KCOM answers DIY SOS on national TV

When the BBC sent out a DIY SOS to help build a vital new community centre for kids in Beverley – KCOM answered the call in style.

Dozens of KCOM volunteers took part in building the new Cherry Tree Youth Hub (CTYH) from scratch in five days during summer 2025, joining other local firms and tradesmen helping to make the project a reality.

Jessica Paddison, Business Operation Team Leader  who helped connect the centre to KCOM’s ultrafast, resilient, broadband network, said taking part had been “an incredible” experience.

She said: “It’s been the best project I’ve ever worked on – and I’ve done quite a few projects in my time at KCOM. It was just a field at the beginning, so we had to put all the network in – design all that and assemble a team to put it together. It was a big job, but the guys did brilliantly to pull it together.”

KCOM Client Services Manager Andy Mason, said: “When we first found out DIY SOS was coming to Beverley we reached out to the guys from the Cherry Tree and, when we found out what they needed, we pitched our ideas to the BBC and it was full steam ahead - let’s go for it!”

Fellow volunteer Ben Hay, an account manager, said: “Seeing the injection of time and resource for a project like this was something to be really proud of.

“To be part of something where everyone equally chips in for a common cause was very satisfying. I'm beyond proud of the business we work for, to see this commitment to community and people we serve is inspiring. It was a huge privilege to be able to take part and the result gets a big thumbs up from me.” 

KCOM took part in the project alongside Nick Knowles and his team as well as some heavyweight guest volunteers in the shape of TV’s Gladiators, who provided some much needed muscle.

CTYH manager Jo Ramsay said: “The Cherry Tree Centre was set up in the early 90s to meet the needs of the community and surrounding East Riding. But after Covid there was nowhere for the youth club to go. The one of our volunteers contacted the BBC’s DIY SOS and Nick Knowles came and he said “yes!”. Six weeks after that the build took place and it was a whirlwind.

“KCOM have been absolutely fantastic, installing the Wi-Fi – making sure we’ve got it and it’s accessible. It will make such a difference to the kids because that’s what they want. It’s better than we could ever have imagined.”

You can watch our video about what it was like to take part in the project here – and what it means for local people here.