Nexfibre has revealed plans for a major broadband upgrade with the multimillion investment in digital infrastructure in the area.

The wholesale full-fibre network provider acquired Netomnia earlier this year, and the deal will give Oxford residents faster access to full-fibre broadband.

This fibre network will be available to all internet service providers, ensuring local people have a wide choice of broadband services.

READ MORE: Asda responds as UK drivers hit with fuel station shortages

Following approval, homes and businesses connected to Virgin Media O2’s network will be upgraded to full-fibre connectivity.

Rajiv Datta, Chief Executive Officer of Nexfibre, said:  “We are committed to delivering high-quality connectivity to everyone across the country.

“Full-fibre broadband is a crucial driver of economic growth, and our investment in Oxford will help deliver better access to education, jobs, and opportunities that can transform lives and uplift entire communities.”

The transaction as a whole is said to be unlocking £3.5bn of international investment, providing a boost to the UK economy, as well as ensuring millions of network upgrades take place across the country.

READ MORE: IKEA issues statement on plans for new store in Oxfordshire

As part of its broader investment in the area, Nexfibre also partners with UK Youth to offer free full-fibre broadband to youth centres across the UK to help tackle digital poverty.

Access to quality full-fibre broadband and better connectivity is critical to boosting the prospects of disadvantaged young people and stoking economic growth.

Up to seven youth centres in Oxford could benefit from the partnership.

Nexfibre’s network currently covers more than 2.6 million premises across the UK, and the combined network’s full-fibre footprint is expected to reach around 8 million premises by the end of 2027.

GoCardless has published research indicating that most UK recurring-revenue businesses view commercial Variable Recurring Payments as their preferred alternative to legacy payment methods. The findings indicate strong interest among businesses in sectors expected to be included in the initial rollout.

The study surveyed 489 UK business leaders at companies that accept recurring payments and found broad frustration with existing systems, especially cards. Nearly three-quarters, or 73%, reported ongoing pain points with card payments, while 42% said they spend more than three hours each week dealing with related issues.

According to the research, card-related administration, fraud and other overheads cost merchants an average of 3.5% of monthly revenue. GoCardless presents commercial VRPs that use open banking infrastructure for recurring payments as a possible solution for industries such as utilities, financial services, and telecommunications.

Card friction

The figures highlight the operational burden on businesses that rely on recurring billing. Time spent resolving failed payments, handling card expiry and managing fraud checks can affect revenue collection and customer retention, particularly in sectors where regular billing is central to the business model.

Among decision-makers in the first phase of the commercial VRP rollout, 89% said the technology would significantly improve cash flow. Another 91% expected it to reduce operational costs.

The initial phase is focused on regulated and lower-risk sectors, including utilities, financial services, insurance, government, charities, and rail and travel. A later phase is expected to extend to broader eCommerce, retail and digital subscription markets.

The survey also found that 49% intend to be early adopters of commercial VRPs. This suggests many companies are willing to move quickly if the product is available through familiar payment channels and supported by banks.

Adoption conditions

The findings also point to practical concerns around execution. When asked what would encourage adoption or greater use of open banking payments, 41% of businesses cited access through their existing payment provider, while the same share pointed to wider consumer bank coverage.

This suggests demand may depend less on awareness than on delivery. Businesses appear to want a route into commercial VRPs that does not require major changes to their payment operations, along with confidence that enough banks will support the payment method.

A separate survey of 2,000 UK adults suggested there is also consumer interest, particularly among younger users. Overall, 38% of respondents said they were open to using the technology, rising to 60% among Gen Z.

Interest was strongest for essential household services. Some 46% said they would be willing to use commercial VRPs for energy bills, while 35% said the same for telecoms payments.

Industry shift

The research comes as regulators and industry participants work through a phased introduction of commercial VRPs in the UK. Supporters see the model as a way for consumers to authorise recurring bank-to-bank payments with more flexibility than traditional direct debit arrangements, although the rollout remains limited to selected sectors at this stage.

For providers of recurring services, the appeal lies in reducing failed collections and reliance on card networks. For consumers, the pitch is direct account-based payments for regular bills and subscriptions, though broad uptake will depend on trust, bank participation and ease of use.

Shaun Puckrin outlined GoCardless’s view of the market in a statement accompanying the findings.

“The numbers don’t lie: the era of settling for high-friction, legacy payment methods is over. We’re seeing openness and demand from both sides of the checkout for a more intelligent, bank-led alternative. As a company that has specialised in bank payments for 15 years, it’s incredibly exciting to see the industry catching up and working together in the live testing phase to prove out commercial VRPs and we’re confident that our solution, Recurring Pay by Bank, makes adoption viable and highly effective today,” said Shaun Puckrin, Chief Product Officer, GoCardless.

Autostructures UK, which is based in Telford, appointed administrators towards the end of March.

It worked as a supplier for JCB for 30 years, providing over 22,000 chassis frames and helping the company make the world’s fastest tractor.

They helped design and manufacture specialised wheel components for its Fastrac model, which can reach a peak speed of 153.771mph.

Autostructures UK worked as a supplier for JCB (Image: Getty Images)

Companies House states it was incorporated on March 10, 1958, initially being known as Alexander Socket Screws Limited.

A notice on Autostructures UK’s website states: “Christopher Pole, Ryan Grant and Sam Birchall were appointed Joint Administrators of Moveero Ltd – in Administration (the ‘Company’) on 25 March 2026. 

“The affairs, business and property of the Companies are being managed by the Joint Administrators. 

“Christopher Pole, Ryan Grant and Sam Birchall are authorised to act as insolvency practitioners by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.” 

Why has Autostructures UK gone into administration?

Moveero Ltd is the parent company of Autostructures UK, which manufactures construction vehicles, as well as wheels, rims and hubs for farming.

Administrators Interpath shared that the Moveero group continues to operate profitably, with the rest of the group’s businesses in the US and Denmark not affected by the administration in the UK.

It explained that the business based in the UK had faced major operational challenges due to a weakened off‑highway market, downward pricing pressure and competition from rivals.

In a statement, Interpath said: “As a result of these ongoing challenges, the directors of the businesses have taken steps to protect the interests of creditors by appointing administrators.

Recommended reading:

“This will allow the UK businesses to continue trading while buyers for the businesses and their assets are pursued, with all staff retained during this period.”

David Geraghty, CEO of Moveero, said: “Against a difficult economic backdrop, we have worked tirelessly over the past 12 months to improve the financial performance of the UK business.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of our brilliant team and also the support of our customers who have provided us with funding in recent days which has given us the additional time we need to continue to explore the options available.”

Have you noticed an increased number of businesses closing or going into administration in your area this year? Let us know in the comments.