Glide secures NatWest funding to accelerate UK broadband expansion
Glide secures NatWest funding to accelerate UK broadband expansion
Glide Student & Residential, the UK’s leading provider of commercial broadband for high-density living and remote business parks, has secured a major funding package from NatWest to fuel its ambitious national expansion.
The investment will help Glide scale its high-speed Wi-Fi infrastructure, with a focus on enhancing digital access in student accommodation, purpose-built rental communities, and remote SME hubs. The funding will also support upgrades to its existing infrastructure and extend Glide’s reach into more university cities across the UK, adding to its current footprint in locations including Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, and London.
Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Clevedon, Glide has grown to serve over 500,000 users across 7,000 locations nationwide. The company plays a key role in bridging the digital divide, particularly in hard-to-reach areas where access to robust, high-speed internet has often lagged behind urban centres.
Strategic growth backed by NatWest
Tim Pilcher, CEO of Glide, said the funding marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth trajectory.
He said: “The team at NatWest has become a significant lender in supporting Glide’s growth strategy. Their decision to join us as a key financial partner reflects confidence in our vision and the strength of our business model.
We look forward to building this new partnership as we continue expanding our fibre network, ensuring our customers receive the robust and seamless connectivity they rely on in today’s digital world.”
The funding will enable Glide to broaden its commercial offering to more small businesses and start-ups, particularly in remote business parks where connectivity is often a barrier to growth and innovation. High-speed internet access is increasingly critical for small enterprises, allowing them to reach new markets, support remote workforces, deliver superior customer service, and drive digital transformation.
Stuart Allison, Relationship Director at NatWest, said: “We’re committed to providing support for businesses of all sizes and whatever stage of their journey. Glide has been a valued NatWest customer for many years, and we are thrilled to support the team’s continued growth and infrastructure investment through this latest funding deal.
This investment will enable Glide to expand its high-speed connectivity solutions to new markets, ensuring more businesses and residential areas benefit from their services.”
Powering regional growth through connectivity
As the UK continues its push for nationwide digital infrastructure upgrades, Glide’s expansion comes at a critical time. By bringing reliable internet to underserved regions and densely populated residences, the company is playing an essential role in boosting regional economic development, enabling remote collaboration, and supporting the future of work and education.
With this latest investment, Glide is set to further cement its status as a key player in the UK’s digital landscape, helping businesses and residents alike stay connected in a fast-moving, digitally driven world.
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