Brighton-based fibre supplier Altnets is scaling fast, without ever losing sight of what matters most
In the fast-paced world of telecoms and tech, success is often seen as a matter of scale, specs and speed. But for Altnets, the Brighton-based fibre materials supplier quietly transforming the UK and Ireland’s digital infrastructure, it’s not just cables and contracts powering growth – it’s relationships.
Altnets’ origins trace back to 2020 – the year still giving most of us nightmares… While much of the world came to a standstill, Paul Britnell and Sam Bangle saw an opportunity to do things differently. With telecom infrastructure under pressure and supply chains in disarray, the duo recognised a critical gap in the UK market: no single supplier was offering a full-service, customer-first approach to fibre materials.
Working from a makeshift office setup with no permanent base and just a handful of staff, they launched Altnets. The vision was simple yet bold: to make sourcing fibre smarter, faster and more human.
Paul brought two decades of telecoms expertise, having worked hands-on across both technical and distribution roles. Sam, on the other hand, came from a tech startup background and offered an entrepreneurial mindset shaped by scaling businesses from scratch. From the outset, their partnership was built on trust, mutual respect and a shared conviction that relationships – internally and externally – would be Altnets’ greatest asset.
Working from a makeshift office setup with no permanent base and just a handful of staff, they launched Altnets. The vision was simple yet bold: to make sourcing fibre smarter, faster and more human.
Paul brought two decades of telecoms expertise, having worked hands-on across both technical and distribution roles. Sam, on the other hand, came from a tech startup background and offered an entrepreneurial mindset shaped by scaling businesses from scratch. From the outset, their partnership was built on trust, mutual respect and a shared conviction that relationships – internally and externally – would be Altnets’ greatest asset.
Breaking into the industry, Paul says, came down to experience, a good strategy and determination. “We didn’t have an office or major investment, but we had a solid strategy, powerful connections and nothing to lose. We were well-prepared due to our blend of practical expertise and entrepreneurial energy. We didn’t wait for the perfect conditions to kick off. We were confident we would succeed.”
That fusion of strategy and values has remained at the heart of the business as it has scaled. From fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) rollouts to national infrastructure and data centre projects, Altnets now supplies the high-quality materials that keep modern connectivity moving. But its impact goes far beyond logistics. With a values-led, partnership-first approach, the company has become a trusted ally to ISPs and infrastructure providers, offering dependable service, fast lead times and tailored solutions to real-world challenges.
Since launching in 2020, Altnets has grown rapidly, thanks to its proactive approach and commitment to customer service. “Focusing on teamwork, we seek to eradicate the digital divide by making ultra-fast broadband accessible to communities all over the nation,” explains Sam. “We’re proud to be shaping the future of connectivity while staying grounded in our Brighton roots.”
According to the founders, there have been several major turning points for the business. The first was securing a supply contract for fibre cable in 2021. “That client’s faith helped us establish ourselves, and they continue to work with us today,” says Paul. “Because of our initial accomplishments, we were able to relocate from our temporary office to Plus X Innovation Hub Brighton, a bustling co-working environment that was ideal for a rapidly expanding company like Altnets. Our contagious enthusiasm was a major influence on our early culture.”
A first-year revenue of £2 million proved the strategy was not only working, but sustainable. Expanding into their own workspace at Brighton Marina was a defining moment that, as they put it, “brought a sense of reality.”
Recognition soon followed. Winning a Customer Service Award at the Sussex Business Awards validated Altnets’ people-first approach and being officially signed by manufacturer CommScope in 2025 was another major leap forward. “We also can’t overlook the fact that we came in at number 15 in the EB100 this year,” adds Sam, “not that we’re still correcting people about it or anything! Although we can’t guarantee it, we’ll make an effort to avoid bringing it up at every meeting.”
Of course, scaling a business in the middle of a global crisis came with no shortage of hurdles. “It was incredibly difficult to get started during Covid,” recalls Paul. “Every day was a surprise and supply chains across the globe were in disarray.” But the team’s agility and mindset made the difference. “We rapidly adjusted,” he reflects – not as a boast, but a fact. “One of our strengths is our ability to learn on the job; neither of us pretended to know everything, but we were always willing to figure it out.”
Global events such as the pandemic and supply interruptions brought on by conflict taught Paul, Sam and their employees to remain flexible. Success came down to staying nimble: diversifying supply chains, building strong manufacturer relationships and keeping communication open and responsive.
Navigating the legal and compliance landscape was another steep learning curve. In a highly regulated industry like telecoms, there was little room for error. “We never took shortcuts and didn’t hesitate to consult professionals where necessary to stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes,” points out Sam. “The most important lesson? You must be adaptable and honest. The process of growth can be chaotic. It’s about having the correct attitude to keep going forward, not about knowing all the answers.”
Tech and telecoms are no strangers to disruption, but right now, the pace of change feels different. From AI-fuelled automation to shifting workforce expectations, businesses are under pressure to adapt fast or risk falling behind. Amid the noise, Altnets takes a grounded view: staying ahead doesn’t mean jumping on every trend. Instead, Paul and Sam advise focusing on what sets your business apart and creating the conditions for your people to do their best work.
One of their philosophies is ‘act like the business you want to be, not just the business you are today’, which involves making investments in culture, technology and leadership, even if it feels like you’re not quite there yet. “By setting ourselves up with a strong foundation from day one, we’ve been able to grow quickly and handle scaling without losing who we are,” says Sam. “We also believe in having robust systems that allow people to work well from anywhere. Remote flexibility isn’t going away, so invest in tools that make your team’s life easier, not harder.”
For Altnets, company culture has always been the foundation. Since the very beginning, the team have worked hard to build a Brighton-based workplace where people genuinely want to be. “Our people are our superpower,” asserts Paul. “Every milestone the company has reached – every client win, contract secured or award earned – has been driven by the energy, talent and commitment of the team behind it.”
Recruitment is seen as a cultural decision as much as a technical one. “We hire for compatibility, not just capability,” Sam shares. “We seek people who share and embrace our values and contribute positively to the team.”
Growth has never come at the expense of identity at Altnets. The team made a clear commitment early on: people come first. That principle continues to guide how the business is structured and how it operates, even as headcount and complexity increase. Paul reflects: “The challenge wasn’t in upholding our people-first approach as we evolved, but rather ensuring that it evolves with us. A team of 20 won’t need the same things that worked for a team of three. As operations become bigger, we’ve had to be thoughtful about improving our perks, communication and support while maintaining a personal touch.”
Altnets’ company-wide bonus structure ensures that success is shared. Flexibility is fundamental too. The company trusts employees to work in ways that fit them, since life doesn’t stop for work.
While finding the right new hires remains important, caring for the current team is just as vital. At Altnets, it means staying visible, listening closely, and evolving support as the business grows. As Paul and Sam put it: “Benefits are not what create culture; rather, it is the way you treat people every day, particularly during challenging times.”
That commitment hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2025, Altnets was officially recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work, a moment the founders describe as their proudest achievement to date. “When we started Altnets, our goal was to create a fantastic workplace alongside disrupting the telecoms sector,” explains Sam. “It was surreal to be acknowledged nationally for that. It validated all the behind-the-scenes effort: the benefits designed to make a real difference, the care taken in communication and the way we grow without compromising our values.”
Above all, the recognition is a reflection of the people who make the business what it is. “Our fantastic staff deserve this,” Sam and Paul add. “We’ve worked hard to create a friendly, positive atmosphere where people are respected for both their talents and who they are as individuals. Every employee at Altnets contributes to making this a genuinely brilliant place to work.”
So what does a great place to work actually look like in practice? At Altnets, it’s not about flashy gimmicks or surface-level perks. Instead, the focus is on meaningful, practical benefits that genuinely improve employees’ day-to-day lives – both professionally and personally.
All employees have access to private healthcare via Vitality, covering everything from cancer treatment to mental health support and physical therapy. They also have access to a 24/7 confidential advice line, offering guidance on personal or professional issues. Gym memberships with David Lloyd, professional opportunities and flexible working are all part of the deal.
Staff are also encouraged to get involved in charity initiatives – from volunteer days to skydives – to connect, give back and have fun along the way. “These aren’t just extras – they’re a key part of how we live our values,” says Paul. “When you invest in people properly, they show up as their best selves. That’s good for them and it’s good for the business.”
Altnets has come a long way since its kitchen-table beginnings, but the journey is only just beginning. With major opportunities emerging in the data centre space, the team is gearing up to support the sector’s fast-moving growth, bringing the same focus and energy that has powered their success so far.
Brighton remains the heart of the operation, with continued hiring and investment in the local community. But there’s more to come. International expansion is firmly on the radar, with new markets being mapped out behind the scenes. “Big moves are coming,” tease Paul and Sam. “But the core values of Altnets – quality service prioritising people – will always remain, regardless of how quickly or how far we expand.”
