industry. Helen’s passion for ensuring that infrastructure projects are not only efficient but also sustainably managed has made her an invaluable leader at Cornerstone. This award highlights her commitment to excellence and her ability to meet the evolving demands of the industry with innovation and care.

Andy Train – Special Recognition for Bridging the Skills Gap

Andy Train, Cornerstone’s Chief Network Officer, was honoured with a ‘Special Recognition’ for his work on Bridging the Skills Gap. As Chair of the apprenticeship trailblazer group, Andy led the creation of the Cellular Network Field Engineer (CNFE) apprenticeship scheme, which aims to equip both new entrants and experienced professionals with the necessary skills to excel in a fast-evolving industry. His dedication to standardising training and developing the next generation of telecoms professionals has ensured the sustainability of the sector. This special recognition by industry peers is a reflection of his far-reaching impact on shaping the future of telecommunications.

Belinda Fawcett – Woman in Technology Award

Belinda Fawcett, Cornerstone’s General Counsel and Director of Property and Estates, was a finalist for the ‘Woman in Technology’ Award. With over 20 years of experience in telecommunications, Belinda has been a driving force behind key initiatives that support the growth and sustainability of the sector. As Chair of the Mobile Infrastructure Forum, she has championed greater diversity and inclusion in the industry while leading strategic efforts to expand digital connectivity across the UK. This nomination is a testament to Belinda’s leadership, dedication, and her unwavering commitment to empowering women in technology.

Looking Ahead: Building a Diverse and Sustainable Future

As the UK’s leading digital infrastructure provider, we understand the importance of fostering a diverse workforce that is prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow. The recognition of Helen, Andy and Belinda at the ITP Awards serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible work being done within Cornerstone and across the industry to create a more inclusive and sustainable future.

By supporting initiatives like the CNFE apprenticeship scheme, promoting diversity at all levels, and ensuring that our infrastructure projects reflect the needs of a connected society, Cornerstone is committed to driving positive change. We believe that when we embrace diversity and empower individuals, we not only build stronger teams but also a stronger industry — one that is ready to face the challenges of the future with innovation, resilience, and inclusivity.

Cornerstone wraps up a successful sponsorship of Connected Britain 2024 with brand relaunch and tower installation

Written by Dan Ashby on . Posted in Connectivity, News.

PRESS RELEASE:

Cornerstone, the UK’s leading mobile infrastructure services company, has successfully concluded its platinum sponsorship of Connected Britain 2024. The event, held over two days, provided an exceptional platform to discuss the future of connectivity, collaboration, and innovation in the digital infrastructure space.

CEO Pat Coxen reflected on the event’s success:
“Connected Britain 2024 has been an outstanding opportunity to showcase Cornerstone’s contributions to the UK’s digital economy. We had engaging discussions on the future of connectivity, the evolution of mobile and fixed networks, and the collaborative efforts required to make the next generation of infrastructure a reality. Our presence here underscores Cornerstone’s pivotal role in driving the UK’s connectivity goals forward.”

One of the key highlights was Cornerstone’s installation of a live mini tower at the event, in partnership with one of their trusted engineering partners Swann Engineering Group Limited. This installation exemplified Cornerstone’s capability in infrastructure delivery, marking a significant part of its brand relaunch, which was led by Chief Customer Officer Miranda van Gestel. The relaunch signals Cornerstone’s evolution from a traditional infrastructure provider to a full-service partner in the mobile and digital infrastructure space.

As part of its showcase, Cornerstone introduced its innovative mySite app, designed for landlords to streamline access to its extensive portfolio of 15,700 sites across the UK. The app offers greater visibility and control to its landlords, helping them manage site access and communication more efficiently. Alongside the mySite app, Cornerstone also highlighted its work on Locken, smart locks across Cornerstone’s estate to improve site safety and security.

Chief Customer Officer Miranda van Gestel commented, “The reason we showcased our tower installation at the event was to make the invisible visible – to highlight how we’re empowering the communities we serve with more connected, secure, and sustainable infrastructure.”

The event culminated in a powerful keynote address by Cornerstone’s Chief Sales and Commercial Officer Jamie Hayes, who emphasised the company’s impact across the Four Corners of the UK. Additionally, Pat Coxen joined a panel discussion with fellow industry leaders, sharing insights on how collaboration and innovation with government and local authorities will drive progress for the industry and the UK’s technological advancement.

With five months of preparation behind the event, Cornerstone is proud of the connections made, the ideas exchanged, and the new partnerships forged. The company looks forward to building on this momentum as it continues to shape the future of digital connectivity in the UK.

For more information about Cornerstone’s brand relaunch and its expanding portfolio, contact Cornerstone’s media team at media@cornerstone.network. 

Cornerstone Launches New Brand Identity at Connected Britain 2024

Written by Dan Ashby on . Posted in Connectivity, News.

PRESS RELEASE:

Cornerstone, the UK’s leading provider of mobile and digital infrastructure solutions, launches its new brand identity at Connected Britain 2024, the UK’s largest digital economy event. This significant brand relaunch marks a new chapter for Cornerstone, reflecting its evolution from an infrastructure provider to a full-service partner in the mobile and digital infrastructure sector. 

Cornerstone will unveil its new identity during the two-day event, with Chief Executive Officer Pat Coxen and Chief Sales and Commercial Officer Jamie Hayes leading keynote discussions on the future of connectivity in the UK. The relaunch also features a collaboration with ITN News, showcasing Cornerstone’s critical role in enabling a digitally connected society. 

Website relaunch and expanding portfolio

Coinciding with the brand launch, Cornerstone will also unveil a completely redesigned website, showcasing its expanding portfolio of solutions. With the growing need for new digital  infrastructure solutions, from 5G to IoT and rural connectivity, the website shows the broader role of infrastructure in emerging coverage and power solutions, introducing  Coverage as a Service (CaaS) and Power as a Service (PaaS), along with the Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) portfolio that Cornerstone is leading the industry in.  

The website also reflects Cornerstone’s commitment to customer value and sustainability, providing detailed information on its new service offerings, its continued investment in green initiatives, and its vision for a connected, sustainable future. The refreshed brand and website highlight Cornerstone’s leadership in enabling the UK’s digital economy, focusing on resilience, sustainability, and innovation. 

Tower installation: bringing infrastructure to life

As part of its sponsorship at Connected Britain, Cornerstone is offering attendees a unique opportunity to experience its technology first-hand with the installation of a specially designed mini tower at the event. Designed and installed in collaboration with one of Cornerstone’s engineering partners, Swann Engineering, this display demonstrated the critical role of mobile infrastructure in today’s digital landscape. The installation highlighted the engineering excellence behind Cornerstone’s 15,700 sites, which form the backbone of the UK’s mobile networks. 

A new era for Cornerstone

Miranda van Gestel, Chief Customer Officer, commented on the launch: “Our new brand identity reflects who we are today and our vision for the future. We are incredibly proud of the journey that has brought us here and are excited to unveil a refreshed brand that better communicates our role as a key enabler of digital transformation in the UK. As we continue to innovate and expand our service offering, we are more committed than ever to working with our customers, partners, and landlords to drive ubiquitous connectivity across the UK.” 

Pat Coxen, Chief Executive Officer, added: “Connected Britain 2024 is the perfect platform to introduce the new Cornerstone. This event showcases the best in UK digital innovation, and we are thrilled to be leading conversations around the future of connectivity.” 

Keynote appearances at Connected Britain:

Cornerstone will be showcasing on the Gigabit Mainstage at the following times during Connected Britain 2024: 

  • 10.40 am – ‘Achieving Truly Ubiquitous Connectivity in the UK’ a panel including Pat Coxen, CEO
  • 5.20 pm – ‘Enabling a Digitally Connected Society: How Cornerstone Connects the Four Corners of the UK’ with Jamie Hayes, Chief of Sales and Commercial Officer 
  • 5.40 pm – ‘Digital Britain: Connecting our Nation’ with ITN Business  

Looking forward

As Cornerstone continues its ambitious journey, it remains focused on leading the digital infrastructure sector while maintaining its commitment to environmental sustainability and customer value. The brand refresh solidifies its position as a trusted partner, driving connectivity and digital transformation for mobile network operators, businesses, and communities across the UK. 

For more information about Cornerstone’s new brand identity and its expanding portfolio, visit the new website at www.cornerstone.network and contact Cornerstone’s media team at media@cornerstone.network.