Sky Business joins Technology Supply Chain as patron

Sky Business has joined Technology Supply Chain (TSC) as a patron, adding the telecoms and connectivity provider to a UK-wide membership network focused on manufacturing, engineering, technology and life sciences.

The partnership links Sky's business-to-business arm with the Birmingham-based membership organisation, which works with more than 5,500 member organisations across the UK.

Sky Business provides connectivity and communications services to organisations, including broadband and full-fibre connectivity, Ethernet, managed WiFi, cloud voice, SIM-only plans and phone systems. It said the patron role reflects its focus on supporting firms across industrial and technology-led sectors.

TSC positions itself as a connector for companies seeking commercial opportunities and support with innovation. Its programme includes events, specialist briefings and introductions to potential partners, alongside guidance on grants and funding routes. Founded in 2019, it has expanded to include businesses of different sizes.

Sector focus

The patron arrangement places Sky Business within TSC's year-round membership programme. Sky Business will also join the judging panel for TSC's annual Innovation Awards.

TSC chief executive Dr Richard Fallon said the relationship reflects a wider shift in how industrial businesses view digital infrastructure as essential for operations and collaboration.

"Sky Business joining us as a Patron underlines the importance of connectivity and digital capability in unlocking growth for UK manufacturing, engineering, tech and life sciences sectors. "Our mission is to support businesses with new opportunities, funding and strategic connections. Having Sky Business on board helps us in this aim and adds meaningful value to all our members," said Dr Richard Fallon, chief executive of Technology Supply Chain.

Connectivity has become a bigger priority for manufacturers and their supply chains, which increasingly depend on real-time visibility, distributed operations and secure access to digital services. For many firms, network upgrades sit alongside wider programmes for automation and cloud-based tools.

Sky Business sales director for mid-market and enterprise Ian Hoddle said resilience and future-readiness are key priorities for supply chains.

"Modern supply chains rely on efficient, resilient and future-ready connectivity. We're excited to partner with Technology Supply Chain to support its members with the tools and services they need to innovate, scale and succeed in a rapidly evolving business landscape," said Ian Hoddle, sales director for mid-market and enterprise at Sky Business.

Network effects

The partnership was also welcomed by One Thousand Trades Group, the Birmingham-based organisation that counts TSC as part of its portfolio. The group brings together brands and programmes spanning events, communications and business support.

Group chief executive Paul Cadman said the arrangement benefits both sides, including providing Sky Business with a route to reach different parts of the market.

"Sky Business coming on board is great for them and great for us. It boosts TSC's capability. And it gives Sky Business great opportunities to reach new markets and previously untapped parts of existing ones," said Paul Cadman.

For membership organisations such as TSC, adding a large national provider can broaden the commercial services available to members through events and partner activity. For service providers, patron and partner roles can help build relationships in sector communities that are often fragmented across regions and specialisms.

Sky Business is Sky's B2B division and sits within Comcast. Alongside communications services, it also supplies television and live sport packages for commercial premises, which can form part of a wider offer to hospitality, leisure and other customer-facing sectors.

TSC's membership includes manufacturers, engineering firms and technology businesses, as well as organisations in life sciences. The network model gives companies a route to introductions, collaborations and structured engagement with innovation programmes.

Over the coming year, Sky Business will take part in TSC's events programme and contribute to Innovation Awards judging as TSC continues to expand activity across UK industrial and technology sectors.