Chief Executive Statement

Thank you for visiting our website. As it will show you, Geo is a unique, highly successful and fast growing business.

We own the highest quality and most reliable optical fibre network in the UK built next to the national mains gas pipeline and connecting all major commercial centres. We also own the most reliable optical fibre network in the capital – buried deep in the city’s sewer system.

We use these assets, together with large new civil engineering projects and partner networks, to deliver bespoke data solutions to some of the UK’s largest and most demanding organisations. From Carphone Warehouse’s broadband network to building a brand new optical fibre network for the Welsh Assembly Government’s FibreSpeed project, Geo is at the leading edge of the UK’s data networking industry.

However, this is only part of the story. We understand that data networks are the backbone of modern businesses. Geo approaches its customers by finding out what they require – and then designing a solution to fit. Large organisations have different requirements from their networks and a “one size fits all” product-based approach is wrong.

We also believe that there is a fundamental difference between the infrastructure required for modern data networks and the electronic equipment used to operate it.

High quality optical fibre, space, environmental management systems, power are all forms of real estate (or related services) and have long-term value to our customers. We want them to be free to exploit and change the use of these assets over time as they wish – hence our strap line “Own Your Network”.

Optical transmission equipment, on the other hand, is the difficult part. How the fibre is “lit” and the services that run over it represent a constantly changing and complex equation. On average, whatever is chosen today will need upgrading or changing in two or three years time – such is the constant state of growth and change in large organisations’ and consumers’ use of data services.

The solution? Long term leases of the underlying infrastructure with high quality engagement by expert network engineers on the best transmission design – on day one and when needed in the future.

Unlike other companies, Geo will happily offer separately any of the component parts required for a data network. Our customers often have significant expertise of their own in data networking and sometimes choose to take on some or all of the design, installation or running of their own transmission equipment – based on Geo’s first class infrastructure.

2007 was a very important year for Geo. As well as continuing our rapid growth, we started a landmark relationship with the Welsh Assembly Government, successfully delivered several major new national networks and our new London business, Geo.Metro, enjoyed a great start.

On top of this, I am delighted that our success to date was recognised through the acquisition of the business in February 2008 by Alchemy Partners LLP. Led by Managing Partner, Jon Moulton, Alchemy was formed in January 1997.  Since then, it has advised on over 100 transactions which have completed with more than £1.9 billion of equity invested to date. With the backing of such a significant and committed investor, I am confident that Geo can continue to grow and prosper in 2008 and beyond.

Of course, none of these achievements are possible without the faith shown in Geo by its growing list of customers and the passion and commitment displayed every day by the people who make Geo what it is. Thank you to both.

Chris Smedley

Co-Founder and Chief Executive