Hampshire law firm making superfast broadband a reality scoops FSB innovation crown

Local News 27 May 2022

An innovative Hampshire business which is speeding up legal procedures for broadband providers has won the Business Product & Innovation Award at this year’s Federation of Small Businesses UK Celebrating Small Business Awards, hosted by Clare Balding and JJ Chalmers.

Odiham based Trenches Law at the FSB Awards
Sharon McDermott of Trenches Law

Trenches Law, based in Odiham, has created a fresh solution which automates the so-called “wayleave” process that broadband providers need to conduct before installing new networks.

Prior to the product’s development, securing wayleaves would involve manually scouring the Land registry for hours before securing sign-off from property owners for broadband infrastructure.

Trenches Law’s solution automates the investigation, creation and distribution of wayleaves, without the need for laborious, and often expensive, deskwork.  

In doing so, the firm is saving clients time and money, whilst playing its part in helping the Government to achieve its pledge to deliver UK-wide gigabit capable broadband by 2025.  

Sharon McDermott, Managing Director and Co-Founder said:

“After working so hard on a product which has already helped so many, it’s fantastic to receive this recognition from FSB.

“Too often you see resistance to innovation in the legal sector – big City firms that want to keep manual processes in place and charge high fees for long hours.

“That’s why we moved to create change in this area. By automating the wayleave process, we’re improving connectivity for communities all over the UK.”

FSB National Chair Martin McTague said:

“Trenches Law is a shining example of how cutting-edge our small business community can be, creating a much-needed tech-based solution from scratch.

“This product’s value add to businesses and wider society has already been great. I have no doubt that it will facilitate many more success stories in future.  

“The pandemic showed us the power of digital connectivity when times are tough, and the need for government to make good on its gigabit commitments. This great new product will help to get us there.”   


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