11.
CONTRACT NEWS - OPENREACH
Scaling Openreach MDU Delivery
37
Specialist Teams Active
10,000
Homes Passed Per Quarter
60,000
Total Homes Passed Target
(March 2027)
9 Weeks
Training & Buddying Pipeline
With MDU engineers in high demand, Kelly Group has prioritised a robust 
nine-week training pipeline: three weeks of technical accreditation followed 
by six weeks of hands-on “buddying.” This structured onboarding allowed for 
the rapid deployment of seven new 
gangs every three weeks during 
peak mobilisation. 
The results speak for themselves. 
Currently delivering 10,000 homes 
per quarter, the team is set to 
surpass the 30,000-homes-passed 
milestone in its third quarter, a 
critical halfway point as the drive 
continues toward the 60,000-
home target. 
MDU work demands a sophisticated skillset. Every cable route must meet 
strict fire-stopping legislation and high-specification aesthetic standards to 
maintain building integrity. 
“The transition from trial to full regional rollout is a significant milestone,” says 
Steve Owen, Head of Operations. “By combining a controlled ramp-up with 
a rigorous audit regime, we’ve built a scalable model that balances high-volume 
delivery with meticulous technical standards.” 
To maintain these standards at pace, safety is embedded into the daily work-
flow. Field Management teams utilise daily video check-ins for real-time 
oversight, and every completed build undergoes a formal audit through the 
Arena (Openreach) system, creating a traceable record of fire-stopping and 
quality assurance. 
Connecting a Multi-Dwelling Unit (MDU) is a meticulous engineering 
challenge. Unlike standard residential installs, MDU builds require a 
“bottom-up” approach, wiring high-density buildings from external pick-up 
points through complex internal riser systems directly to the customer’s door. 
Following successful London trials, Kelly Group has significantly expanded this 
workstream. Drawing on experience built since 2019, teams have developed 
the trusted landlord relationships and wayleave expertise necessary to navigate 
the planning phase efficiently. Now operating at capacity with 37 specialist 
teams across the North, Midlands, and North Wales, Kelly Group is on track 
to pass 60,000 homes by March 2027. 
Workforce & Quality at Scale
Precision Engineering & 
Fire Safety Compliance

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