Post by BusinessCloud

The CEO of digital connectivity provider Purple | B Corp™ says its unified WiFi network deal with Newcastle City Council is an “inflection point” for the business. Oldham-headquartered Purple has partnered with the council to deliver an extensive city-wide WiFi network for residents, students and visitors. Powered by the Purple app, the initiative aims to create a seamless, secure and dense network of connected locations throughout the city. “We’re several months in and the partnership has exceeded what we hoped for at launch. The unified network is live across council buildings, libraries, gyms and public spaces, with both of the city’s universities and the transport network being woven in too,” Gavin Wheeldon tells BusinessCloud. “Alongside that we’ve been steadily onboarding local businesses, from larger commercial venues right down to independent cafes in places like Jesmond. Venues with existing broadband can be up and running in less than half an hour, which has been a real accelerator for sign-ups. “What’s most encouraging is that residents and visitors are using it the way we always said they would: download the Purple app once, then roam the city without ever filling in another form. “Jenny Nelson and her team at the council have been outstanding partners. They were brave enough to be first, and that bravery is paying off.” He adds: “It’s a genuine inflection point for us. Newcastle is the first city in the world to deploy a unified network of this kind, and what we’ve built there is a blueprint we can replicate. “We’re in active conversations with councils across the UK, and there’s significant international interest as well.” Purple, which featured on our MarTech 50 ranking, has made two senior hires to lead those conversations. Iain Fox joined as its VP growth, public sector earlier this year, while Tim P. joined as VP education shortly after. “Bringing in that level of seniority to focus exclusively on these markets tells you how seriously we’re taking the opportunity,” says Gavin. We also asked him about the merger with SplashAccess | Purple AI and his plans for a future exit. Read the full interview 👇 https://lnkd.in/esxy8QVc