Company overview
AllPoints Fibre Network (APFN) is a future-ready network wholesaler, driving the UK’s full fibre evolution with fresh thinking and genuine innovation.
Behind the scenes in its Reading, Fareham and Essex offices, APFN designs, builds and operates high-speed full fibre broadband infrastructure that connects directly to businesses and homes. This enables faster, more reliable connectivity, empowering Internet Service Providers to deliver high-quality broadband services across the UK.
Service is a core strategic pillar and this is reflected in APFN’s strong customer-driven approach. The company focuses on delivering a frictionless onboarding experience, making it easy for customers to get up and running without any issues or unnecessary hurdles.
Background
Framework Training’s collaboration with APFN began in March 2025. The company engaged us to provide technical training in preparation for its major launch of aquila. We delivered bespoke workshops on Grafana and Camunda; equipping learners with specialist, in-demand skills to analyse data and metrics and automate business processes and workflows.
The timing and tailored content of the workshops proved integral to the success of the launch, and APFN had a positive experience. This marked the beginning of an exciting new partnership.
Business need
We were delighted to be approached again for further technical training support. Our Technical Director, Tom Walker, connected with Stephen Flaherty (Learning Partner at APFN) and Terry Pearce (L&D Manager and department head at APFN), to understand their specific requirements.
APFN was originally interested in developing a programme focused on Excel, Power BI and Data Essentials (before it developed into broader areas) for teams with limited formal exposure to the platforms and concepts. The initiative also included colleagues across operations, accounts and other essential back-office support functions.
Given APFN is a highly data-driven organisation with multiple teams focused exclusively on data analysis, they had specific business needs in mind:
Raise awareness of the importance of, and develop skills in data analysis.
Enhance skill levels and close learning gaps, particularly for colleagues who use the tools daily.
Improve efficiency in communication and decision-making when working with Excel.
This called for a tailored solution that went beyond a standard, off-the-shelf package, combining a more detailed solution for data analysis with an interactive, hands-on workshop.
Scoping phase
During initial scoping discussions, Tom had several conversations with Stephen to gain a clear understanding of APFN’s business needs, starting skill levels and learning goals. His objective was to fully grasp the purpose behind the training and the impact it would have on completion, especially as Stephen was also participating as a learner.
Tom and the team reviewed several course syllabus iterations while refining their understanding of the requirements to ensure a thorough approach.
Solution
Framework Training delivered a programme of customised workshops to learners at APFN in January 2026 via MS Teams. Originally, the company had planned a one-day Excel workshop and one half-day workshop on data analysis. However, strong interest and high engagement led to the following delivery which demonstrated the value and relevance of the training to learners:
Intermediate Excel Techniques Workshop: focusing on interactive, practical exercises covering intermediate-to-advanced techniques.
Data Analysis Workshop: exploring hands-on topics (Analysis and Visualisation) and more theoretical concepts including Data Quality, Governance, Privacy and Ethics.
Feedback
Stephen has shared some highly positive feedback in the following areas.
A warm, approachable team
He was particularly impressed by the friendly and authentic interactions he had with the Framework Training team, which made him feel highly valued as a customer. Tom’s thoughtful approach during scoping and his diligence throughout, combined with a commitment to continuous improvement and investment in APFN’s success, meant every interaction felt genuinely collaborative and never transactional.
Responses from our Office Manager, Paula, were consistently helpful and always lightning-fast (just like APFN’s broadband technology!) Stephen said:
“Paula was incredibly fast to answer every question I had. Usually with companies, you have to wait a day or two, but I heard back within minutes!”
Commitment to Excellence
After the first Intermediate Excel Techniques Workshop, Tom scheduled a follow-up review call with the team to gather any suggestions for improvement. Based on this helpful feedback, we refined the second Data Analysis Workshop to take a more hands-on approach, with less focus on theory. Stephen appreciated the changes implemented and was impressed with our willingness to adapt. This highlighted our commitment to the partnership, and our authenticity and focus on providing real value.
Connection with the trainer
The team at APFN found our trainer, Lara, to be highly experienced with thorough and up-to-date knowledge of Microsoft tools, Excel and data analysis. She explained concepts clearly, ensuring learners fully understood the workshop content. She took the time to respond to all questions fully, made the content fun and interesting, and her charisma and humour kept learners engaged throughout the workshops. Stephen said:
“You could tell Lara was a very good facilitator. She took the time to go through things in detail, by no means speeding through any of the subjects. She answered all the questions immediately, making sure that everyone had an understanding of the content. She was a great trainer!”
Interactive learning content
Interactive workshops, a practical structure and materials provided in advance made the overall learning experience truly impactful. After learning a formula and being guided through a task by Lara, the group had the chance to try it themselves. This approach contrasts with typical online courses, where learners watch demonstrations without applying the skills in real time. Stephen fed back that one aspect that really stood out was the interactivity of the course. He said:
“It really helped embed the things Lara was teaching. There was loads of interactivity, plus a really detailed explanation for things, and it was very effective for people to see Lara doing an exercise and then do it themselves.”
Lara kept the learners actively engaged in the process with interactive exercises. This reinforced understanding, built confidence and encouraged immediate practice rather than relying on self-motivation to apply the concepts later.
Impact
Learners have immediately put their new skills to work, mastering efficient Excel shortcuts and formulas, and even colleagues with extensive experience of Excel gained valuable new insights. These changes have had a tangible impact, saving time and boosting efficiency. For APFN, a fast-paced company that values curiosity, ambition and a get-things-done attitude, this aligns perfectly.
If a relevant business need comes up, APFN indicated they would partner with us again without hesitation and Framework Training would be their first choice.
Stephen expressed his gratitude to Lara, Paula and Tom for making the experience so seamless and enjoyable. We are thrilled to hear this!
With our thanks to Stephen Flaherty, Learning Partner at AllPoints Fibre Network for his invaluable input and contribution towards this case study.