At Clarke Willmott, our role in the community extends far beyond delivering successful transactions. We are committed to helping projects that create long‑term social, economic, and environmental value for the people and places we serve. Whether supporting social mobility, advancing sustainability initiatives, or partnering with clients whose missions align with positive impact, we take pride in using our legal expertise to help shape outcomes that matter. Our ESG strategy reflects this commitment, ensuring the work we do contributes meaningfully to stronger, more resilient communities.
A recent example of this purpose‑driven approach is our work with Triodos Bank UK, the ethical lender known for financing organisations that deliver social and environmental benefit. We were delighted to advise Triodos on its funding package for Broadband for the Rural North (B4RN), a pioneering community benefit society connecting some of the UK’s most isolated rural communities with full‑fibre, high‑speed broadband.
The project has also received national media attention, including recent coverage by BBC News highlighting the community‑led broadband rollout in Lazonby.
B4RN’s model, powered by local volunteers, landowners and community investors, brings digital connectivity to areas long overlooked by mainstream providers. With over 15,000 customers already connected and plans to reach more than 20,000 within five years, the new funding will help the organisation expand into underserved parts of the North and North East, including Northumberland and County Durham.
Partners Bethan Evans and Fraser MacRae, supported by Harvinder Kandola, Ayesha Davies and Sarah Mogford, advised Triodos Bank on negotiating the finance documents, structuring, due diligence, and security.
Reflecting on the project, Bethan Evans said: “We are delighted to support long‑standing client Triodos Bank in this important deal providing finance to B4RN, a project that makes a real difference to rural communities and aligns closely with our commitment to socially responsible and sustainable initiatives. The project also demonstrates how collaboration between banks, volunteers and local stakeholders can create lasting social and economic benefits in areas often overlooked by traditional providers.”
This work highlights the role Clarke Willmott plays not only in completing complex legal transactions, but in enabling clients to deliver high‑impact, community‑focused projects. From sustainable finance to social value partnerships, our teams are proud to help organisations turn purposeful ambitions into tangible outcomes for the communities they serve.
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