About
Global Connectivity PLC

Overview:

Global Connectivity PLC is prioritising high speed connectivity within rural communities through the implementation of hybrid infrastructure that will bridge the gap between deep rural and urban edges. With the continual advancements in wireless technologies, its hybrid solutions will deliver ultrafast, gigabit capable and 5G ready connectivity into deep rural communities in a scalable and efficient manner. Global Connectivity PLC is prioritising rural connectivity whilst creating a blueprint for deep rural communities across the UK.

Incorporation:

The Company was incorporated as South African Property Opportunities plc as a public limited company in the Isle of Man under the Isle of Man Companies Acts 1931-2004, with registered number 117001C on 27 June 2006. On 7 January 2011, with the approval of shareholders in general meeting, the Company was re-registered as a company limited by shares under the IOM Act with registered number 006491V. On 6 December 2018, the Company changed its name to SAPO plc. On 19 December 2020, the Company changed its name to Rural Broadband Solutions Plc.

The Company’s registered office and its principal place of business are in the Isle of Man and are located at Exchange House, 54-62 Athol Street, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 1JD.

The principal legislation under which the Company operates is the Isle of Man Act and the regulations made thereunder.

Updates:

RBBS has completed its acquisition of Secure Web Services Ltd (SWS Broadband).  The first in an integration programme of Alternative Networks (Altnets) to create a UK wide wholesale network offering future proof access to the hardest to reach properties.

THE BOARD & MANAGEMENT

 

Directors

Keith Harris

Executive Chairman

Investment banker and financier with over 35 years' experience within private and public companies in a variety of business sectors. 

Senior executive positions at leading financial institutions including Morgan Grenfell, Drexel Burnham, HSBC Investment Bank and Seymour Pierce Holdings. 

In his various roles, Dr. Harris has been an advisor and principal in many high-profile debt and equity issues as well as complex cross-border merger and acquisition transactions. 

Since 2013 has concentrated on developing his consultancy business, principally focusing on advising and financing football clubs as well as becoming chairman of a NASDAQ listed gene therapy company.


Selwyn Lewis 

Non Executive Director

25 years' experience within London’s banking and financial services industry (focusing on emerging markets, and then trading in distressed debt instruments issued by third world countries / banks). 

Strong track record in structuring a number of significant debt buy-back programms, major investments through debt/equity conversions, and many other inventive uses of this distressed debt.

Currently Chairman of Treble Group - a Cape Town based sports marketing business which services a number of blue chip clients.

Direct advisory positions to a number of blue chip sporting institutions including Manchester United and Springbok Rugby.


Michael Langoulant 

Non Executive Director

Chartered Accountant, corporate and financial advisor who specialises in providing corporate financial services to public companies. 

30 years’ experience in public company M&A, corporate administration and fundraising.

Acted as finance director, CFO, company secretary and non-executive director with a number of publicly listed companies. 

Former Chairman of ASX listed White Cliff Minerals Limited. 


Senior Management

Christopher New 

Chief Strategist & Technical Officer

Software Engineer, Big Data and Network Designer with over 30 years' commercial experience in designing and implementing solutions for the IT and Telecoms Sectors.

Designed and implemented national data cleansing and pricing model solutions for BT.

Designed and implemented International data acquisition and analysis solutions for BAE Systems.

Designed and implemented Big Data platform and framework for international E-commerce, SCADA and IoT.

Conceived and implemented the SWS network and organically grown over the past 15 years. 


Simon Hersh 

Chief Financial Officer

Experienced Financial Director / CFO and corporate finance specialist with extensive micro accounting experience across the entrepreneurial SME sector.  

Broad experience in company restructurings, mergers, acquisitions, and fund raisings over the last three decades. Corporate finance experience also includes business planning, financial modelling and due diligence.

Specialist sector knowledge includes: IT products and services to schools, Specialist Pharmaceutical Consultancy, Media and Debt management. 

Access to a wider team with expertise in financial modelling and forensics.