James Gibson Fleming
FounderJames Gibson Fleming
James founded Wessex Internet in 2010. He is a keen supporter of local charities and a trustee of the Talbot Village Trust. From 2006 to March 2021 held the role of Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset.
Connected we go further
About Wessex Internet
Connecting the countryside is our top priority
We’re building a full fibre network that connects and serves even the most remote countryside communities.
From Cranborne Chase to the Dorset coast, and South Somerset, to the hidden depths of the New Forest, we're proud to offer our customers broadband the way it should be - fast, reliable and affordable.
Local and proudly independent
As a local and independent business, we have experienced first-hand how the digital divide is affecting the lives and livelihoods of our communities.
Our mission is to ensure that rural communities aren't left behind forever.
Working with communities (not against)
Unlike many internet service providers, we think outside the box, which means we’re able to deliver superfast broadband to places other companies are unable, or unwilling, to go. By building full fibre networks, supported by government investment, we’re able to provide a reliable and future-ready service direct to homes and businesses - no matter how remote.
Our History
Connecting the countryside since 2010
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Where it all began
James Gibson Fleming, who founded Wessex Internet in 2010, and is now chairman, started looking at ways to get a better internet connection to his farm near Blandford, Dorset. He builds his first wireless link to Paradise Wood near Shroton.
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Wessex Internet is born
For the next two years he connected local friends and neighbours with wireless broadband and started to expand across North Dorset, then in 2012 Wessex Internet as a brand was officially born as a joint venture with M12 Solutions. The company begins its journey into fibre by first using the technology as backhaul for its existing wireless masts.
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Major machinery investment
The future is fibre! So Wessex Internet makes its first machinery investment in a Mole Plough. This mighty machine installs full fibre in rural areas across fields and farmland quickly, with minimal disruption and environmental impact.
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Fibre roll out begins
Making the most of its recent machinery investment, Wessex Internet starts to roll out fibre on a large scale across a number of country estates in Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset, including the Rushmore Estate, Fonthill Estate, Ilchester Estate, St. Giles Estate and Langham Farms.
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Celebrating 1,000 customers
A momentous occasion for the company as it welcomes onboard its 1,000th customer who now has fast and reliable broadband thanks to Wessex Internet. With this major milestone under their belt, the number of customers grows rapidly in the following years.
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Celebrating 150 wireless masts
Wessex Internet's wireless service continues to thrive and connect more and more countryside communities to superfast broadband. By 2017 the company has 150 wireless masts across the countryside.
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Transforming the business
With James's son, Hector Gibson Fleming as MD, Wessex Internet is brought altogether under one roof with sales, customer service and technology all based in Dorset. This kickstarted an extensive investment and transformation to focus on full fibre.
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Government Gigabit Broadband Voucher
Wessex Internet becomes one of the first internet service providers to deliver an installation using Government's Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme. We've been working with BDUK from the very beginning to lead the change and connect the countryside.
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Connecting South Somerset
Wessex Internet is contracted by Connecting Devon and Somerset to roll out full fibre broadband to over 3,600 homes and businesses in South Somerset, a vital project for rural communities in the area.
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Work starts to connect market towns
A year of exciting changes at Wessex Internet as the company quickly grows and scales. It launches its new brand highlighting its focus on 'connecting the countryside,' as well as launching a new website, and starting network build in Blandford, the company's first expansion into connecting market towns as well as villages and hamlets.
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Three major contract wins
With three major contract wins in 2022 (including Project Gigabit North Dorset to connect 7,000 homes and businesses) the company rapidly accelerates its full fibre roll out and also reaches the milestone of 5,000 customers.
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Multi award-winning
Wessex Internet has a successful first half of the year winning the government-funded Project Gigabit contract to roll out lightning-fast connectivity to 10,500 homes and businesses in the New Forest, and also scoops two awards, including Overall Provider of the Year at the UK Fibre Awards.
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Two major contract wins
Wessex Internet is awarded by the government two Project Gigabit contracts, one to connect 14,500 homes and businesses in South Wiltshire, the other to deliver full fibre broadband to 21,400 homes and businesses in South and West Dorset and South Somerset.
Where we've connected (so far)
We're connecting new communities every day.
So far, our extensive full fibre network spans the countryside from near Warminster in Wiltshire to Lulworth on the Jurassic Coast. When added to our wireless network of over 150 masts, we can provide a superfast connection to tens of thousands of homes and businesses.
Where we go next is determined by demand, so register your interest and and tell your neighbours too.
Can we
connect you?
Fast
Local
Independent
Reliable
Friendly
Meet the Team
Hector Gibson Fleming
Chief Executive OfficerHector Gibson Fleming
Hector is the CEO of Wessex Internet and has over 10 years’ experience leading growth businesses across EMEA. In his personal life he is a keen photographer and passionate about the countryside.
Ludo Skinner
Managing Director of ConstructionLudo Skinner
Ludo leads the team that manages all things network and build related. He loves the countryside and spends as much time as he can outside. He also enjoys country sports, skiing and sailing.
Gavin Davies
Chief Operations OfficerGavin Davies
Gavin joins us with a wealth of experience in telecoms and utility companies. He's looking forward to working in a more rural environment and being involved in Wessex Internet's ambitious growth plans. He enjoys travelling, is a performance car enthusiast and huge Formula 1 fan.
Geraint Evans
Chief Technology OfficerGeraint Evans
Geraint loves everything tech, whether that’s at home with his 3D printer, or at work where he’s responsible for the engineering of the network and manages internal and external services. He also enjoys walking the dog with his partner and two children.
Juliet Mance
Chief Commercial OfficerJuliet Mance
Juliet brings a wealth of knowledge from the telecommunications and green technology sectors, with a drive to ensure that customers are at the heart of business decisions. Away from work, she enjoys playing in her local netball league and is a keen musician, playing guitar and bass, and now learning to drum.
Emma White
Head of LegalEmma White
Emma heads up the Legal Team at Wessex Internet. She loves walking in the Wessex countryside, playing tennis and being part of the team at Chalke Valley History Festival.
Charlie Richards
Head of SalesCharlie Richards
Charlie heads up the sales team and has experience of selling within many sectors. He loves spending time with his family and enjoys being a social member of his local rugby club.
Tom Spencer
Head of Customer OperationsTom Spencer
Tom manages both the Customer Service and Customer Onboarding teams. He has 18 years of management experience across the utilities sector, including broadband, energy and water. Father to three children, in his spare time Tom enjoys playing rugby and a good quiz!
Chris Jackson-Portlock
Head of Network OperationsChris Jackson-Portlock
Chris is Head of Network Operations, responsible for the Network Operations team who manage and support the network and equipment. He also oversees our IT team, supporting the internal network and keeping our people online. Chris' hobbies include travelling, boxing, music, gaming and fashion. He is passionate about DEI, supporting mental health, neurodiversity and animal welfare.
Adam Holloway
Head of ConnectionsAdam Holloway
Adam heads up our Connections Team, responsible for our Pre-Enablement Teams who deliver our FTTP network from curtilage to termination point. He also oversees our Special Projects Team who plan and deliver smaller and often challenging projects. Out of work, you can find Adam on a weekend city break or surfing a wave somewhere. Other activities include hiking followed by a pint in a country pub.
Paddy Selfe
Build Operations ManagerPaddy Selfe
Paddy has spent the last 10 years in the Army running and working on Operations and has come to Wessex Internet to help grow the network. He grew up in south Dorset and enjoys playing hockey, cricket and riding horses
Katy Davis
HR ManagerKaty Davis
Katy originally joined Wessex Internet in January 2022 as Office Manager; she has since been promoted to HR Manager in March 2024. When she’s not at work, Katy is passionate about cooking, all things horses and she enjoys watching her son play rugby. She has one horse called Rufus and a dog called Pancake!
Alice Evans
Roll Out Funding ManagerAlice Evans
What Alice doesn’t know about roll out funding isn’t worth knowing. The only thing is, if there’s currently a good festival on, she’s probably not in the office!
Ed Carter
Regional Project ManagerEd Carter
Ed originally worked for Wessex Internet as a Team Leader between 2019 and 2020. Having spent 5 years in the Army, he has now returned to the company as Regional Project Manager for Project Gigabit South Wiltshire. When he's not at work, Ed enjoys cycling, fishing and walking his dogs!
Jack Hopcroft
Regional Project ManagerJack Hopcroft
Jack is the Regional Delivery Manager for Dorset including Dorset Type A and Dorset Type B for BDUK. Outside of work, he enjoys playing with his dog, is a petrolhead and loves driving/riding and watching motorsport.
Ben Heath
Regional Community ManagerBen Heath
Ben is our Regional Community Manager for Somerset. Outside of work on most weekends, Ben plays rugby for Sherborne RFC. After a game, he heads down to the local pub for a couple of pints of Guinness! Other interests of his include long country walks and going to the gym.
Christine O'Grady
Regional Community ManagerChristine O'Grady
Christine is our Regional Community Manager for Dorset. Outside of work in her spare time, she loves to explore the Dorset Coast after many years living in London. She also really enjoys going to the theatre and is a huge 70’s and 80’s music fan.
Paul Cleary
Regional Community ManagerPaul Cleary
Paul is our Regional Community Manager for Wiltshire, having already been involved with the company as a Rural Planner in Somerset. Prior to this he lived in Tuscany for over 20 years, and was a partner in a property business. Outside work he enjoys music and sport, and long dog walks with his family.
Vicky Missen
Senior Engagement ManagerVicky Missen
Vicky Missen is our Senior Engagement Manager who oversees the Community Engagement team. Outside of work, quality time with her family is important to her. Her hobbies include walking, spinning and horse riding.
Robyn McGhee
Customer Onboarding Team LeaderRobyn McGhee
Robyn joined the Wessex Internet team back in November 2018 and is one of the Team Leaders for our Customer Onboarding Team. Outside of work, she enjoys having a glass of rosé wine (large of course!) at her local pub, plus she loves going shopping and socialising with friends.
TC Thompson
Customer Onboarding Team LeaderTC Thompson
TC is one of our Customer Onboarding Team Leaders. Outside of work, she loves exercising and exploring the great outdoors with her family. She enjoys reading and the key to her heart is a jam donut!
Maddie Standing-Gill
Sales Team LeaderMaddie Standing-Gill
Maddie joined Wessex Internet in February 2024, initially as a Sales Advisor but has now been promoted to Sales Team Leader. When she’s not at work, Maddie spends her time horse riding and has her own horse called Milo. Other hobbies include hockey, running and a good country dog walk on the weekends.
Alex Pearson
Customer Support Team LeaderAlex Pearson
Alex joined the Wessex Internet team as a Customer Support Advisor back in August 2023, he has since been promoted and is now Customer Support Team Leader. Alex claims to be an avid cheese enthusiast, heavy metal and Disney songs lover and his favourite colour is orange.
Graham Merritt
Network Support Team LeaderGraham Merritt
Graham our Network Support Team Leader, helps to manage the workload between the Customer Support and the NOC team. His hobbies outside of work are playing video games, playing D&D, driving and football!
Joe Welch
Fibre Network ArchitectJoe Welch
When he’s not drinking tea, Joe is our Fibre Network Architect, responsible for designing the passive core and distribution network. Outside of work, he’s a keen cricketer and badminton player, plus a huge fan of films.
Ivan Ivanov
Senior Network ArchitectIvan Ivanov
Ivan has worked for us since 2017 and is responsible for our network designs. He loves to ride motorbikes, repair electronics and learn things about new technologies. He also enjoys a good whisky.
Stefan Shivachev
2nd line Tech SupportStefan Shivachev
Stefan is a member of our Technical Support Team and enjoys playing 5-a-side.
Abraam Hatjiosef
Direct Sales AgentAbraam Hatjiosef
You may recognise Abraam as one of our Direct Sales Agents. When he’s not working, Abraam spends quality time with his friends and family. He’s an avid football fan, watching a lot of premier and champions league - especially when Liverpool is involved!
Benn Gaiter
Direct Sales AgentBenn Gaiter
Benn is one of our Direct Sales Agents. Outside of work, he’s a dedicated family man with four children and two dogs. In his own time, he enjoys indoor football, paddleboarding, golf and discovering the delights of what Dorset has to offer.
Graham Eames
Direct Sales AgentGraham Eames
Graham is one of our Direct Sales Agents. Outside of work, he is a very keen cricketer and rugby fan. He also spends his spare time walking his 3 beautiful spaniels and relaxing with a good book.
Zara Brown
Direct Sales AgentZara Brown
Zara is one of our Direct Sales Agents. She leads a busy lifestyle outside of work, looking after her family alongside various animals including a horse, pony, nine ducks, one chicken and four dogs! Zara enjoys mountain climbing and her favourite tipple is a vodka martini.
Robin Churchill
Direct Sales AgentRobin Churchill
You may recognise Robin as one of our Direct Sales Agents. Outside of work, Robin enjoys mountain biking, skiing and is partial to a red wine. He is currently learning how to garden to encourage biodiversity, especially on bee population.