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More than 90% of businesses in Greater Manchester diversified their products and services as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to new research released by TalkTalk.

The Salford-headquartered telecoms giant said 93% of firms made the move while 73% of owners in the region believe their companies wouldn’t have survived the pandemic if they had not reviewed their business model and diversified.

To keep their business afloat and survive the pandemic, 75% of owners increased their business’ online presence during the past year, with 30% saying they have done so significantly.

TalkTalk added that from increasing social media presence (33%) to creating a new click and collect service (28%), as well as a transactional website (25%), or working virtually with clients (27%) broadband has been "instrumental" to Greater Manchester businesses over the past 18 months.

As a result of diversifying, some businesses have been able to create more jobs with 41% of businesses having done so over the last year and a half.

Jonathan Kini, managing director of TalkTalk Direct Business and Consumer, said: "The last year has undoubtedly been a challenge for businesses across Greater Manchester, with many having to digitally diversify in order to stay ahead of the curve.

"This has placed an even greater focus on the need for ultrafast, ultra-reliable connectivity that’s affordable.

"With this in mind we’ve been ramping up our full fibre expansion programme so that hundreds of thousands of businesses and homes across Greater Manchester can benefit from the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's latest fibre technology."