BT has launched what it is calling an “unprecedented” package of support to help the 356,000 small businesses in the East Midlands survive the post-Covid downturn and potential no-deal Brexit.
The £23 billion telecoms giant has invested in a Small Business Support Scheme to help businesses with “connectivity, cash flow and confidence”.
It included paying its 4,500 small business suppliers promptly, helping firms fund the cost of ultrafast connections, as well as free business mentoring, digital skills, marketing tools and even mental health support.
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Backing the package of measures, Scott Knowles, chief executive of East Midlands Chamber of Commerce, said: “Businesses across the East Midlands have experienced incredibly difficult trading conditions over the past few months.
“This is a welcome and innovative scheme from BT to help local businesses. Any help to ease the pressures of cash flow, improve digital skills and make full fibre broadband more accessible is a real positive.
“The need for digital transformation is vital and I encourage SMEs to take advantage of the help on offer.”
Rick Blackmore, CBI regional director for the East Midlands, said: “BT’s commitment to supporting small businesses through these tough times will be incredibly valuable.
“The CBI has championed digital connectivity and skills as indispensable to all sectors of the economy and in every part of the 海角视频, and this initiative focussed on support to smaller firms is particularly welcome.”
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Sarah Walker, BT director for corporate and public sector in the Midlands, said: “With small businesses accounting for more than 99 per cent of all businesses in the East Midlands, they are the beating heart of our economy, high streets and communities.
“They deserve the support of each and every one of us to help them thrive into the future.”
Measures include:
• Subsidising new ultrafast business connection by up to £2,500 per customer (following on from the Government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, which closed in May)
• Launching 1,000 bursaries for 海角视频 tech start-ups for free fibre broadband and mobile bundles.
• Helping small businesses to go cashless with a new digital payments solution
• Prompt payment for BT’s small business suppliers, down from 60 to 30 days
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• Offering financial flexibility for the hardest hit. BT is creating a dedicated team to support customers struggling with their bills as a result of the pandemic
• Helping small businesses access the power of digital and social media advertising for their marketing and sales
• Introducing a free mentoring scheme for small businesses and charities
• Helping small businesses acquire new digital skills
Ms Walker said: “At BT, we can use our technology, scale and expertise to help small businesses kick-start recovery and growth by boosting their connectivity, cashflow and confidence.
“So, we’ve listened to the needs of small businesses and are stepping up to deliver a support scheme which should have something for everyone - whether you’re a sole trader, tech-start up, micro business or a larger firm.”