Colleagues from across the company have begun moving into the multi-million-pound Endeavour building, based at Sheffield’s Digital Campus, which will serve as BT Group’s new South Yorkshire base for up to 1,000 employees.

The seven-storey, 65,000 sq ft office will be home to colleagues from across the company’s functions including its Consumer and Business divisions. It will also become the primary base for employees from Sheffield-founded company Plusnet, which has been part of BT Group since 2006.

The tech and telecommunications firm announced its plans to take up residence at Endeavour in September 2022 with developers formally handing over the building to the company in August last year.

The building, which has been fitted out with state-of-the-art equipment, features collaborative workspaces and a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of the Steel City’s skyline.

Endeavour forms part of BT Group’s Better Workplace Programme, one of the largest workplace improvement and consolidation schemes of its type ever undertaken in the UK.

Brent Mathews, Property Director at BT Group, said: “Sheffield is an important strategic location for BT Group, and opening this office in the heart of the city allows us to provide a state-of-the-art building for our colleagues based here.

“Our Better Workplace Programme was designed to ensure our colleagues work in future-fit buildings they can be proud of and Endeavour embodies that perfectly.

“While the past few years have seen changes to work patterns and increased flexibility, offices remain an integral part of our way of working, allowing us to bring colleagues together to collaborate, and to support economic growth in our key locations.”

The opening of the new Sheffield site follows the multi-million-pound refurbishment of BT Group’s Doncaster Contact Centre which was completed in 2021.

An independent report shows that BT Group contributes an economic boost of more than £1.1 billion to the Yorkshire region. It is also responsible for £1 in every £170 generated across Yorkshire and the Humber. BT Group employs over 6,700 people across the region, including around 1,900 in Sheffield.

Louise Brown, General Manager at Sheffield-founded Plusnet, part of BT Group, said: “As a business founded in Sheffield, the city is an integral part of our story and this new home for our colleagues is a fitting mark of how important it is to us and the rest of BT Group.

“The Digital Campus serves as the ideal location for this new office, in a hub of innovation and creativity which continues to contribute to Sheffield’s growing technology scene.”

BT has today announced plans to roll out its new home phone service, Digital Voice, across Greater London during November and December.

Having already started the regional rollout of Digital Voice in the East Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, Northern Ireland and the North West, BT will now focus efforts on engaging with communities across the nation’s capital.

An industry-wide shift from analogue to digital landlines will see BT and many other telecoms operators in the UK provide services over a broadband line, similar to work taking place in many other countries around the world. 

This once-in-a-generation upgrade to future-proof the UK’s landlines is essential and will replace technology that is fast becoming obsolete. The landline is here to stay, and for the majority of customers, making the switch simply involves plugging your phone into a broadband router instead of into a wall-mounted phone socket, bringing new benefits such as advanced spam call blocking. 

Customers in Greater London will be contacted at least four weeks in advance before making the switch, to ensure they are ready to move to Digital Voice. For almost all customers, Digital Voice will have no impact on how they use their home phone. They’ll still have the same service, and price plan and bills will stay the same. In addition, more than 99% of phone handsets work with Digital Voice and for those that won’t, BT has a range of handsets that customers can order. 

Vicky Hicks, Senior Engagement Manager at BT, said: “BT customers in Greater London will benefit from a tried and tested service, with around two million BT customers already having made the switch and benefitting from the many advantages of digital home phones from advanced scam call filtering capabilities to crystal-clear call audio. 

“For almost everyone, moving to Digital Voice will be a simple and free transition with no home installation work required. If you feel you need additional support with the transition or you think you are vulnerable, please do tell us. We will be with you every step of the way.” 

BT won’t be proactively switching anyone who falls under the below criteria, where it has this information available:

• Customers with a healthcare pendant
• Customers who only use landlines
• Customers with no mobile signal
• Customers who have disclosed any additional needs.

Customers who fall into any of these categories should contact BT to ensure their data is up to date.

Customers over the age of 70 are not initially being proactively switched to Digital Voice. However, since July 2023, BT has been trialling switching customers between 70-74 who live in urban areas and are ready to make the switch, i.e. they have the latest broadband hub and are not frequent landline users. These trials have gone well to date, with 98% of customers choosing to make the switch.

Engaging with the Greater London community 

BT’s regional approach will be supported by general awareness communications, and advertising campaigns, delivered across local, regional and national media to explain to customers the simple steps required to make the move to Digital Voice. 

Upcoming engagement activities in Greater London include: 

Townhalls: BT will be present in townhalls across the region in November and early December to address customer questions on the ground. Customers will be able to speak to BT advisors, test Digital Voice products as well as take part in digital skills training. The first townhalls to be confirmed are as follows: 

• 7th November - Hornchurch Library, 44 North Street, Hornchurch, RM11 1TB
• 14th November - Hatch End Suites (in car park) Harrow Arts Centre, 171 Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, HA5 4EA
• 5th December - St. Mildreds Church, 30 Bingham Road, Croydon, CR0 7EB
• 11th December - Dugdale Arts Centre (Thomas Hardy House), 39 London Road, Enfield EN2 6DS

Pop-up Events: BT will tour every borough over the course of November and early December to ensure customers across Greater London and surrounding areas can speak to BT staff about the switch and try out the new technology for themselves. Confirmed dates and locations: 

• 7th-8th November - Bexley - Broadway Shopping Centre, Broadway, Bexleyheath, DA6 7JN
• 7th-8th November - Hoddesden - Stanboroughs Conservative Club, Conduit Lane, Hoddesdon, EN11 8EP
• 9th-10th November - Sutton - Dobbies Garden Centre, Woodcote Green, 4a Woodmansterne Lane, Wallington, SM6 0SU
• 9th-10th November - Welwyn Garden City - Morrisons, 40 Black Fan Road, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 1RY
• 11th November - Greenwich - Greenwich Central Library, 12 Lambarde Square, London, SE10 9HB
• 11th-12th November - St Albans - The Maltings Library, The Maltings, St Albans, AL1 3JQ
• 13th-14th November - Lewisham - Carenden Rise Car Park, London, SE13 6BJ
• 13th-14th November - Watford - Morrisons, Ascot Road, Watford, WD18 8AA
• 15th-16th November - Southwark - East Street Market, East Street, London, SE17 1EL
• 15th-16th November - Hounslow - Osterley Garden Centre, Windmill Lane, Osterley, Isleworth, TW7 5PR
• 17th November - Hillingdon - Ickenham Library, long Lane, Ickenham, Uxbridge, UB10 8RD
• 17th-18th November - Lambeth - Lambeth Library, 180 South Lambeth Road, London, SW8 1QP
• 19th-20th November - Harrow - Harrow Garden Centre, Headstone Lane, Harrow, HA2 6NB
• 21st-22nd November - Bromley - 162 High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HE
• 21st-22nd November - Brent - Brichen Grove Garden Centre, Birchen Grove, London, NW9 8RY
• 23rd-24th November - Reigate - Woodhatch Community Centre, Whitebeam Drive, Reigate, RH2 7LS
• 23rd-24th November - Barnet - The Spires, 111 High Street, Barnet, EN5 5XY
• 25th-26th November - Epsom - Tadworth Community Centre, Preston Manor Road, Epsom, Tadworth, KT20 5FB
• 25th-26th November - Camden - Camden Town Centre, Judd Street, London, WC1H 9JE
• 27th-28th November - Weybridge - Weybridge Garden Centre, New Haw Road, Weybridge, Addlestone, KT15 2BU
• 27th-28th November - Islington - Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, London, N1 2UD
• 29th-30th November - Merton - South Mitcham Community Association, Cobham Court, Haslemere Avenue, Mitcham, CR4 3PR
• 1st-2nd December - Enfield - British Garden Centres Enfield, Cattlegate Road, Crews Hill, Enfield Middlesex, EN2 9DX
• 3rd-4th December - Wandsworth - Battersea library, 265 Lavender hill, London, SW11 1JB
• 5th-6th December - City of Westminster - Church Street Library, 67 Church Street, London, NW8 8EU
• 7th-8th December - Kensington & Chelsea - Brompton Library, 210 Old Brompton Road, London, SW5 0BS
• 11th-12th December - Richmond Upon Thames - Hillier Garden Centre, Syon Park, Park Road, Brentford, TW8 8JF
• 11th-12th December - Redbridge - The Exchange Shopping Centre, High Street, Ilford, IG1 1RS
• 13th-14th December - Ealing - Ealing Town Hall, New Broadway, London, W5 2BY
• 15th-16th December - Twickenham - Richmond Rugby Club, Twickenham Road, Richmond, TW9 2SF

The remaining regions and nations set to make the switch over the next year can be found on BT’s press room: BT announces regional rollout schedule for Digital Voice.

Full information of dates and which boroughs, towns and cities will be hosting BT events will be available on the Digital Voice website: www.bt.com/digital-voice. 

ENDS

BT has today announced the next phase in the rollout of its new home phone service, Digital Voice, to UK customers on a region-by-region basis.

Following successful pilots in Salisbury (Wiltshire) and Mildenhall (Suffolk), BT announced plans earlier this year to start contacting customers on a phased region-by-region basis across the country. Starting with the East Midlands in July, Yorkshire and the Humber in August and Northern Ireland in September, customers are contacted at least four weeks in advance before making the switch, to ensure that they are ready to move to Digital Voice.

Today, BT has announced the remaining regions and nations set to make the switch over the next year: 

Autumn 2023

• North West
• London

Spring 2024

• West Midlands
• South East
• Wales
• East Anglia

Summer 2024

• North East
• Scotland
• South West

Throughout the programme, BT will also be contacting some broadband customers in England, inviting them to switch their landline to Digital Voice in advance of local and regional campaigning in their area.

The landline is here to stay

The move comes as part of an industry-wide shift from analogue to digital landlines, where calls are made over a broadband line, and will see BT and nearly all other landline operators in the UK, including Virgin Media O2, supporting their customers in making the switch by the end of 2025.

The landline isn’t going away but is being upgraded to replace the decades old analogue technology that is increasingly unreliable and is no longer supported by suppliers and manufacturers. Customers risk facing increased service outages if this urgent infrastructure upgrade isn’t carried out now by BT and other operators. This new future-proof, digital landline technology is also a major step towards preparing the country for a Full Fibre future, in support of the UK Government’s gigabit connectivity ambitions.

Digital Voice will have no impact on how BT customers use their home phone and will not cost any more than customers pay today. They’ll still have the same service, and price plans and bills will stay the same. In addition, more than 99% of phone handsets work with Digital Voice and for those that won’t, BT has a range of handsets that customers can order.

In support of its regional approach and building on the successful starts in the East Midlands and Yorkshire and Humberside, BT is explaining to customers the simple steps required to make the move to Digital Voice through local and regional media and advertising campaigns. BT will also have a high street presence and hold local ‘town hall’ drop-ins to answer customer questions in person.

Initially, BT won’t be proactively switching anyone who falls under the below criteria, where it has this information available:

• Customers with a healthcare pendant
• Customers who only use landlines
• Customers with no mobile signal
• Customers who have disclosed any additional needs.

Customers who fall into any of these categories should contact BT to ensure their data is up to date.

Customers over the age of 70 are not being proactively switched to Digital Voice. However, since July 2023, BT has been trialling switching customers between 70-74 who live in urban areas and are ready to make the switch, i.e. they have the latest broadband hub and are not frequent landline users. These trials have gone well to date, with 98% of customers choosing to make the switch, and pending further consultation with the Digital Voice Advisory Group, BT will look to extend this trial nationally.

Lucy Baker MBE, All-IP Director, BT Consumer, said: “Through the work with our Digital Voice Advisory Group and our regional engagement, we’ve held 40 events, placed local radio and newspaper ads and met over 4,000 customers in person.

“We understand that any change can be unsettling, and we’re here to support our customers every step of the way. First-hand experience shows that once people have the facts and have spoken to one of our advisors, they feel confident to make the switch.

“If we’ve not been in touch or visited your area yet, don’t worry. We’ll be in touch when it’s time to switch. For anyone who has any issues, questions or concerns, then I’d encourage them to get in touch and let us know.”

Sarah Brain, Free Services Manager at AbilityNet, said: “Here at AbilityNet our staff and volunteers have been supporting BT to raise awareness of Digital Voice around the UK, and in particular to help those more nervous about the switch to give them the reassurance they need to make the move. 

“As a charity we support older and disabled people with technology at home every day, so we know that the world of tech can seem daunting.  The roadshows have been a great opportunity for us to work alongside BT to support those customers, and the ‘in person’ aspect is so important to answer any questions and concerns individual to them.”

Supporting customers every step of the way

BT has established and continued to work closely with its Digital Voice Advisory Group* – an association made up of charities and representative groups – who have been advising on the needs of customers most affected by the switch. Feedback from this group and its members has helped to shape the approach the company is taking.

BT and the industry, with the support of industry body, Tech UK, have been engaging with healthcare pendant and burglar alarm providers who will also need to upgrade their customers’ equipment to ensure that the most vulnerable customers continue to get the service they need.

A host of additional support and services will also be available including:

• The ability for customers to nominate a family member, friend or carer who will receive all the information about switching on their behalf.
• When vulnerable customers start to make the switch, they'll automatically receive equipment and an engineer appointment. Their switch won't go ahead until they have spoken to an advisor and booked an appointment.

For peace of mind in the event of a temporary power cut, BT will provide additional resilience to those who need it most, including:

• Free battery back-up units for Digital Voice customers with additional needs, who identify as vulnerable and/or live in an area without mobile signal. Customers without additional needs can also choose to purchase a battery back-up unit. 
• A hybrid phone that can switch to a mobile network and has an in-built battery for Digital Voice customers without a mobile phone.

In readiness for the December 2025 deadline, Openreach have taken steps to end the sale of new analogue services across the UK. That means when customers who have access to broadband sign up for a new contract – or when they switch, upgrade or re-grade their service via their provider – they’ll be moved onto a new digital landline rather than an analogue one.

Customers without broadband will not be switched to a digital landline until they are able to. BT will install new equipment in the local telephone exchange that will allow customers to use their phone in the same way as they do today. This temporary solution will keep customers connected until they are able to make the switch to Digital Voice and will help BT to retire its analogue service by the end of 2025.   

Together with Government, Ofcom, telecoms providers, charity partners and key industry groups, BT is working hard to ensure that everyone knows about the change, how they will be impacted and what they need to do as a result.  Further information about the industry wide change can be found here: UK transition from analogue to digital landlines - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

To find out more about BT’s new home phone service, Digital Voice, please visit: www.bt.com/digital-voice

ENDS

Notes to Editors

*Members of the Digital Voice Advisory Group include Age UK, Department of Health and Social Care, Independent Age, Rural Services Network, and Which? amongst others. This group of stakeholders have been incredibly important in helping to shape our plans for how we approach the move to digital home phones.

Useful links:

• UK Government website: UK transition from analogue to digital landlines - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• Ofcom: Moving landline phones to digital technology: what you need to know - Ofcom
• Which?: Digital Voice and the landline phone switch-off: what it means for you - Which?
• Age UK: Changes to landline telephones | Age UK
• Local Government Association: Digital switchover hub | Local Government Association

Case study: Marlene’s story

Marlene came to our town hall event in Leeds after receiving her invitation to find out about Digital Voice. She has her landline and broadband with BT, but only uses broadband for on demand TV programmes, so her telephone is her only means of keeping in touch with her loved ones. Here’s what she had to say to Alexander Clark and Macauley Green from our Customer Service team:

“It was so helpful to have it explained to me personally and I could ask questions. I’m not great with technology – I can’t even send a text message! My daughter had broadband connected for me so I can keep up with all my programmes, but I wouldn’t know where to begin surfing the web!

“Now I understand what’s happening with the telephone lines it’s a lot like when the television went digital and I didn't need my portable aerial anymore.

“At first, when I heard about Digital Voice I was worried I would lose my landline but Alexander and Macauley put my mind at rest that I’ll still be able to use my home phone and keep in touch with my family and friends - it will just be even better.”

Any of our customers who have been contacted about making the switch (regardless of their age) has the ability to call us with any questions or concerns and can defer their migration for the time being.

BT recently announced plans to roll out its new home phone service, Digital Voice, on a region-by-region basis. Having started in the East Midlands, BT is now moving on to Yorkshire and the Humber. 

An industry-wide shift from analogue to digital landlines will see BT and many other telecoms operators in the UK provide services over a broadband line, similar to work taking place in many other countries around the world. 

This once-in-a-generation upgrade to future-proof the UK’s landlines is essential and will replace technology that is fast becoming obsolete. The landline isn’t going away, and for the most of customers, making the switch simply involves plugging your phone into a broadband router instead of into a wall-mounted phone socket, bringing new benefits such as advanced spam call blocking. 

Customers in Yorkshire and the Humber will be contacted at least four weeks in advance before making the switch, to ensure they are ready to move to Digital Voice. For almost all customers, Digital Voice will have no impact on how they use their home phone. They’ll still have the same service, and price plan and bills will stay the same. In addition, more than 99% of phone handsets work with Digital Voice and for those that won’t, BT has a range of handsets that customers can order. 

Vicky Hicks, Senior Engagement Manager at BT, said: “BT customers in Yorkshire and the Humber will benefit from a tried and tested service, with around two million BT customers already having made the switch and benefitting from the many advantages of digital home phones from advanced scam call filtering capabilities to crystal-clear call audio. 

“For almost everyone, moving to Digital Voice will be a simple and free transition with no home installation work required. If you feel you need additional support with the transition or you think you are vulnerable, please do tell us. We will be with you every step of the way.” 

BT won’t be proactively switching anyone who falls under the below criteria, where it has this information available: 

• Customers with a healthcare pendant 
• Customers who are over 70 
• Customers who only use landlines 
• Customers with no mobile signal 
• Customers who have disclosed any additional needs 

Engaging with the Yorkshire and the Humber community 

BT’s regional approach will be supported by general awareness communications, and advertising campaigns, delivered across local and regional media to explain to customers the simple steps required to make the move to Digital Voice. 

Upcoming engagement activities in Yorkshire and the Humber include: 

Townhalls: BT will be present in townhalls across the region in August to address customer questions on the ground. Customers will be able to speak to BT advisors, test Digital Voice products as well as take part in digital skills training. The first two townhalls to be confirmed are as follows: 

• 2^nd August, 10:00 – 15:00: Leeds, Headingley Enterprise and Arts Centre West Yorkshire, LS6 3HN  
• 22^nd August, 10:00 – 15:00: Sheffield St Marys’ Church & Community Centre, Bramall Lane, Sheffield, S2 4QZ 

Pop-up events: BT will be hosting pop-up stands in garden centres and libraries so customers can have one-to-one conversations with BT staff. The first locations that have been confirmed are: 

• 4^th August, 10:00 – 14:00: Skipton Library, High St, Skipton, BD23 1JX 
• 9^th August, 10:00 – 14:00: Ripon Library, Ripon The Arcade, Ripon, HG4 1AG     
• 16^th August, 10:00 – 14:00: Driffield Library, Driffield Cross Hill, Driffield, YO25 6RQ 
• 17^th August, 10:00 – 14:00: Pocklington Library, 23 Railway St, Pocklington, York, YO42 2QU  
• 23^rd August, 10:00 – 14:00: Malton Library, St Michael St, Malton, YO17 7LJ 
• 31^st August, 10:00 – 14:00: The Buttercross Brigg, Brigg, DN20 8ER 

Demonstration vehicle: BT will tour 12 towns and cities over the course of August to ensure customers across Yorkshire and the Humber can speak to BT staff about the switch and try out the new technology for themselves. Confirmed dates and locations: 

• 2^nd  and 3^rd August: Grimsby, Morrisons, DN37 7SQ 
• 4^th and 5^th August: Goole, BGC, HU15 2UJ 
• 6^th and 7^th August: Bridlington, Morrisons, YO16 4SY 
• 8^th  and 9th August: Doncaster - Lakeside, DN4 5JH
• 11^th and 12^th August: Rotherham, Morrisons Catcliffe, S60 5TR 
• 13^th and 14^th August: Barnsley, Wombwell Retail Park, S70 3NS 
• 15^th and 16^th August: Wakefield, Morrison, WF2 9BY  
• 17th and 18th August: Huddersfield Town Centre Macaulay Street HD1 2JY
• 19^th and 20^th August: Halifax, Morrisons, Keighley Road, HX2 8HY 
• 21^st, 22^nd and 23^rd August: Bradford, City Park, BD1 1HY 
• 24^th, 25^th and 26^th August: Harrogate, Crimple, HG3 1EW 
• 28^th and 29^th August: York - Vangade Retail Park YO32 9AE

Full information of dates and which towns and cities will be hosting BT events will be available on the Digital Voice website: www.bt.com/digital-voice. 

BT recently announced plans to roll out its new home phone service, Digital Voice, on a region-by-region basis, starting with the East Midlands.

An industry-wide shift from analogue to digital landlines will see BT and many other telecoms operators in the UK provide services over a broadband line, similar to work taking place in many other countries around the world.

This once-in-a-generation upgrade to future-proof the UK’s landlines is essential and will replace technology that is fast becoming obsolete. The landline isn’t going away, and for the most of customers, making the switch simply involves plugging your phone into a broadband router instead of into a wall-mounted phone socket, bringing new benefits such as advanced spam call blocking.

Customers in the East Midlands will be contacted at least four weeks in advance before making the switch, to ensure they are ready to move to Digital Voice. For almost all customers, Digital Voice will have no impact on how they use their home phone. They’ll still have the same service, and price plan and bills will stay the same. In addition, more than 99% of phone handsets work with Digital Voice and for those that won’t, BT has a range of handsets that customers can order.

Vicky Hicks, Senior Engagement Manager at BT Group, said: “BT customers in the East Midlands will benefit from a tried and tested service, with around two million BT customers already having made the switch and benefitting from the many advantages of digital home phones from advanced scam call filtering capabilities to crystal-clear call audio.

“For almost everyone, moving to Digital Voice will be a simple and free transition with no home installation work required. If you feel you need additional support with the transition or you think you are vulnerable, please do tell us. We will be with you every step of the way.”

BT won’t be proactively switching anyone who falls under the below criteria, where it has this information available:

• Customers with a healthcare pendant
• Customers who are over 70
• Customers who only use landlines
• Customers with no mobile signal
• Customers who have disclosed any additional needs

Engaging with the East Midlands community

BT’s regional approach will be supported by general awareness communications, and advertising campaigns, delivered across local and regional media to explain to customers the simple steps required to make the move to Digital Voice.

Upcoming engagement activities in the East Midlands include:

Townhalls: BT will be present in townhalls across the region in July to address customer questions on the ground. Customers will be able to speak to BT advisors, test Digital Voice products as well as take part in digital skills training. The first two townhalls to be confirmed are as follows:

• 5^th July, 10:00 - 17:00: Bolero Suite, The Motorpoint Arena, Bolero Square, Nottingham, NG1 1LA
• 18^th July, 10:00 – 17:00: Hansom Hall, Leicester Adult Education College, 54 Belvoir Street, Leicester, LE1 6QL

Pop-up events: BT will be hosting pop-up stands in garden centres and libraries so customers can have one-to-one conversations with BT staff. The first locations that have been confirmed are:

• 11^th July: Grantham Library, Newton Street
• 12^th July: Sleaford Library, Market Place
• 19^th July: Burton Library, Burton-on-Trent
• 20^th July: The Grange Garden Centre, Melton Mowbray
• 25^th July: Newark on Trent Library, Beaumond Gardens
• 27^th July: Stamford Library, High Street

Demonstration vehicle: BT will tour 12 towns and cities over the course of July to ensure customers across the East Midlands can speak to BT staff about the switch and try out the new technology for themselves. Confirmed dates and locations:

• 10-11^th July: Dobbies Garden Centre Northampton, Newport Pagnel Road, Wooton
• 12-13^th July: Dobbies Garden Centre Harlestone Heath, Harlestone Road
• 14^th July: Kettering Market, High Street
• 15-16^th July: Willow Place, Corby
• 17-18^th July: Dobbies Garden Centre Stapleton, Ashby Road
• 19-20^th July: Gates Garden Centre, Somerby Road, Cold Overton
• 21^st-22^nd July: Notcutts Wheatcroft, Landmere Lane
• 23^rd July: Dobbies Garden Centre, Derby
• 24^th-25^th July: Market Place, Mansfield
• 26^th-27^th July: Dobbies Garden Centre Chesterfield
• 28^th-29^th July: Louth Garden Centre, Legbourne Road
• 30^th-31^st July: Dobbies Garden Centre Boston

Full information of dates and which towns and cities will be hosting BT events will be available on the Digital Voice website: www.bt.com/digital-voice

ENDS

9 February 2023, London: EE today announces new details of its nationwide investment to connect the UK to 5G, with the technology reaching hundreds of rural communities across the UK for the first time. A series of new innovations that will boost the range, resilience and energy efficiency of mobile connectivity in the years ahead have also been unveiled.

5G rollout windfall for rural communities

EE’s 5G network, which already reaches nearly every major UK town and city as well as over 60% of the population, is now expanding into more rural populations. Nearly 500 smaller communities, including Church Stretton and Birkenshaw in England, Llandeilo and Pen-y-banc (Carmarthenshire) in Wales and Tayport and Ratho in Scotland, now have their first 5G signal from EE, bringing the total number of UK cities, towns and villages where customers can access EE 5G to over 1,000.

As part of the rollout, EE’s 5G is also reaching National Parks and popular rural tourist destinations. Among seasonal hotspots seeing a 5G boost are Berwick-upon-Tweed and Windermere in England, Brecon (Aberhonddu), Dolgellau (Gwynedd) and Narberth (Pembrokeshire) in Wales, and Fort William in Scotland. The Brecon Beacons, Pembrokeshire Coast and The Broads are also named as the first National Parks to be getting the technology, which will deliver better performance and connectivity for residents, businesses and visitors. The investment in rural coverage is part of a commitment to deliver an EE 5G solution anywhere in the UK by 2028.

Technological innovation drives network improvements

BT Group has announced it is testing a range of innovative technologies to boost the range, reliability and energy efficiency of its networks. These include:

• UK’s first 4G sent over low earth orbit satellite: BT Group has partnered with OneWeb to achieve the first transmission of 4G data using a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite link to connect an EE mast to the mobile core network, instead of a traditional line of sight microwave or fibre connection. This paves the way for connecting small ultra-remote communities, emergency responders and disaster recovery units and other temporary deployments like festivals, events or construction sites.
• Mobile coverage in harder to reach areas: In collaboration with Stratospheric Platforms Ltd (SPL), BT Group is running a trial that aims to deliver mobile coverage from the air using a ‘High Altitude Platform’ (HAPS) system being tested at BT’s Global innovation centre (Adastral Park). This has the potential to unlock connectivity for the most remote areas.
• Self-powering sites: EE is weeks away from launching its first self-powering mast using sustainable energy, in Wales’ Elan Valley. Initial assessments demonstrate that local sourced renewable energy (wind and solar) can contribute up to 90% of the site’s requirements.
• Biofuels phase-in: Trials are commencing to test the use of biofuels like Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), Biogas and Hydrogen in network generators to support wider resilience. EE will initially implement the solutions as a trial across 20 physical sites.

Underlying 4G leadership the key to a quicker rollout

EE has also revealed that its 4G network is on track to pass 90% of the UK’s geographic landmass by the mid-2020s thanks in part to the huge investment made in network infrastructure in line with its commitment to the Shared Rural Network (SRN). EE’s founding 4G network stretches more than 2,500 square miles further than the nearest challenger, with new 4G coverage added to nearly 50 locations every single month over the past three years. The network expects its landmark 1,500^th upgrade under the SRN as early as next month.

Wi-Fi coverage boost to mobile signal

EE’s Wi-Fi coverage boost, which launched last year, offers customers access to more than 150,000 Wi-Fi hotspots, all based in rural or indoor locations. Customers have already downloaded more than 350TB of accumulative data using the new feature – equivalent to streaming HD television continuously for 13 years - in areas where it wasn’t previously achievable.

Howard Watson, Chief Security and Networks officer, BT Group, said: “The network rollout progress announced today is a critical step toward meeting our goal of enabling a 5G connection anywhere in the UK by 2028. The strength of our underlying 4G network, thanks in part to improvements made under the Shared Rural Network, has put us in the best position to make widespread 5G coverage improvements outside of big cities. Speaking as a technologist, I’m proud of the way BT Group is applying new innovations to reduce the digital divide.”

About EE

EE runs the UK's biggest and fastest mobile network, offering superfast connections in more places than any other operator. EE brought the first 4G network to the UK in October 2012 and launched the UK’s first 5G network in May 2019.

EE has received extensive independent recognition, including being named the UK’s no.1 5G network and the UK's best network every year since 2014 by RootMetrics®. In 2022 EE was named best network at the Mobile Industry Awards.

As well as offering mobile services to consumers and small and medium businesses, EE also provides home and business broadband using both 4G and fixed line connections.

EE is committed to being number one for service in the industry and has nearly 600 shops across the UK. EE remains the only mobile provider to answer 100% of customer calls in the UK and Ireland and was recognised as the UK’s Best Large Contact Centre by the UK Customer Experience Awards 2018 and Welsh Contact Centre Awards 2019. EE was awarded The Sunday Times’ Best 100 Companies to Work for in 2018 and 2019, as well as being named Best Employer 2018 by the European Contact Centre & Customer Service awards.

EE is part of BT’s Consumer business unit which provides products and services to all of BT’s consumer customers in the UK. Follow us on:

Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ee
Twitter at: www.twitter.com/ee
YouTube at: www.youtube.com/ee
LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/company/ee-uk

BT has unveiled Leeds as one of the first cities to trial new technology known as C-RAN, which in the future could be installed as individual street works or fitted in existing street-furniture, such as lampposts or CCTV, to deliver a 5G signal.

C-RAN uses cloud computing technology to support 5G connectivity, meaning it can be fitted into a range of different units.

The pilot scheme led by BT Wholesale, part of the company’s Enterprise unit, will enhance coverage and connectivity for those visiting, working or living in Leeds and serve as a proof of concept for future developments.

The project has seen the first units installed at key locations in Leeds city centre and will allow BT to track how the infrastructure improves access in the area. The infrastructure is currently being used by the EE and Three networks for the trial.

C-RAN technology uses specialist software which has the potential to be used in smaller, more compact units including existing street furniture.  

Alex Tempest, Managing Director, BT Wholesale, said: “The introduction of this new technology highlights BT’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions that benefit residents, businesses, and visitors, whilst also supporting economic growth across Leeds and the wider UK.

“This trial represents another step in transforming connectivity for the future and will help us better understand how 5G can best be delivered to meet the demands of the country.”

As well as enabling local customers to access faster, more reliable speeds on their mobile devices, introducing improved 5G connectivity can in the long-term be used to provide a platform for the city to access other community and business developments.

This could include the creation of virtual classrooms, air quality and pollution monitoring, and improved support for assisted living. 

A pilot scheme launched by BT and Home Group, has seen the apartments of 12 residents at Scarborough’s Webb Ellis Court site, equipped with a range of smart sensors providing data on activities to provide improved safety support. 

Webb Ellis Court is a community wellbeing scheme specifically designed to maximise independence for people over the age of 55. 

Residents who volunteered to take part in the trial have given their consent for specialists to fit the sensors in their homes, which allow staff on site to better tailor the support they are offered. 

The sensors are linked to electrical appliances like TVs, kettles and fridges using smart plugs, as well as fitted to key access points across homes including doors.

The technology is supporting residents’ safety by logging each time equipment is used, or when parts of the home have been accessed - allowing unusual patterns to be noticed by on site staff in real-time.

Data is used to help map the routines of residents and automatically identify changes which could indicate illness or injury and allow for carers to make early interventions to allow residents to live more comfortably and remain independent for longer.  

Devices forming part of the suite include motion sensors, smart plugs and door sensors. The system will link to a specialised app to display the data directly to authorised carers or loved ones. 

The developments could ease pressure on key services like the NHS by allowing residents to live independently for longer, providing medical support before health issues escalate and reducing hospital admissions.

Webb Ellis Court customer, Joe Bracchi, said: “This is a really interesting pilot, and I’m looking forward to the assistance it can offer.

“It’s strange that I won’t see it working as it’s not something you can watch, but I know it is there working for me. It will be reassuring that it can monitor my activity, or lack of it, and offer support if I need it. 

“I take real comfort knowing that if I strayed from my routine staff on site would know and could support me if needed.”

Professor Sultan Mahmud, Healthcare Director for BT’s Enterprise unit, said: “Technology has the power to make independent living easier for people, whilst also allowing loved ones to know their nearest and dearest are safe.

“This trial allows us to demonstrate just how much impact some small interventions can make on the lives of those living in supported accommodation, and the potential reductions in the costs of care and the pressure on the NHS.

“Technology has already transformed the way we live our lives and the deployment of new technology like this can help take how we care for people to the next level.”

The technology trial is running for six months with the aim of identifying how proactive interventions can cut risk and improve comfort for those living in supported accommodation.

The trial with Home Group is closely linked to BT’s development of Connected Health solutions - a key commitment outlined in its Charter for customers, including health and social care organisations, and designed to lead to more positive outcomes for both patients and staff working in the industry.

As part of the launch, local businesses in Birmingham are being given the chance to advertise for free on the new Street Hub units.

BT is donating up to £7.5 million of outdoor advertising space to small businesses across the UK, as it continues its nationwide roll out of its new Street Hub 2.0 units – which help build the UK’s digital infrastructure and include services such as ultrafast Wi-Fi, an emergency call button and rapid mobile device charging.

The launch comes as a recent BT study found that more than 60 per cent of small businesses agree that local advertising would help to increase awareness of their business, with 40 per cent saying it would encourage more people to shop at their local high street. However, almost half (49 per cent) said that cost was a major obstacle to them investing in local Out Of Home (OOH) advertising. BT is now taking action to remove one of the biggest barriers to adoption, with the Street Hub’s digital advertising screens designed to help small firms attract more customers to high streets.

The new digital units can also help local councils achieve their social and economic improvement and sustainability goals. With Birmingham City Council aiming to be carbon neutral by 2030, each Street Hub 2.0 unit is to be fitted with air quality and CO2 sensors.

Birmingham participated in the first trials of air quality data monitoring with BT in 2019, with data collected from modular sensors installed on first generation Street Hubs units. The sensors provided insight to a group of researchers and scientists, led by the University of Birmingham, to help monitor air pollution in the area.

With the next generation Street Hubs, Birmingham City Council can benefit from real-time, actionable data on Carbon Monoxide (CO), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Nitrogen Oxide (NO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Particulate Matter (PM1, 2.5 and 10). Expanding air quality monitoring across the city will provide Birmingham City Council with the insight needed to take action to improve air quality, contributing to the health and wellbeing of local people.

Street Hubs can also help to enhance digital connectivity and services for communities through features such as ultrafast Wi-Fi, access to  charity helplines, and local wayfinding via an integrated tablet.

Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, Brigid Jones, said: “The last couple of years has seen a devastating impact on many of our local businesses, charities and community organisations. I hope our communities and voluntary sector organisations use this opportunity to raise awareness of the fantastic work they are doing to support our communities and local centres.  We welcome this digital investment by BT, enhancing Birmingham’s growing reputation as a welcoming place for digital innovation and investment.”

Rebecca Hambleton, Street Manager at BT, said: “We hope that, by gifting free digital advertising space via our new Street Hub units, we can give small businesses in Birmingham an extra boost. Our new Street Hub units can play a vital role in rejuvenating local high streets – whether that’s through building greater awareness of small businesses through free advertising, boosting local digital infrastructure or helping cities to reach their sustainability goals.

“It's great to see the new units will shortly be providing valuable 'real time' data on air quality for the local council, helping to keep Birmingham a clean city to live and visit.”

Andy Thompson, Owner of Live @ Level One, a 200-plus capacity live music venue in Sutton Coldfield benefiting from free advertising on the new units, said: “I’m already a relentless marketer, promoter, and advertiser but I’m limited to the avenues that we can afford as a small business. Local advertising opportunities, like those provided by BT’s new Street Hub 2.0 units, offer more exposure, and give new local businesses like mine a greater chance of survival and success.”

BT’s latest study also revealed that around two thirds (66 per cent) of local businesses think that mobile connectivity could be improved in their local community, to help them work faster and smarter. BT’s new Street Hub 2.0 units will enhance local digital infrastructure by including the option to install mini mobile masts or ‘small cells’ on the structure to further boost 4G and 5G coverage in the local area.

Subject to local planning processes, BT is aiming to roll out around 300 of its new Street Hub 2.0 units across the UK in the next 12 months, working closely with local councils and communities.

The technology and telecoms firm is also using its own assets, including phone boxes and its Street Hub 2.0 digital units, so its mobile arm EE can house hundreds of small cells to boost capacity in high demand areas. Small cells are mobile radio cells that help to provide better coverage for customers at street level, where it’s often impractical to install larger mobile masts or where an offloading capability is required.

The programme will allow EE customers to experience uninterrupted data speeds of up to 300Mbps in areas including Croydon, Leeds, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Nottingham. The infrastructure will be delivered over the next 18 months and can also support 5G network coverage in the future. In addition to enabling small cell deployment by EE, BT is also working with other UK mobile network operators to deploy small cells around the UK to help extend and densify their high-speed mobile network coverage.

Brian More O’Ferrall, Director, Mobile Operators in BT’s Enterprise business, said: “Around 200 of the small cells are already live and are helping to boost 4G coverage for EE customers in towns and cities across the UK.

“We have worked closely with our local authority partners to utilise their street furniture, as well as our own assets, to improve connectivity in these areas.

“Ensuring good digital infrastructure is a priority for many councils, especially with the rise in mobile device ownership and growth in demand for data and connectivity, and they have seen the benefits that such partnerships can provide.

“Not only does it mean that average download speeds can often double in some areas, but it’s also more efficient and means there is a reduced need for new cell masts in the localities.

“We’re pleased to be working with EE and other mobile network operators to deliver this coverage boost.”

The small cells will be deployed across the UK including the following areas:

• Birmingham
• Croydon
• Edinburgh
• Glasgow
• Leeds
• Greater London (including numerous London boroughs)
• Greater Manchester
• Newcastle
• Nottingham
• Leicester
• Cardiff

Councillor Muhammad Ali, Croydon Council’s cabinet member for sustainable Croydon, said: “Demands for digital connectivity are set to grow even more over the next few years and this partnership with BT means we are able to ensure better mobile coverage for our residents, visitors and businesses.

“With 12 EE small cells already installed and an additional 20 to follow over the next 18 months, it’s fantastic that our existing street furniture, together with BT assets, can provide a simple and efficient solution to fast-track mobile network infrastructure in our borough.”

BT is using its new Street Hub 2.0 units to site small cells and further boost connectivity, which comes after a recent survey by the company found that two thirds of small firms agree that mobile connectivity could be improved in their area. The new units have already been rolled out in Glasgow, Nottingham and London. Subject to local planning processes, BT is aiming to roll out around 300 Street Hub 2.0 units across the UK this year, working closely with local councils and communities.

Today’s announcement also comes after the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport recently launched its new Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Accelerator (DCIA) scheme to enable telecoms firms to get easier access to public buildings and street lights, bus shelters and traffic lights to mount small cell equipment for 4G and 5G networks.

Through the pilots managed by DCIA, BT will be working closely with DCMS and local authority partners to further accelerate small cell deployment across the UK.

BT Group today announced that it will be recruiting over 150 new local jobs as well as beginning a multi-million pound refurbishment of its second contact centre in Newcastle, located at its North Tyneside building. 

Demonstrating BT’s continued commitment to Newcastle and to the North East, the new and full-time contact centre roles will be recruited by EE, part of BT Group, over the next six months.  

The current North Tyneside building will undergo a major revamp to modernise it with state-of-the-art technology and facilities. Once complete it will become the largest consumer contact centre in the BT Group estate, creating a fantastic workplace for around 1,500 EE colleagues. 

This announcement follows the recent multi-million pound refurbishment of the company’s Gosforth contact centre. 

The refurbishment of the building, due to start in January 2022 and complete by Autumn 2022, has been designed with the help of BT colleagues. It will include facilities and services such as full height windows providing natural light, café and restaurant facilities, as well as flexible workspaces and collaboration areas. It will also include relax and refuel areas and a games area.  

North Tyneside is the latest key location to be unveiled in the UK as part of BT’s ‘Better Workplace Programme’ – the largest workplace improvement and consolidation scheme of its type ever undertaken in the UK. 

The investment will help transform the way BT works, create efficiencies and enable it to better serve its customers.  

Nick Lane, managing director for consumer customer services at BT, said: “BT is fully committed to Tyneside and we are really pleased to be creating new and permanent local EE jobs as well as investing in a second multi-million pound office refurbishment in the area. 

“It’s a great time to be joining our team and I would encourage anyone who would be interested to check out the EE Careers website (apply.ee.co.uk) where more information and details on how to apply may be found. 

 “Once our North Tyneside office refurbishment is complete, we are excited that our colleagues will be able to benefit from working in a future-fit workplace, boasting the latest technologies that will help bring our people together in an impressive and modern environment, transforming the way we work. We aim to be the best place to work in the local area.” 

BT has said that it will continue to ensure that suitable safety and social distancing measures in all of its offices and contact centres are in line with Government guidance regarding Covid-19, as well as following Public Health England’s latest guidelines to ensure people are kept safe. 

Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor, said: “Good news in the run up to Christmas for our region. Today’s announcement by BT of over 150 new full time jobs is hugely significant for North Tyneside and local people. This second multi-million pound office investment in Newcastle shows the confidence that a company the size and stature of BT has placed in us.”  

Jonathan Walker, policy director, North East England Chamber of Commerce, said: “I’m delighted to see that BT is continuing to play a major role in the local economy both in terms of employment and connectivity.  

“The creation of more than 150 new jobs for local residents is fantastic particularly in these challenging times. BT’s continued investment in the North East is a reflection of the high quality workforce and competitive advantages our region can provide.  

“Following the recent completion of the Gosforth contact centre, it is great to see BT now investing in the multi-million pound refurbishment of their North Tyneside building and it is a major endorsement for the North East. I look forward to seeing the new centre once it has been completed.” 

EE teams that will be based at the newly refurbished North Tyneside contact centre will benefit from the fastest full fibre broadband connections, as well as EE 5G mobile coverage in the area.  

BT Group plays an important role in the economy of the North East and is responsible for generating £1 in every £60 produced in the region, according to an independent report. It also generated £1.09 billion to the economy of the North East in “Gross Value Added” GVA, during the 2019/20 financial year.* BT Group supports more than 13,700 local jobs across the region. 

-Ends- 

Notes to editors 

*Gross Value Added (GVA) measures the value of all goods and services produced in an economy. GVA combines wages and operating profits from companies and other organisations. Growing GVA can reflect improvements in workforce skills, productivity, R&D and innovation. The figures for BT show the value added directly through BT's services and additional value generated through BT's suppliers across the nations and regions. 

The full BT Economic Impact Report is available at: www.bt.com/reports 

Nottingham is one of the first places in the UK to benefit from BT’s new digital street units, with the first one in the city unveiled in Canal Street today.

BT is donating up to £7.5 million of outdoor advertising space to small businesses across the UK, as part of its roll-out of new Street Hub 2.0 units – which help build the UK’s digital infrastructure and include services such as an emergency call button, rapid mobile device charging and ultrafast Wi-Fi.

Local businesses in Nottingham are also being given the chance to advertise for free on the new Street Hub units, with nominations open now. BT is calling on local businesses and the public to nominate local firms who could benefit from the offer.

The launch comes as a recent BT study found that more than 60 per cent of small businesses agree that local advertising would help to increase awareness of their business, with 40 per cent saying it would encourage more people to shop at their local high street. However, almost half (49 per cent) said that cost was a major obstacle to them investing in local Out Of Home (OOH) advertising. BT is now taking action to remove one of the biggest barriers to adoption, with the Street Hub’s digital advertising screens designed to help small firms attract more customers following the local and national lockdowns.

Street Hubs can also help to enhance digital connectivity and services for communities through features including charity helplines, and local wayfinding via an integrated tablet.

A further three of the new Street Hub units will be rolled out in the first phase of the rollout across Nottingham in the coming months.

Councillor Rebecca Langton, Portfolio Holder for Skills, Growth and Economic Development at Nottingham City Council, said:  "We're excited to see BT investing in these new Street Hubs and providing small businesses with an opportunity to raise their profiles in Nottingham city centre. The hubs, which contribute to Wi-Fi coverage in the city centre and offer information and mobile charging points, will benefit residents and visitors to Nottingham, and this will further support small and independent businesses who play such an important role in making Nottingham city centre a great place to socialise safely." 

Sarah Walker, Director for BT’s Enterprise business in the Midlands, said: “BT has been supporting the recovery and growth of small businesses throughout the pandemic - and we’re moving up a gear as many prepare for one of the busiest times of the year. We hope that, by gifting free digital advertising space via our new Street Hub units, we can give small businesses in Nottingham an extra boost as high streets spring back to life. Our new Street Hub units can play a vital role in helping small firms to bounce back – whether that’s through building greater awareness of their business through free advertising, or by rejuvenating the high street by boosting local digital infrastructure.”

Kirsty Hole, Director of 101 Vintage, an independent vintage and used clothing store in Nottingham, said: “We’re a small independent shop, founded by two women, that opened our doors in September in the heart of Nottingham. One of our biggest challenges right now is connecting with customers and letting them know that we’re here. The power of local advertising is so important for us as a new small business, but Out-of-Home advertising felt completely out of reach at this early stage of our journey. The opportunity to have our name in lights on the new BT Street Hubs to let the local community know that we’re here, and open, is the perfect solution.”

The new digital units can also help local councils achieve their social and economic improvement and sustainability goals. With Nottingham City Council aiming to be carbon neutral by 2028, each Street Hub 2.0 unit can be fitted with air quality and CO2 sensors. This will provide local councils with the insight needed to help them take action to improve air quality, contributing to the health and wellbeing of local people.

BT’s latest study also revealed that around two thirds (66 per cent) of local businesses think that mobile connectivity could be improved in their local community, to help them work faster and smarter. BT’s new Street Hub 2.0 units will enhance local digital infrastructure by including the option to install mini mobile masts or ‘small cells’ on the structure to further boost 4G and 5G coverage in the local area.

Subject to local planning processes, BT is aiming to roll out around 300 of its new Street Hub 2.0 units across the UK in the next 12 months, working closely with local councils and communities.

The building, known as One Braham, has now opened with nearly all colleagues already working from the site.

Housing around 3,500 colleagues, the new HQ will be another flagship location within BT’s Better Workplace Programme - the largest workplace improvement programme and consolidation scheme of its type ever undertaken in the UK. The programme, which will complete in 2024, will see BT rationalise hundreds of its offices across the UK and establish an estate of future fit, high tech workspaces.

Philip Jansen, BT Group Chief Executive, said: “Our new HQ in London will bring our people together in an impressive and modern environment, transforming the way teams work. 

“We’re really excited to be moving into One Braham. It represents a changing BT, one that is more agile, forward thinking and able to adapt to the challenges and opportunities presented by the acceleration of digital technologies.

“We want our colleagues to be proud of where they work, to feel part of something brilliant at BT. Our new HQ has been designed to support our people, to enable them to be at their best and deliver great results for our customers.”

The new HQ, the supporting regional hubs, revamped contact centres and specialist buildings, are expected to help BT deliver on its ambitions for sustainability, innovation, product development and excellent customer service. The first hub opened in September at Three Snowhill, Birmingham. Work is already underway on major new offices in cities including Bristol and Manchester.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic seeing many colleagues shift to home working since March 2020, BT still firmly believes in the future of the office.

BT is adopting a hybrid, flexible approach called ‘Smart Working’ where teams will choose how colleagues spend time between home and their office. Shared workplaces are ‘central’ to BT’s future, providing environments for colleagues to come together to connect, collaborate, learn, and develop, build friendships, and share their experiences.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “It’s great to see BT’s new global HQ at Aldgate opening. It will provide a great boost to the area, and, as workers across London increasingly return to the office, demonstrates how businesses can combine technology and smart ways of working to really benefit their staff.”

The new HQ boasts smart building technology, flexible workspaces, and collaboration areas. There are also a range of catering options including a ground floor café open to the public, world class event spaces, and a large media screen in reception.

One Braham incorporates hot desk facilities where colleagues work in ‘neighbourhoods’ according to their business function.

BT recognises the important role its operations play in local communities, like Tower Hamlets, and the spend by its employees, visitors and partners can support wider regeneration in local areas. The building has a ground floor community space which will be used for community engagement and community projects.

The catering at One Braham, and at the company’s site at Three Snowhill, is run by Lexington Catering, which has partnered with Change Please as coffee supplier.

Change Please is a social enterprise supporting people out of homelessness. The award-winning company provides training, employment paying the Living Wage and support with housing, finances, and therapy to help people experiencing homelessness move forward. Change Please reinvests all profits towards ending homelessness.

Notes to editors

• BT’s former offices in St Paul’s were purpose-built and completed in 1985, one year after the company’s privatisation. Since then, the immense changes within BT and technological advancements across the industry have left the building no longer fit-for-purpose.
• BT will ensure it complies with all the latest guidelines on Covid-19 from Public Health England to ensure colleagues are kept safe in the office. BT has taken all floors of the 18-storey development.
• The interior of the new HQ was designed by architects Sheppard Robson and its interior design team, ID:SR, with a brief that embraces agile working, moving away from traditional office concepts. A focus on wellbeing is woven throughout the design with “community” floors incorporating a café and restaurant, spaces for socialising, and quieter spaces, such as multi-faith and contemplation rooms.
• 99% of the waste generated during the fit out of One Braham was recycled rather than sent to landfill (correct as of September 2021)

The lab is the first dedicated telecoms civil engineering robotics test facility in the UK, designed to help BT engage with the university sector and robotics startups as they develop robotic solutions to challenging civil engineering tasks. This includes addressing problems such as how to clear out blocked ducts, mend collapsed ducts and install new fibre network infrastructure without incurring the cost and delays that come with digging up roads and pavements.

New robotic locomotion and excavation techniques inspired by digging and burrowing mammals and insects, coupled with the latest technologies developed for space exploration, aerospace and medical applications are showing real promise for delivering so-called ‘trenchless’ infrastructure deployment. Magnetic, climbing and cable-traversing robotic techniques are also maturing, enabling proof-of-concept trials on wireless tower and overhead cable poles.

It is expected that the test lab will play an important role in supporting BT’s fibre programme, as well as facilitating collaboration with other utilities such as power and water companies as they roll out and update their underground and overhead networks.

The site is a unique indoor facility that will enable research teams to trial the latest innovations in robotics within a variety of test zones. The facility emulates three different types of environments in which testing can be carried out:

• Underground environment: The facility includes several test beds that can be filled with different soil and aggregate types to replicate the terrain that creates challenges for laying ducts and fibre across the country. The compaction, moisture content and stone content can all be controlled within these environments to test the ability of robots to dig pathways for ducts or direct-in-ground fibre. The test beds will also provide demanding environments for fibre sensing and robotics steering tests.

• In-duct environments: Pipe stands are used at the facility to construct duct runs, using specially manufactured transparent versions of BT ducts. This enables replication of the scenarios whereby a duct collapses or becomes blocked with silt build up.

• Overhead environments: The facility holds a full height telegraph pole, with platform access to allow different pole-top fixtures to be fitted. This creates opportunities to test robots that can lift tools, equipment or cable to the top of a pole. Cables can be run to another pole to provide a single 35m span for development of cable-car-like devices for pulling in new cables or dealing with tree canopies that could damage an existing cable. A series of shorter posts provides a ‘pole-transit’ testbed for developing other cable-travelling devices.

Professor Tim Whitley, BT’s MD of Research, said: “The UK is a hotbed of civil engineering innovation, with a thriving university ecosystem and an enviable robotics startup sector. Our aim is to bring those players together in a dedicated facility to develop solutions that make the UK a world leader in telecoms civil engineering robotics. The lab will provide a hub for the creation of solutions to real world challenges and pioneering applications of robots, reinforcing the UK’s position at the heart of research and innovation into advanced technologies.”

The DigiTech Centre will provide cutting-edge digital skills for people looking to pursue careers in information and communications technology and received the blessing of Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne, when she visited Adastral Park at the beginning of the project.

Specialist high tech laboratories form the heart of the new centre and it will be used jointly by university staff, students and businesses at Adastral Park and across the region.

Professor Mohammad Dastbaz, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Suffolk said: “In a rapidly developing technological age, we want the DigiTech Centre to be a state of the art ‘solution centre’ for SMEs and other businesses as well as a research and knowledge transfer hub. The Centre will have state of the art specialist laboratories in AI, Data Science, Network Security and Cyber range and will make Suffolk a recognised destination for industry-focused ICT and Digital Creative study programmes and an internationally recognised destination for continuous professional development in digital technologies. This new initiative will play an important role in our region and nationally and we are pleased that students at the University will benefit from the partnership with BT and state-of-the-art facilities.”

Adastral Park is BT’s global Research and Development centre and has played a pivotal role in telecommunications research, such as the commercialisation of single-mode optical fibre, and the recent development of the world’s first quantum networks.

Lisa Perkins, Adastral Park and research realisation director at BT, said:  “This is a major milestone for us at Adastral Park as this new centre will help supply a rich pipeline of new technology talent, which will not only be of huge benefit to BT, but also the entire region.”

“There is also a growing demand for people with skills in new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data science. The courses and scholarships offered through the University of Suffolk will mean that we will have access to students graduating with these key skills right on our doorstep.

“The DigiTech Centre builds on a legacy of innovation and development at Adastral and ensures the East of England continues to be a major technology hub.”

The DigiTech Centre has received funding from the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). C-J Green, Chair of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership said: “This is a stunning facility and one which will help supply the skilled workforce demanded by our fast-growing and high-value digital tech sector. Ipswich is recognised as having a vibrant digital creative hub and students at the DigiTech Centre will have the opportunity to become part of the Adastral Park community. This investment will nurture skills, create jobs and increase growth and productivity in a sector that underpins the Norfolk & Suffolk economy.”

The DigiTech Centre has several facilities which span both the University’s Waterfront campus in Ipswich and BT’s Adastral Park. Adastral Park is home to BT’s Applied Innovation Labs and Innovation Martlesham, a cluster of over 100 high-tech digital and technology companies.

To find out more about the DigiTech Centre please visit www.uos.ac.uk/digitech

The new network, which is the world’s first commercial trial of a quantum network infrastructure, will be operated by BT, who will provide a range of quantum-secured services including dedicated high bandwidth end-to-end encrypted links, delivered over Openreach’s Optical Spectrum Access Filter Connect (OSA FC) solution for private fibre networks. The QKD links will be provided using a quantum network that includes both core and access components, and will be integrated into BT’s existing network management operations. Toshiba will provide quantum key distribution hardware and key management software.

The pace of progress in Quantum computers presents an increasing risk to standard encrypted key exchanges, authentication and digital signatures; some estimates suggest that quantum computer enabled security attacks are possible within 5 years, and likely to occur within 10 years. Securing encrypted traffic is a pressing problem today, because data which requires long term security could be at risk of ‘store today, crack later’ attacks, in which the key exchange and encrypted traffic are stored now and broken when a sufficiently powerful quantum computer is available. QKD-based security is unique because the key-exchange is secure against any computational or mathematical advance, therefore it is immune to any present or future attacks by quantum computers.

While BT and Toshiba have previously installed a point-to-point quantum-secure link between two commercial sites, deploying a full quantum-secured metro network environment with multiple endpoints requires new approaches to integration and management. Building on the BT and Toshiba point-to-point solution for the Bristol-based NCC (National Composites Centre) and Centre for Modelling and Simulation (CFMS), this new network will extend the solution to serve multiple customers across a wide metropolitan area. London is an ideal environment to deploy and trial this technology thanks to the density of customers whose data is extremely sensitive and requires utmost security, such as financial and legal institutions. The two companies’ initial focus will be to provide trials for enterprise customers who are carrying sensitive traffic (such as database backups) between sites, and to explore potential future offerings such as encrypted links and “quantum keys-as-a-service”.

Toshiba launched commercial products for QKD, manufactured at its Cambridge site, in the latter half of 2020. These offer the highest key rates (1,000’s of keys per second) and longest range of any commercially available fibre QKD system. Toshiba’s innovative multiplexing compatibility allows the data and the quantum keys to be transmitted on the same fibre, eliminating the need for costly dedicated infrastructure for key distribution. Toshiba will also supply network key delivery and management software that enables end-to-end protection of data across the network.

Howard Watson, CTO of BT, said: “BT and Toshiba have established a global lead in the development of quantum-secure networks. We’re excited to be taking this collaboration to the next level by building the world’s first commercially operational quantum-secured metro network in London. Secure, robust and trusted data transfer is increasingly crucial to our customers across the globe, so we’re proud of the role our Quantum R&D programme is playing in making the world’s networks safer as we enter the dawn of a new age of quantum computing.”

Taro Shimada, Corporate Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at Toshiba Corporation, said: “Our partnership with BT will allow us to offer organisations quantum-secured network services which protect their data from retrospective attacks with a quantum computer. We are delighted to work with BT, with its long heritage of delivering secure, trusted networks. This network paves the way for commercial QKD services in the UK and eventually beyond.”

BT has led the industry in the development of QKD networks, techniques and applications. In 2017 it conducted its first field trial of QKD integrated into a secure optical communications network. Across 2018-19, it ran a second QKD trial on a live network between Cambridge and its Adastral Park R&D campus in Ipswich, at that point the longest link in the UK Quantum Network. Last year BT conducted customer trials with NCC of QKD over 10G Ethernet.

As well as collaborating with BT last year on the installation of the UK’s first industrial quantum-secured network, which transmits data between the NCC and CFMS, Toshiba has achieved numerous milestones through its extensive research into quantum technology at its Cambridge Research Laboratory. Most recently, in June 2021, the company announced the first demonstration of its long distance Twin Field QKD system over optical fibres exceeding 600 km, which was achieved through its pioneering dual band stabilisation technique. The combination of multiplexed QKD using existing infrastructure for metro networks, alongside conventional and Twin Field QKD for longer distances, paves the way for a commercially viable quantum-secure network in the UK.

Displaying its commitment to Warrington, BT has recruited 110 colleagues in the area within the last year and is now looking to hire a further 15 people to be based at the new building before Christmas.

BT colleagues are taking part in induction sessions as part of a phased return to the office taking place over the next few weeks following the end of Covid-19 restrictions. The impressive future-fit workplace, across two floors, will now be occupied by the communications and technology company, creating a fantastic workspace for around 750 colleagues.

The revamped office has been designed in large part by BT colleagues, for colleagues. It features full height windows providing lots of natural light, new café and restaurant facilities, flexible workspaces, collaboration zones and plenty of greenery for plant lovers. It also includes relax and refuel areas and a games space.

The state-of-the-art building is one of the first of BT’s new look offices to open in the UK as part of its ‘Better Workplace Programme’ – the largest workplace improvement and consolidation scheme of its type ever undertaken in the UK.

The five-year programme, due to complete in 2024, is part of BT’s ambition to increase efficiency and productivity, improving its ability to do the best for its customers and colleagues. The Better Workplace Programme will deliver a combination of moves into new offices and the refurbishment of some existing BT buildings. 

Nick Lane, managing director for consumer customer services at BT, said: “Our new contact centre in Warrington will offer our people an impressive and exciting state-of-the-art environment to work in with excellent transport links close by. It boasts some of the latest technology and facilities to help our colleagues thrive at work and to relax and unwind during break periods.

“Warrington is a key location for BT and we’re really pleased to have invested in this new office space and to show our commitment to the town through job opportunities and recruitment over the last year.

“The town, like many places across the country, has suffered economically as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. We have a number of posts that we need to fill and I would encourage anyone who may be interested to check out our careers website bt.com/careers where more information and details on how to apply can be found.”

BT says that a number of its colleagues have been working from home during the Covid-19 pandemic, but many are expected to return to the office over the coming weeks and months following the lifting of Government restrictions.

Last year, BT completed its commitment to answer 100% of its customer service calls in the UK and Ireland – becoming the only major communications provider to do so with the aim of offering the most personal and local service to its customers.

Warrington Borough Council Leader, Cllr Russ Bowden, said: “BT’s new contact centre will bring huge benefits to Warrington, creating new employment opportunities for local people and helping further boost our economic recovery, post-Covid.

“I’m delighted that the state-of-the-art facility has now officially opened, with 110 people already recruited into roles, and a further 15 jobs currently on offer. It’s great news for Warrington and is testament to our continuing, strong economic performance, which makes us an attractive place for big businesses to invest.”

Liz Needleman, BT Group regional lead for the North of England, added: “Our investment in the newly opened office in Warrington is a real sign of BT’s commitment and confidence in the region’s ability to make a sustainable recovery after the uncertainty of the pandemic.

“I’m pleased that we have been able to hire over 100 new colleagues in Warrington over the last year and will be recruiting for more contact centre roles before Christmas. It’s exciting that our colleagues will now be able to benefit from this multi-million investment and work in a future-fit workspace.”

BT Group plays an important role in the economy of the North West and is responsible for generating £1 in every £160 produced in the region, according to an independent report. It also generated more than £1.71 billion to the local economy in “Gross Value Added” (GVA)*, during the 2019/20 financial year. BT Group supports more than 19,800 local jobs both directly and indirectly across the region.

BT is donating up to £7.5 million of outdoor advertising space to small businesses, as part of its roll-out of new Street Hub 2.0 units – which help build the UK’s digital infrastructure and include services such as digital advertising screens and ultrafast Wi-Fi.

BT’s latest measure to support the growth of small businesses, following the easing of Covid restrictions, coincides with the unveiling of its newly designed digital street units in the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

The first of BT’s Street Hub 2.0 units - which goes live today on Notting Hill Gate – is co-located with a pop-up 'Design Hub' which showcases the power of digital street advertising for small firms looking to boost awareness of their business following the pandemic.

Design experts will be on hand throughout the day to create free digital ads for the 15 prize winners of a BT competition which gathered nominations from local businesses and the public. The adverts will then be displayed on the six Street Hub units which are being deployed across Kensington and Chelsea, free of charge. A further 60 local businesses are also being given the chance to advertise for free over the next two weeks, with BT opening up nominations from today.

BT is gifting up to £7.5m of free advertising space to local businesses via its Street Hub 2.0 units between now and the end of March, as the new units are rolled out to new locations across the UK including Glasgow, Cardiff, Nottingham, Birmingham and Solihull and Southampton. BT will be contacting local businesses and the public in these areas over the coming weeks to encourage them to nominate local firms who could benefit from the offer.

The launch comes as a new BT study found that more than 60 per cent of small businesses agree that local advertising would help to increase awareness of their business, with 40 per cent saying it would encourage more people to shop at their local high street. However, almost half (49 per cent) said that cost was a major obstacle to them investing in local Out Of Home (OOH) advertising. BT is now taking action to remove one of the biggest barriers to adoption, with the Street Hub’s digital advertising screens designed to help small firms attract more customers following the local and national lockdowns.

Theo Blackwell, Chief Digital Officer for London, said: “BT’s Street Hubs ensure that Londoners have access to fast and free Wi-Fi across the capital whilst on the go, they improve mobile signal, and help councils to get vital local information to their residents. The pandemic has been incredibly challenging for many small businesses, so I’m pleased that BT is supporting London’s businesses through free local digital advertising."

James Browne, who runs BT’s Street business, said: “BT has been supporting the recovery and growth of small businesses throughout the pandemic - and we’re moving up a gear now that lockdown restrictions have lifted. We hope that, by gifting free digital advertising space via our new Street Hub units, we can give small businesses an extra boost as high streets spring back to life. Our new Street Hub units can play a vital role in helping small firms to bounce back – whether that’s through building greater awareness of their business through free advertising, or by rejuvenating the high street by boosting local digital infrastructure.”

BT’s latest study also revealed that around two thirds (66 per cent) of local businesses think that mobile connectivity could be improved in their local community, to help them work faster and smarter. BT’s new Street Hub 2.0 units will enhance local digital infrastructure by including the option to install mini mobile masts or ‘small cells’ on the structure to further boost 4G and 5G coverage in the local area. The new Street Hubs also feature free Gigabit WiFi and rapid mobile device charging, enhancing digital connectivity and services for communities. Other benefits include access to an emergency call button, charity helplines, and local wayfinding via an integrated tablet.

BT’s new Street Hub 2.0 units can also help local councils achieve their social and economic improvement and sustainability goals. Each local authority is provided with 5 per cent of total screen time on each Street Hub unit to promote local community and municipal services such as food banks, health and social care or leisure activities. They can also inform the local community about developments or issues affecting their area. For example, during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the 400 existing Street Hub units across the country played a vital role in displaying key public health advice from Public Health England and local councils.

With nearly two thirds of all local authorities aiming to become carbon neutral by 2030, each Street Hub 2.0 unit can also be fitted with air quality and CO2 sensors. This will provide local councils with the insight needed to help them take action to improve air quality, contributing to the health and wellbeing of local people.

Subject to local planning processes, BT is aiming to roll out around 300 of its new Street Hub 2.0 units across the UK over the next 12 months, working closely with local councils and communities.

Ends

Testimonials from local businesses in Kensington and Chelsea benefiting from the free street hub advertising.

Charlene Ashong, Founder of Fitaly, a local eatery on the Olympia side of Kensington High Street, said: “As a business founded four years ago, the pandemic hit us at a vital part of our growth trajectory, given a large base of our clientele come from the exhibition centre. The power of local advertising is so important to us – mainly because we are at a distance from the main hustle and bustle of the High Street. The impact of the pandemic also naturally means our budgets are tight, so it’s not something we would normally be able to spend out on. The opportunity to have our name in lights on BT Street Hubs to let the local community know we are here, and open, is going to be a massive boost for our business. We look forward to welcoming more people through our doors, especially to sample our new range of healthier pizzas!”

Nick Warry, Store Manager at Slick Willies Skate Store, said: “As one of London’s oldest stores providing equipment for skateboarding, roller skating and roller blading we have a loyal customer base that has existed since the 1970s. We’re not only proud of the service we provide to the local skating community but the atmosphere and support we bring to the local skating community. In a world where big brands and retailers are eating into our market, it’s really important the new generation of skaters know who and where we are – not just for sales, but for advice and to feel part of the wider community. The BT Street Hub is going to help push our message and play a part in ensuring we remain an integral part of the High Street.”

Jessica Louro, Manager at S&P Gallery, said: “We’re a young business in South Kensington that opened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Operating throughout various lockdowns has restricted our growth. It’s commonly recognised by our local business community in Gloucester Road that it takes five years to become established. We hope that by advertising for free via the BT Street Hub 2.0, that more people will become aware of us, visiting the gallery and being a part of the wonder of the arts that we provide.”

Lisa Franklin, CEO & Founder of Lisa Franklin London, commented: “We’re a business built with the purpose of giving people respite from the business of London life. As a small organisation, footfall and a local presence is vital to us building a loyal customer base. Beauty is a competitive market, so if the local community do not know where we are and what we can offer it’s hard to establish ourselves. We’re excited about the benefits that the BT Street Hub advertising is going to provide and we’re really optimistic about boosting awareness of our company as a result.”

Notes to editors

To bring the newly designed Street Hub 2.0 units to the UK, BT has partnered with hardware supplier Trueform Digital; Manchester based technology, software and support supplier ADXBA, and Global, the media and entertainment group, as its digital advertising partner.

BT launched its Small Business Support Scheme last Summer - a broad package of measures to help small businesses thrive during and beyond the pandemic, by boosting their connectivity, cash flow and confidence. It includes access to free digital skills training via BT’s Skills for Tomorrow programme, which has so far assisted around 300,00 small business owners and their employees, with BT aiming to reach 1 million by 2025. Launching soon, BT is also developing new online tools to make it easier for small businesses to run their own digital advertising campaigns.

The company says it will create the new jobs over the coming months and years, with around 225 roles currently available. The employment boost comes as construction work was completed on Three Snowhill, which will serve as BT’s regional hub site for the Midlands. The state-of-the-art new office, built over 17 floors, houses the latest technology and modern facilities that allow colleagues to perform at their best.

BT colleagues have been taking part in induction sessions as part of a phased return to the office over the next few weeks following the end of Covid-19 restrictions. In addition to recent new hires and colleagues moving in from other locations, there are currently 225 vacant roles available in areas such as digital, data, analytics, sales and HR. The new office will eventually accommodate around 3,500 colleagues from across BT Group, including digital network business Openreach.

Philip Jansen, chief executive, BT Group, said: “This is our first major regional hub site to open outside London and is a marker of how BT is transforming to meet the needs of our colleagues and our customers.

“It’s also a statement that we’re serious about the ‘levelling up’ agenda. While our head office remains in London, we are committed to creating more opportunities and basing key operations in other areas of the UK too. A number of our senior leaders are now based here in Birmingham, as well as colleagues from across the business in a wide variety of roles, including exciting new technology research and digital product development functions.

“Three Snowhill epitomises what we are trying to achieve through our new workspaces, and we continue to work towards that vision of providing future-fit, inspiring offices where people can collaborate, innovate and ultimately deliver the best for our customers and the best for our business.”

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “It really is fantastic to see BT complete their switch to a new flagship office at Three Snowhill with the first of their colleagues moving in.

“Not only is it a huge sign of confidence in the West Midlands that a company of BT’s size and stature is investing in and committing to our region, but it is also brilliant news for people’s livelihoods with around one thousand new jobs to be created. 

“I look forward to working with BT to ensure these roles are filled by local people as part of my 100,000 jobs plan.”

The state-of-the art building will be the first of BT’s hub locations in the UK to open as part of its ‘Better Workplace Programme’ - the largest workplace improvement and consolidation scheme of its type ever undertaken in the UK. Other hubs that will open in the future include Manchester, Bristol and the new London HQ. BT will reduce its footprint from over 300 locations to around 30.

BT’s ambition is to increase efficiency and productivity, improving its ability to do the best for its customers. The Better Workplace Programme will deliver a combination of moves like this, into new offices, as well as the refurbishment of some existing BT buildings.

Elaine Bergin, BT director for colleague experience, who is based at Three Snowhill, said: “This is a really exciting time for BT as we launch our new regional hub in Birmingham with some fantastic job opportunities for local people and those looking to move to the area.

“BT is a great company and Three Snowhill is an incredible place to work, so I would encourage anyone who may be interested to check out our careers website bt.com/careers where more information and details on how to apply can be found.”

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic seeing many staff shift to home working over the past 18 months, BT still firmly believes in the future of the office.

Elaine added: “We still see our shared workplaces as central to BT’s future. They will be places where colleagues come together to connect, collaborate, learn and develop, build friendships and share their experiences.

“We recognise that colleagues need the opportunity to work flexibly, and we can enable that through hybrid working. However, particularly for younger individuals and those joining BT for the first time, the opportunity to learn those soft skills and form positive relationships by working together in the office is invaluable.”

BT is adopting a hybrid, flexible approach called ‘Smart Working’ where teams will choose how colleagues spend time between home and their office. Shared workplaces will continue to be central to the company’s future.

Three Snowhill boasts smart building technology, flexible workspaces and collaboration areas. There are also a range of catering options including a ground floor café open to the public, world class event spaces, and a large media screen in reception. It also has a ‘bike doctor’ to encourage more colleagues to cycle to work.

BT will ensure it complies with all the latest guidelines on Covid-19 from Public Health England to ensure people are kept safe in the office. The company will be the main occupier of the 17-storey development, marking a major investment by the company in the UK’s second city.

BT Group plays an important role in the West Midlands economy and is responsible for generating £1 in every £180 produced in the region, according to an independent report. It also generated £1.5 billion to the West Midlands economy in “Gross Value Added” GVA, during the 2019/20 financial year.* BT Group directly employs 5,470 people across the region, with a further 600 employed as contractors.

The centre in Wilmington Drive has undergone a major revamp to modernise it and create a fantastic workplace for colleagues.

BT says it is now looking to hire 350 new people based at the building, including 100 roles with Plusnet, part of BT Group.

More than 200 people have already been recruited to roles at the location in the last couple of years.

The revamped office has been designed by BT colleagues, for BT colleagues. It features full height windows providing lots of natural light, a new café and restaurant facilities, flexible workspaces, collaboration areas, as well as lots of greenery for plant lovers. It also includes relax and refuel areas and a games area with table tennis, pool and games consoles.

The state-of-the-art building is one of the first of BT’s future-fit offices in the UK to open as part of its ‘Better Workplace Programme’ – the largest workplace improvement and consolidation scheme of its type ever undertaken in the UK.

Nick Lane, managing director for consumer customer services at BT, said: “We’re really pleased to be creating new, permanent job opportunities in Doncaster, a town which has suffered economically due to the Covid-19 pandemic like many others across the country.

“We have a number of posts we need to fill and I would encourage anyone who may be interested to check out our careers website bt.com/careers where more information and details on how to apply can be found.

“It’s a great time to be joining our team at Doncaster, particularly following the exciting refurbishment of the site. It now boasts some of the latest technology and facilities to help our colleagues thrive at work and also relax and unwind during break periods.”

BT says that a number of its colleagues have been working from home during the Covid-19 pandemic, but many are expected to return to the office over the coming weeks and months as Government restrictions are lifted.

BT’s Doncaster contact centre first opened in 1997 and the company says the refurbishment will help transform the way it works, create efficiencies and enable it to better serve its customers.

Last year, BT completed its commitment to answer 100% of its consumer customer service calls in the UK and Ireland – becoming the only major broadband provider to do so – with the aim of providing a more personal and local service to its customers.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Glyn Jones, Cabinet Member for Housing and Business, said: “We are delighted to see BT investing in cutting edge facilities in Doncaster and creating hundreds of new jobs for local residents.

“It’s further tremendous news for the Doncaster economy which has seen a number of major companies announce expansion plans across our borough in recent months. We are fully committed to delivering jobs and growth and our Business Doncaster team continues to work closely with companies to promote opportunities and offer invaluable support.”

Teams based at the Doncaster contact centre will benefit from the fastest full fibre broadband internet connections, as well as EE 5G mobile coverage in the area. BT’s ambition is to increase efficiency and productivity, improving its ability to do the best for its customers. The Better Workplace Programme will deliver a combination of new offices as well as the refurbishment of some existing BT buildings.

The building itself will include multifaith and parenting rooms, and even a ‘bike doctor’ to encourage as many colleagues as possible to travel into work by sustainable transport.

Plusnet will be extending its customer service team to the BT Contact Centre to provide additional support for customers. Yorkshire based Plusnet already has a Sheffield office at The Balance in Pinfold Street.

BT Group plays an important role in the Yorkshire and The Humber economy and is responsible for generating £1 in every £160 produced in the region, according to an independent report. It also generated £1.3 billion to the Yorkshire and The Humber economy in “Gross Value Added” GVA, during the 2019/20 financial year. BT Group employs more than 6,500 people across the region.

BT has given the Mayor of the West of England Dan Norris and BT apprentices and graduates a sneak peek of the company’s new state-of-the-art office in the centre of Bristol, ahead of its scheduled opening in summer 2022.

The brand new 13-storey waterfront development, close to Bristol Temple Meads station, includes a rooftop ‘wildflower meadow’ and a number of terraces with panoramic views, to help promote wellbeing for up to 2,500 colleagues.

The building, Assembly Bristol, is a multi-million pound new development in the Temple Quarter Enterprise zone that is set to become one of BT’s key locations for the UK. Bristol was named in 2019 as one of BT’s strategic locations, with the new office to act initially as a hub for more than 2,000 colleagues in the city and wider region.

Like many businesses, considerable numbers of BT people have been working from home during the Covid-19 pandemic, but many are expected to return to the office in the coming months, as government restrictions are lifted. BT believes that, while technology and connectivity have helped people work remotely, there is still a role for the office to share ideas and to develop effective teams, particularly for the many new apprentices and graduates who join each year.

Each of the new building’s 13 floors is designed with high ceilings and natural daylight in mind, and indoor and outdoor breakout spaces, balconies and large terraces on the upper floors. The building also includes more than 250 cycle spaces and shower and changing facilities.

Commenting on the new building, West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “It was a pleasure to get a behind the scenes tour of BT’s new Bristol office. The views from the top are stunning. I'm delighted that our city is becoming a key location for the company, cementing our position at the heart of the UK’s digital economy.

“I particularly enjoyed meeting the graduates and apprentices and hearing about the excellent opportunities they are getting for interesting and varied high quality jobs.”

Sinmiloluwa Oke, part of BT's graduate scheme, said: “It was great to be able to get a sneak peek of BT's new building in Bristol. It's a really modern building with lots of cool features like the roof terrace and wildflower meadow. Where you work is really important, so I think this kind of workspace will inspire colleagues and help create a good working environment.”

Nick Speed, BT Group’s director in the South West, said: “This brand new building represents a multi-million pound investment by BT in the Bristol area and will see us increasing our presence significantly in the city in the coming years.

“It was great to have input from some of BT’s young people who are at the start of their careers and see their enthusiasm for the quality workspace we are creating, as somewhere they’d want to work.”

Graeme Paton, BT’s managing director, property and facilities services, said: “Our brand new building in the centre of Bristol is very exciting. It will bring our people together in a modern and collaborative environment, helping us transform the way we work.

“Although many of us have been working from home successfully over the last year thanks to technology and connectivity, we also know that modern office environments are vital. The buildings we work in play a huge part in how we feel and how we collaborate with each other. Our new offices will help us attract and retain brilliant people and we look forward to welcoming colleagues into this great new building when it’s complete.”

Notes

Metro Mayor Dan Norris was given a tour of the building by Nick Speed, BT Group’s public affairs lead for the South West of England. Other guests on the preview tour included BT degree apprentices Harvey Chandler and Caitlin Chinnock, and Sinmiloluwa Oke and Iestyn Harries, part of BT’s graduate scheme.

The exterior of the building is now complete and work has started to fit-out the interior with an anticipated move-in date of summer 2022.

The building is one of the first in Bristol to have the heat supplied by the district heating network, providing heat via a ground-source heat pump, so removes the reliance on gas. There will be no gas in the building. All heating/cooling is supplied via an electric system and aligns to BT’s decarbonisation goals.

BT Better Workplace programme

BT’s Better Workplace programme, first announced in 2018, is the largest workplace improvement and consolidation scheme of its type ever undertaken in the UK. It will consolidate BT Group’s UK footprint of more than 300 locations to around 30. The company has already announced several locations including Bristol, London, Cardiff, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Belfast. It also plans to move from its current headquarters in London at St Paul’s to a new 320,000 square foot, 18-storey building near Aldgate East Station later this year.

8 July 2021 - BT today announced its first ‘neutral host’ customer contract win in the UK, with Bruntwood SciTech, a 50:50 joint venture between Bruntwood and Legal & General. As part of the deal, BT will bring EE’s leading 4G network to Cheshire’s Alderley Park, the UK’s largest single site life science campus.

A neutral host solution provides strong indoor connectivity to a wide range of buildings with one network infrastructure deployed to support all mobile operators. Indoor service and reliable connectivity are fast becoming an increasingly important component of business mobile service needs, with mobile usage inside buildings expected to increase to 90 percent in the next few years.

BT’s increasing role in deploying neutral host solutions works as a cost-effective alternative for mobile operators who would otherwise need to build their own network infrastructure to serve customers in any given location for commercial and Emergency Services Network (ESN) services. At Alderley Park, whilst all UK mobile operators can simply share BT’s infrastructure to provide seamless indoor mobile commercial coverage to customers, EE is the first to switch on mobile cellular voice and data services for on-site customers.

Alderley Park offers over 1m sq. ft of office and laboratory space for life science and tech businesses and is already home to over 200 companies including world leading organisations such as Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute and the Medicines Discovery Catapult. Alderley Park also provides companies with dedicated business support, alongside a range of specialised scientific services. Glasshouse, launched in 2020, provides 150,000 sq ft of contemporary office space for hi-tech and forward-thinking businesses.

As part of the agreement, BT is rolling out its neutral host solution using leading edge technology over EE’s number one 4G network to approximately 20 hotspots across the campus. This will enable Alderley Park businesses to benefit from vastly improved indoor connectivity, as this becomes increasingly critical to support business performance.

Over the coming weeks, BT will be working with the UK’s mobile operators to secure their support to strengthen mobile connectivity for Alderley Park customers through its indoor coverage solution. BT and Bruntwood SciTech will also be exploring emerging technology solutions across additional commercial properties including co-creation around IoT and 5G access for businesses on site.

“We recognise that a reliable, always-on mobile connection is essential for today’s businesses, particularly as they are increasingly connecting from indoor locations,” says Dean Terry, Managing Director, Corporate and Public Sector, BT’s Enterprise unit.

“Through our neutral host solution, we’re supporting Alderley Park’s world-class infrastructure and enabling the campus to lead the way in emerging technology like 5G connectivity. With so many of the UK’s most innovative science and tech businesses located at Alderley Park, we’re committing to bringing cutting edge technology on-site to support their growth and innovation.

Kath Mackay, Managing Director, Bruntwood SciTech, says: “Collaboration is at the heart of the Alderley Park community and so it’s great to be supporting a digital solution with the same ethos at its core. As the life science sector focuses more on complex data analysis with enhanced connectivity requirements, it’s vital that we work together with industry leaders, like BT, to provide the best solutions for science and tech businesses to enable them to flourish.”

ABP and BT have installed IoT devices on cranes and transport equipment, which are used for the safe and efficient collection and transportation of cargoes across the port. The data generated by BT’s IoT solution are captured, analysed and visualised on BT’s Intelligent Asset platform to make the unloading and transportation of cargoes more efficient – in near real time.

The solution interprets the data from a wide range of port equipment, providing a record of time, travel distance, routes taken, and weight of goods unloaded. The information is then automatically sent to port management, allowing them to track the progress of the ship-to-shore operations. This allows the Port of Ipswich operational team make rapid, data-driven management decisions, and facilitate more collaborative decision-making with customers, making the best use of resources and assets to meet customer demand.

In addition to tracking the movement of assets, the data collected from BT’s IoT solution also monitors periods of inactivity, underutilisation, and maintenance requirements. For instance, the data provides better understanding of the resourcing of crane drivers and uses that analysis to reduce costs as well as greenhouse gasses. Cranes are used more when downtime is assessed accurately, and resources can be flexibly deployed to reduce periods of inactivity. The solution also gathers insights such as how often the equipment is being used, and how much distance they have covered. This provides an accurate view of maintenance requirements for plant equipment and machinery.

Dean Terry, Managing Director, Corporate and Public Sector, BT’s Enterprise unit said: “It’s fantastic to see the early success of our partnership with ABP as we support their ambitions for the Port of Ipswich to become a leading smart port. In deploying our IoT solution, we’re able to help produce intelligent, actionable insights to support the teams on the ground to monitor equipment in real-time, and make instant, autonomous decisions to speed up the supply chain. This is made possible by combining our award-winning 4G EE network with our deep expertise in sensor technology, network infrastructure and supply chains.”

Andrew Harston, Region Director, Wales and Short Sea Ports, Associated British Ports, said: “The trial with BT is an exciting step in the Port of Ipswich’s journey to becoming a smart port. The data generated by the Internet of Things solution gives the team in Ipswich the power to manage our resources and assets more effectively, improving our productivity and reducing our costs. Ultimately this trial will help us to provide even better customer service.”

• Following a hugely successful pilot during lockdown, with over 140 volunteers and 1,600 calls made, BT is expanding Care Home Companions to over 300 care homes nationwide

• 140 BT, EE and Plusnet colleagues from across the UK have now volunteered, with ambition to make 15,000 weekly calls over the next year

BT is announcing the national rollout of its employee led initiative, Care Home Companions to over 300 care homes across the UK. Since 2020, BT, EE and Plusnet contact centre colleagues have been volunteering to regularly chat with care home residents to keep their spirits up during the pandemic. Following a successful launch in the North East, BT is expanding Care Home Companions to over 300 care homes nationwide with their partner HC-One, with the ambition to have 1,600 volunteers making 15,000 calls to care home residents over the next year.

BT colleagues are using their personable and local communication skills they’ve learnt as customer service advisors to chat with residents who might not have anyone else to talk to on a regular basis. During lockdown, the Office for National Statistics found that those who are "always or often" lonely reached 8 per cent* of UK adults. Care Home Companions is helping to tackle the loneliness epidemic by giving volunteers from nearby UK based BT, EE and Plusnet contact centres the opportunity to give back to their local communities. Call centres taking part in this initiative include Darlington, Sheffield, Leeds and Doxford Park, and will be expanding to a total of 30 centres, with additions including Accrington, Blackburn, Lancaster, Liverpool and Warrington throughout the year.

In line with BT’s mission to Connect for Good, the original idea for Care Home Companions was born out of an existing project set-up by a group of BT employees in 2020 to help tackle loneliness in the UK. The scheme was hugely successful, with around 140 volunteers making over 1600 calls to care homes in the North East during 2020. The series of lockdown restrictions and social distancing measures has had a devastating impact for residents in care homes, and now in 2021, BT volunteers together with HC-One are taking the project one step further to help even more residents across the country to combat loneliness for this vulnerable part of society.

Nick Lane, MD of service, BT’s Consumer division said: “Giving back to local communities is so important, so when we heard there was a group of people who’d appreciate a chat, our volunteers jumped at the chance to help. I couldn’t be prouder of them. Being local and personal is such a big part of who we are now, meaning that we’re uniquely placed to be making these calls to those in our communities who need it most. The feedback from the residents, carers and care homes has just been overwhelmingly positive and our people love it too.”

Colleagues who volunteer to take part are given full training on top of their professional customer service skills on how to help their care home companions feel more connected. Matching companions in the same area means volunteers can bring in their own personal and local experience to build friendships and help residents feel comfortable and supported.

Robi Roccella, Head of Quality of Life at HC-One on how the weekly calls help as part of their overall activities: “Our wellbeing programme aims to enhance the quality of life of the People we care for, by providing a range of meaningful activities that can stimulate their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. During the coronavirus pandemic we've had to adapt the way we do things, and for the People we care for, their relationships with the outside world and community links have become even more important. We are grateful to be working with BT and EE, for not only the time their volunteers have given to help the People we care for to stay connected, but also helping them through their weekly calls to lead active and fulfilling lives. This programme is also promoting the use technology which is also key to enable People to be stimulated and engaged.”

Jay Routledge, a volunteer from North Tyneside said: “Speaking to one or two individuals on a weekly basis means I leave that call with a buzz, knowing I’ve made somebody’s day. It’s knowing I’ve had that lovely conversation with somebody for half an hour and I’ve been able to get to know them a little bit and they’ve got to know me as well.”

Georgie Pouton, Wellbeing Coordinator from HC-One’s Redesdale Court care home in North Shields said: “It wasn’t real at first when COVID-19 hit. We got a phone call asking if we would take part in a pilot [of Care Home Companions]. At first we were like ‘ooh how’s this going to work?’ but I’d say the first few days after we got the calls we were starting to see signs of positivity in the residents.”

Bev Wilson from BT’s Gosforth contact centre, who initially helped to set up the scheme, and has spent her time speaking with George, a resident at Kirkwood Court care home, Kenton, Newcastle said: “Speaking to George is like speaking to family. Whenever I’m feeling a little bit down, I think about my calls to lift my spirits up. We now share a picture and a bit about our interests to residents before we start our calls as a friendly introduction. I shared a picture of me cycling and stories about my pet dogs, which really helped our relationship flourish as it brought back memories of George cycling into Newcastle each day, and his own lovely dog. He loves the calls that we have together, and he says that it is a release speaking to someone new. George’s wife is also in the same home and he doesn’t have any other family. Some residents don’t have any visitors, and so in some cases we offer multiple calls a week.

“Even though lockdown restrictions are lifting, it’s still important to keep in touch with those who may be feeling lonely, sometimes doing this can help and inspire you too. Another resident that I speak to is a poet, whose work has been read out on the radio and published in newspapers. I’m lucky enough to have been able to hear her work over the phone, as she speaks about her local area, including mining and politics. I’ve been incredibly inspired as she recalls all her poems from memory as she is blind. It fills her with pride to be able to continue sharing her beautiful poems.”

Lauren Proctor, Wellbeing Coordinator from HC-One’s Kirkwood Court care home in Newcastle said: “We cannot thank the BT volunteers enough and everyone who has used their free time to chat. Our residents look forward to the calls and enjoy telling stories about their past. They love getting to know the volunteers’ and learning more about the people they’re talking to - one resident said, “It’s lovely to match a face to the voice”. 

“Our ambition is to help combat loneliness and this initiative is definitely helping. From the numerous calls we’ve had, one little chat makes a resident’s day. For example, George, looks forward to his call every week and enjoys talking about his life, his family and especially history. BT sent George The Magnificent 7 DVD and sweets as a birthday present, as he mentioned when his birthday was on a call once – it made his year.”

“BT’s Care Home Companion’s has been brilliant for both residents and our colleagues. For ‘National Carers Week’ all the Care Home Companion’s sent personal cards colleagues at Kirkwood Court to say thank you and to keep up the good work. We were overwhelmed with their kindness, it made them feel appreciated. I’d recommend this programme to everyone.”

Notes to Editors

To celebrate the news, BT and HC-One came together to showcase the positive impact the pilot has had in a moving short film released today by BT to mark National Loneliness Awareness Week.

• Shot at HC-One’s Redesdale Court care home in North Shields and with BT volunteers from the North Tyneside contact centre, it shows how the pandemic left many residents feeling lonely and isolated as most social activities and outside visits stopped. The video brings to life the changes the care home made to create activities to help with wellbeing, and the positive impact a weekly call from volunteers can have on residents. Growing bonds have been formed over common interests with residents, who in some instances may not have any regular contact with those outside the home.

*Statistic sourced from the Office for National Statistics – Opinions and Lifestyle Survey

• Adults aged 16 and over across Great Britain were asked how often they felt lonely, where the options were "often/always" / "some of the time" / "occasionally" / "hardly ever" / "never". Those reporting feeling lonely often / always is used as the indicator.

About HC-One

• HC-One is ‘The Kind Care Company’
• The locations of all HC-One homes can be viewed online at: https://www.hc-one.co.uk/Carehomes.aspx
• HC-One was founded in 2011 and has continued to grow and flourish since its inception.
• Our aim is to be the first choice care home in each of our communities for Residents, Relatives, Colleagues and Commissioners.
• HC-One’s c.22,000 Colleagues provide kind care to c.14,000 Residents across 327 care homes in the UK.
• HC-One stands for ‘Health’ and ‘Care’ and symbolises the focus on the “one” – you, the Resident, are the one that matters; you, the staff member, are the one that can make a difference. We are one team, working with Colleagues, Residents and Relatives as we strive to provide the kindest care.

As more companies have relied on their digital presence to survive during the Covid-19 pandemic, and with record numbers of start-ups springing up, the need for investment in new technologies such as full fibre and 5G has grown. Working with its infrastructure partner Openreach, BT’s Enterprise business will focus on bringing full fibre to businesses across Manchester, including 5,900 micro businesses initially. These businesses will be able to access BT’s fastest full fibre speeds yet – up to 900Mbps – a tripling of the speeds previously available. BT’s Enterprise business expects more of Manchester’s businesses to benefit from these full fibre speeds over time as Openreach continues to expand its fibre footprint across the country.

Recent research by BT has found that more than 70 per cent of small firms in Manchester are confident in the success of their business as the lockdown restrictions lift. And with more than 11,000 businesses set up in Manchester during 2020, the rise of digital shopkeepers and freelancers mean that an increasing number are running their business from home.

BT is so convinced by the high-growth potential of micro-businesses and start ups in Manchester and nationally - and their role in powering the post pandemic recovery - that it has carved out a new SoHo (Small/Single office, Home office) unit to focus on their digital and connectivity needs. As well as delivering business-grade connections which offer value for money and a premium customer service experience, BT will launch a new suite of services and apps to help the UK’s smallest and fledgling firms grow by building stronger digital foundations. These new services could include stronger cyber security measures, free digital skills training and new digital advertising tools, for example.

Together with the launch of the UK’s first ‘unbreakable’ Wi-Fi for micro-businesses - delivering guaranteed coverage across the workplace, full fibre speeds and free tech expert support - the new unit will help the UK’s smallest firms and start-ups to rebuild and get set for growth.

Sarah Walker, BT Enterprise business director for the North, said: “By setting up this new unit we’re investing in the future of Manchester’s smallest firms and start-ups which are the lifeblood of the local economy. I’m really proud that we’re creating this new unit at a time when their success has never been more important in securing the city’s future as it rebuilds after the toughest economic crisis in a generation.

“In addition, we’re tripling the speed of full fibre broadband for businesses in Manchester, with nearly 5,900 of the city’s smallest firms now able to access speeds of up to 900Mbps through BT. The availability of our fastest business broadband speeds yet will grow over time as Openreach continues to expand its full fibre footprint across the city.”

A recent survey carried out by BT found that just under a quarter of small businesses in Manchester (21 per cent) planned to move more of their operations online following lockdown restrictions easing; while 61 per cent would be more likely to adopt new technologies if they knew the technology industry provided training or support.

BT’s new SoHo business unit will provide dedicated support for small and micro-businesses buying its new Halo for business broadband bundles, with free expert set-up of equipment and advanced UK-based remote IT support. A 4G back-up service will also be offered if there’s a problem with the fixed line, to ensure uninterrupted business connectivity.

As part of its bid to kick start the growth of UK micro-businesses and start-ups, BT is also trialling new online tools which will make it easier for them to run their own digital advertising campaigns.

BT’s new online tools are designed to remove some of the biggest barriers which are preventing the UK’s smallest companies from using digital advertising to boost their online presence and reach new customers. The new service is currently being trialled with customers and BT will share more details over the coming weeks.

The launch of the new SoHo business unit and the availability of new business broadband and digital marketing tools is further evidence of BT’s support for the UK’s small businesses. It builds on BT’s Small Business Support Scheme, a broad package of measures launched last Summer to help small businesses thrive during and beyond the pandemic, by boosting their connectivity, cashflow and confidence.

Businesses can find out more about the full fibre offers available from BT by visiting: https://business.bt.com/products/broadband-and-internet/full-fibre/

As more companies have relied on their digital presence to survive during the Covid-19 pandemic, and with record numbers of start-ups springing up, the need for investment in new technologies such as full fibre and 5G has grown. Working with its infrastructure partner Openreach, BT’s Enterprise business will focus on bringing full fibre to businesses across Birmingham, including 8,500 micro businesses initially. These businesses will be able to access BT’s fastest full fibre speeds yet – up to 900Mbps – a tripling of the speeds previously available. BT’s Enterprise business expects more of Birmingham’s businesses to benefit from these full fibre speeds over time as Openreach continues to expand its fibre footprint across the country.

Recent research by BT has found that more than 70 per cent of small firms in Birmingham are confident in the success of their business as the lockdown restrictions lift. And with more than 18,000 businesses set up in Birmingham during 2020, the rise of digital shopkeepers and freelancers mean that an increasing number are running their business from home.

BT is so convinced by the high-growth potential of micro-businesses and start ups in Birmingham and nationally - and their role in powering the post pandemic recovery - that it has carved out a new SoHo (Small/Single office, Home office) unit to focus on their digital and connectivity needs. As well as delivering business-grade connections which offer value for money and a premium customer service experience, BT will launch a new suite of services and apps to help the UK’s smallest and fledgling firms grow by building stronger digital foundations. These new services could include stronger cyber security measures, free digital skills training and new digital advertising tools, for example.

Together with the launch of the UK’s first ‘unbreakable’ Wi-Fi for micro-businesses - delivering guaranteed coverage across the workplace, full fibre speeds and free tech expert support - the new unit will help the UK’s smallest firms and start-ups to rebuild and get set for growth.

Sarah Walker, BT Enterprise business director for the Midlands, said: “By setting up this new unit we’re investing in the future of Birmingham’s smallest firms and start-ups which are the lifeblood of the local economy. I’m really proud that we’re creating this new unit at a time when their success has never been more important in securing the city’s future as it rebuilds after the toughest economic crisis in a generation.

“In addition, we’re tripling the speed of full fibre broadband for businesses in Birmingham, with nearly 8,500 of the city’s smallest firms now able to access speeds of up to 900Mbps through BT. The availability of our fastest business broadband speeds yet will grow over time as Openreach continues to expand its full fibre footprint across the city.”

A recent survey carried out by BT found that nearly a third of Birmingham small businesses (28 per cent) planned to move more of their operations online following lockdown restrictions easing; while 67 per cent would be more likely to adopt new technologies if they knew the technology industry provided training or support.

BT’s new SoHo business unit will provide dedicated support for small and micro-businesses buying its new Halo for business broadband bundles, with free expert set-up of equipment and advanced UK-based remote IT support. A 4G back-up service will also be offered if there’s a problem with the fixed line, to ensure uninterrupted business connectivity.

As part of its bid to kick start the growth of UK micro-businesses and start-ups, BT is also trialling new online tools which will make it easier for them to run their own digital advertising campaigns.

BT’s new online tools are designed to remove some of the biggest barriers which are preventing the UK’s smallest companies from using digital advertising to boost their online presence and reach new customers. The new service is currently being trialled with customers and BT will share more details over the coming weeks.

The launch of the new SoHo business unit and the availability of new business broadband and digital marketing tools is further evidence of BT’s support for the UK’s small businesses. It builds on BT’s Small Business Support Scheme, a broad package of measures launched last Summer to help small businesses thrive during and beyond the pandemic, by boosting their connectivity, cashflow and confidence.

Businesses can find out more about the full fibre offers available from BT by visiting: https://business.bt.com/products/broadband-and-internet/full-fibre/

BT has connected 70 grassroots football clubs across the UK with broadband (Wi-Fi) and digital skills training, as clubs and their communities look to recover from the COVID-19 crisis.

The work is part of BT’s role as lead partner with each of the four home nation football associations – The FA, Scottish FA, Irish FA and FA of Wales.

Working with the FAs, BT identified the key areas of the game that needed the most support and developed the transformational 4-3-3 football strategy:

• 4 – to support the 4 home nations in partnership with each football association

• 3 – supporting the 3 football communities most in need of support – disability and para, grassroots, and women’s football

• 3 – 3 goals for BT: to develop new innovation and technology in football; new opportunities to promote digital and skills initiatives; and a new generation of girls and women to participate in football

The partnership includes a commitment to provide grassroots clubs across the four nations with a package of free products and services, including broadband and Wi-Fi connectivity. The aim is to support grassroots clubs in their role as hubs for their local community.

The connectivity will help the football clubs set up things like free guest Wi-Fi for supporters, taking wireless card payments and video streaming of matches and training sessions.

BT will also work with the connected clubs to help make them hubs for digital and employability skills support in the local community, through BT’s Skills for Tomorrow programme, which aims to help 10 million people make the most of life in the digital world.

Despite the coronavirus restrictions, BT has been able to connect 70 grassroots clubs across the UK, with the aim of reaching 100 by the end of the summer.

One of the ‘Connected Clubs’ already connected by BT is Horsforth St Margaret’s FC in Leeds.

Ange Emery, Club Secretary of Horsforth St Margaret’s FC, said: “I’m really pleased that Horsforth St Margaret’s FC is part of this initiative. Grassroots football is so important to the children, their families and our community.

“Now that we are a BT Connected Club, we will be looking at reaching out to more of the community to see how we can help with their digital skills, whether that be homework clubs, help writing CVs, searching for jobs or teaching the elderly new digital skills.”

Another connected club is Deveronvale FC in Banff, Scotland, who have already taken advantage of BT’s connectivity. In December 2020, the club live streamed their Scottish Cup game against Camelon Juniors FC, so fans could watch their team while restrictions didn’t allow them to attend, paying £5, and generating crucial matchday revenue for the club.

Kevin Stewart, Chairman of Deveronvale FC, said: “We are delighted to be partnering through the BT Connected Clubs initiative. It not only reduces costs to the club, but also opens offerings like the guest Wi-Fi, which we didn't have before, and the introduction of our contactless payment system and booking system.

“The connectivity has already allowed us to do things like live stream our Scottish Cup match so fans could watch at home. This went down very well with fans who weren’t able to attend the match in person. It’s also enabled our personal trainers to live stream fitness classes to our members, which we’re going to continue to do, as the club moves forward.

“As a community hub, we’ll also be using the technology and skills to support local families with things like improving health and wellbeing and tackling unemployment.”

James Kendall, Director of Football Development at The FA said: “It's great that our partnership with BT is helping us combine football and technology, making sure that grassroots clubs remain hubs for communities up and down the country.

“This past year has been some of the most challenging times not just for football, but across society, so this kind of support is hugely welcome as we look to get grassroots football back on its feet. We know that grassroots football has the power to change people’s lives for the better and these clubs will have a big role to play in bringing people back together and making a difference.”

Pete Jeavons, Marketing Communications Director at BT, said: “Supporting grassroots football is an integral part of our 4-3-3 football strategy. We know how important grassroots football clubs are across the country, so by linking them to the latest technology, connectivity and digital skills, we can help build their role as community hubs.

“People up and down the country are desperate to return to their local clubs, so we hope this will give these first connected clubs and their communities a small lift.”

BT created a one-off special TV show to celebrate the importance of grassroots football, as clubs begin to re-open. The hour-long ‘Grassroots Football Show’ has been aired on BT Sport and is also available to watch via BT Sport’s YouTube channel.

In partnership with the four home nation football associations, the programme was hosted at Horsforth St Margaret’s FC and presented by BT Sport duo Jules Breach & Robbie Savage. It featured elite players from each of the home nations’ senior men’s teams, including England’s Mason Mount, Northern Ireland brothers Jonny & Corry Evans, Wales’ 100-cap hero Chris Gunter and Scotland duo Craig Gordon and Stephen O’Donnell.

Notes

Connecting grassroots football

As part of BT's 4-3-3 strategy – as lead partner of the UK's four home nations football associations – 200 grassroots football clubs across the home nations are to be given a package of BT services and become part of the rollout of the digital skills programme BT Skills for Tomorrow to turn football clubhouses into hubs for their community.

The goal is to break down barriers to improve digital, education and footballing skills in communities across the UK, creating a network of hundreds of grassroots football clubs across the home nations.

About BT Skills for Tomorrow:

BT Skills for Tomorrow is helping 10 million people in the UK make the most of life in the digital world. It is completely free and designed to help everyone - from school children and teachers, parents and families, businesses and jobseekers, to older and more vulnerable people. Working in partnership with leading digital skills, enterprise and community organisations, we have created and collated some of the best advice, information and support in one easy-to-navigate place. Visit www.bt.com/skillsfortomorrow

BT has been awarded a multi-million pound contract with leading housebuilder Avant Homes, supporting the digital transformation of its business during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The partnership has already seen BT deploy new technology to allow agile working for Avant Homes' sales and customer service workforce during the last 12 months. The investment also allows the developer to further improve its customer journey for new reservations and viewings.

For the next phase of the partnership, BT is providing a cloud-based solution that simplifies the management and operations across Avant Homes’ five regional offices located in Scotland, North East, Yorkshire, and the Midlands, as well as its group head office operation and all development locations.

The solution includes 5G mobile access for all Avant Homes employees offering fast, reliable Internet. It uses EE’s Rapid Site technology to set up a virtual office or contact point from almost anywhere.

The managed service combines BT’s leading fixed network, with EE’s award-winning mobile network to deliver operational efficiencies for the housebuilder whilst empowering its employees with ultrafast connectivity on demand.

Peter Adams, Avant Homes group business systems and transformation director, said: “Our continued upwards trajectory and ambitious growth strategy requires the ongoing review of our processes and technology to ensure we are operating effectively at all levels.

“By implementing these new communication solutions, we can enable better ways of working and communicating internally and externally. The joined up digital system provided by BT means we can enhance our customers’ experience whether they are meeting with us at a development, on the telephone or via video call. Furthermore, using 5G mobile technology also allows our people to set up a virtual office from any development site or location, allowing more flexibility and convenience. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these new systems will have as we integrate them across the business.”

Based in Chesterfield, Avant Homes Group is one of the leading private developers of residential property in the UK. The company has a turnover of £446m and employs around 780 people.

The Avant Homes Group builds approximately 2,000 homes each year. It currently has 57 live developments across its five operating regions.

Roger Craven, North East, Yorkshire & Humber sales director for BT, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has brought challenges for many businesses, even those in industries which have largely been able to continue to operate throughout lockdown periods and restrictions, such as the housing and construction sector. The need to invest in digital technology has never been greater as more work is carried out remotely and teams require secure access to information, contacts and systems from wherever they are.

“It’s hugely rewarding for BT to see its contribution to the digital transformation Avant Homes is making a real difference for their employees and customers.”

Partnering with BT, Ericsson and NVIDIA, Hyperbat is set to benefit from a world first 5G Virtual Reality (VR) ‘digital twin’ solution which allows remote teams in different parts of the country to connect, collaborate and interact using a virtual 3D engineering model. By enabling dispersed teams across design, engineering and manufacturing to collaborate more efficiently, the technology is set to accelerate the pace of innovation within the UK manufacturing sector.

Hyperbat alongside its partners – BT, Ericsson,Qualcomm Technologies, NVIDIA, Masters of Pie and The Grid Factory - unveiled details of the solution at the NVIDIA GPU Technology Conference (GTC) demonstrating how it will reduce product cycle time between design, engineering and manufacturing teams based in Coventry and Oxfordshire.

The solution offers a world first untethered 5G native experience that will allow design and engineering teams to walk around and interact with a 3D lifesize model in real time through a single self-contained device, and without the constraints of a physical connection. Hyperbat colleagues in different locations will be able to work with a 1:1 product scale hologram of the design in-situ on the factory floor, review designs in real time, and manage workflows much more effectively.

The solution comprising high bandwidth and low latency 5G connectivity, integrated by Ericsson’s D-15 Lab in Santa Clara, California, will enable Hyperbat to deliver engineering projects at scale. This will empower teams to improve build efficiency within its manufacturing processes, whilst removing current complexities between product management systems, supply chain and factory operations.

The 5G VR digital twin solution will be deployed by BT and Ericsson on a 5G mobile private network, using the world’s first 5G-enabled VR headset powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ XR2 Platform. The VR headset will run on the Masters of Pie Radical platform, enabling Hyperbat to use cloud-based virtual reality within computer-aided design (CAD) software. Using high performance edge compute, the solution also includes cutting-edge hardware and software from NVIDIA to seamlessly integrate into existing factory floor operations. Qualcomm’s VR headset incorporates split rendering where all the perception-based data is held locally on the device, but the computing is handled in the cloud and streamed by the NVIDIA CloudXR and solutions. This helps to achieve a seamless, high fidelity VR experience that produces a real-life experience for the manufacturing teams.

Hosein Torabmostaedi, Digital and Innovation Manager said: ‘‘Hyperbat is honoured to be working with such an incredible consortium of partners to pioneer a solution that lays the foundations for smart factory architecture and efficient, flexible and collaborative manufacturing. The solution mainly targeted at collaborative mobile workforce with the use of 5G native headsets and seamless integration of design and manufacturing systems with the digital twin technologies. Hyperbat also to extend the solution to the use of 5G connectivity for machines to enable configurable and flexible production lines. The solutions will be demonstrated and trialed at Hyperbat’s facility in Coventry, United Kingdom.”

Jeremy Spencer, 5G Innovation Senior Manager, BT’s Enterprise unit said: “This world-first 5G digital twin solution is a powerful reminder that 5G connectivity and Edge Compute is very much here now, delivering real business benefits for our customers. 5G connectivity, when combined with the latest emerging tech can produce incredible efficiency gains which will be so important in boosting the UK manufacturing sector as it recovers from COVID. It will also bring a welcome boost to many other industries where collaboration is required. We’re thrilled to be working with Hyperbat and such a strong network of partners to bring this innovation to life, made possible by combining our collective strengths across a range of technologies.”

“5G will have a transformative impact in the industries and technologies of the future and this collaboration with BT, Hyperbat and other eco-system partners is another demonstration of how low latency, edge compute and wireless networking will be critical to digitalisation within the enterprise sector. By delivering operational efficiencies through 5G technology, we are laying a foundation that can help to drive innovation in manufacturing, boost the economy and position the UK as a leading 5G nation,” said Björn Odenhammar, CTO, Networks & Managed Services, Ericsson UK & Ireland

 “Bringing remote teams together in VR to collaborate and refine manufacturing processes will produce great efficiencies and innovations,” said David Weinstein, director of virtual reality and augmented reality at NVIDIA. “This 5G VR digital-twin solution -- powered with NVIDIA RTX technology, CloudXR, and NVIDIA RTX Virtual Workstation software -- will enable real-time immersion for teams both on the factory floor and remotely.”

The Hyperbat solution is near completion with results of the collaboration expected in early summer.

BT today released new images of its Gosforth Contact Centre currently undergoing a multi-million-pound refurbishment - as it announced the project has already completed its first phase and will open later this year.

The centre has undergone a major revamp to modernise it and create a fantastic workplace for hundreds of colleagues. The first phase of works, which started at the end of last year, is now complete and it is already transforming the building.

The facilities and services will include everything from full height windows providing natural light, café and restaurant facilities, to flexible workspaces and collaboration areas. It will also include relax and refuel areas, a games area with table tennis, pool and games consoles as well as a small putting green.

The multi-million pound refurbishment will also include a multi-faith and parenting room, an on-site concierge and even a ‘bike doctor’ to encourage as many colleagues as possible to travel into work by sustainable transport.

The refurbishment is taking place in two stages, allowing contact centre workers the flexibility to work from home or to continue operating in another section of the building whilst work continues to take place. BT is ensuring social distancing rules apply inside the contact centre as well as following Public Health England’s latest guidelines on Covid-19 to ensure people are kept safe.

When the work is complete, the state-of-the art refurbishment in Gosforth will be one of the first of BT’s future-fit offices in the UK to open as part of its ‘Better Workplace Programme’ - the largest workplace improvement and consolidation scheme of its type ever undertaken in the UK.

The investment will help transform the way BT works, create efficiencies and enable it to better serve its customers.

Nick Lane, managing director for consumer customer services at BT, said: “BT is fully committed to Newcastle and we are pleased that the first phase of our refurbishment is now complete.

“We are excited that our colleagues in Gosforth will be among the first in the UK to benefit from our future-fit workplaces, bringing our people together in an impressive and modern environment, transforming the way we work.

“The local team has done a fantastic job ensuring that our customers have been able to stay connected during the Covid -19 pandemic with some choosing to remain working on site during the refurbishment, while other colleagues have chosen to work from home.

“We look forward to welcoming staff into our new refurbished building as we aim to make BT the best place to work in the local area.”

James Ramsbotham, chief executive, North East England Chamber of Commerce, said:  “I’m delighted to see the progress that has been made to the refurbishment of the Gosforth Contact Centre.

“BT plays an important part in our regional economy both in terms of employment and connectivity. Their continued commitment and investment in the North East is extremely welcome by the Chamber, our members and their employees.

“I look forward to seeing the new centre once it has been completed.”

Under the five year ‘Better Workplace Programme’, first announced in 2018, BT will consolidate its UK footprint of more than 300 locations to around 30. The company has already announced several other locations including Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Dundee and Ipswich with more to follow. It will also move from its current headquarters in London at St Paul’s to a new 320,000 square foot, 18-storey building near Aldgate East Station later this year.

Liz Needleman, BT Group regional lead for the North of England, said: “Gosforth is a strategically important site for BT and this refurbishment is a real sign of our continued commitment to Newcastle.

“I am looking forward to our colleagues being able to benefit and thrive in their new future-fit workspace that we are creating, which will transform the way we work as we continue to do the best we can for both our customers and colleagues.

“This is a bold and ambitious programme for BT and we are committed to this major investment for Newcastle even in these challenging times.”

Teams based at the Gosforth Contact Centre will benefit from full fibre broadband as well as EE 5G mobile connectivity in the area. BT’s ambition is to increase efficiency and productivity, improving its ability to do the best for its customers. The Better Workplace Programme will deliver a combination of moves like this, into new offices, as well as the refurbishment of some existing BT buildings.

BT Group plays an important role in the economy of the North East and is responsible for generating £1 in every £60 produced in the region, according to an independent report. It also generated £1.09 billion to the economy of the North East in “Gross Value Added” GVA, during the 2019/20 financial year.* BT Group supports more than 13,700 local jobs across the region.

• From life-saving defibrillators to a mini museum, the opportunities for local phone boxes are endless

BT today revealed that almost 4,000 of its iconic red phone boxes across the UK are up for grabs – as it urges local communities to take advantage of a scheme to help transform them for the 21^st Century.

Since 2008, over 6,600 phone boxes have been taken on by communities for just £1 each through BT’s Adopt a Kiosk programme. Redundant phone boxes, once a lifeline of communication before the arrival of mobile phone networks, have been transformed into everything from defibrillator units and mini history museums to art galleries and book exchanges.

BT will also consider adoption requests to house defibrillators in modern glass phone boxes, a potentially life-saving conversion.

James Browne, Head of Street at BT, said: “With most people now using mobile phones, it’s led to a huge drop in the number of calls made from payphones. At the same time, mobile coverage has improved significantly in recent years due to investment in masts, particularly in rural areas.

“We’re currently rationalising our payphone estate to make it fit for the future, and the ‘Adopt a Kiosk’ scheme makes it possible for local communities across the UK to retain their local phone box, with a refreshed purpose for the community.

“Thousands of communities have already come up with a fantastic array of ideas to re-use their beloved local phone box. Applying is quick and easy and we’re always happy to speak to communities about adopting our phone boxes.”

From Aberdeen to Plymouth, the Community Heartbeat Trust charity is working with BT and local communities to install lifesaving defibrillators in local kiosks. Martin Fagan, National Secretary for the Community Heartbeat Trust charity, said: “BT’s phone box kiosks are iconic British structures, and repurposing for this life saving use has given them a new lease of life. To date, we have converted about 800 ourselves, with another 200 in the pipeline.

“Placing the equipment in the heart of a community is important to save on time. Kiosks are historically at the centre of the community, and thus great locations for defibrillators.”

As part of plans to modernise its payphone estate, over 400 payphones across towns and cities have also been upgraded by BT to digital units, called Street Hubs, offering free ultrafast public Wi-Fi, free UK phone calls, USB device charging, environmental monitoring and more. BT’s Street Hubs also play a vital role in sharing public information, for example during the Covid-19 pandemic, Street Hub units across the country have displayed key advice from Public Health England and local councils. Street Hubs form part of BT’s plan to transform the UK’s high streets with a digital communications service designed for the 21^st Century.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Adopt a Kiosk Case studies

Patrick Brompton Parish Council – Defibrillator, Richmondshire

A traditional red BT phone box in the North Yorkshire village of Patrick Brompton has been turned into a defibrillator unit, a conversion which could help save lives.

The former payphone, situated centrally in the village, was adopted for just £1 by the parish council through BT’s Adopt a Kiosk scheme. It now houses a defibrillator which can be used in emergency situations.

Brian Whitehead, vice chairman of Patrick Brompton Parish Council, said: “As a council we were really keen to adopt our red phone box and we didn’t want to see it go.

“It’s a fact that no-one really uses payphones anymore, but they look quite iconic, especially in rural areas like ours, so we wanted to retain it from a heritage perspective.

“The defibrillator we did have in the village was behind the 18^th Century school room, so we’ve moved it to the phone box and think it’s a much better place for it. Thankfully, it’s never had to be used but it’s reassuring to know it’s there in case we ever need it in an emergency.”

Book Exchange - Church Lawford Parish Council, Warwickshire 

A book exchange has been created inside a former BT red phone box in a small Warwickshire village.  

The traditional kiosk opposite The Old Smithy pub in Church Lawford, near Rugby, was taken on by the parish council for £1 through BT’s Adopt a Kiosk scheme. It is now a thriving book exchange which is used by residents young and old alike. People donate books and take away others to read before returning them.  

Jeremy James, chairman of Church Lawford Parish Council, said they had taken inspiration from a nearby village - Stretton under Fosse – where the community adopted their local phone box and turned it into an information booth with details on local history, as well as local walks and footpaths.  

Jeremy added: “We wanted to add the book exchange element as the mobile library only visits briefly once a month, and this aspect has really taken over.  

“I have been pleased by the level of support it gets. Those people that use it appreciate it, and the only real maintenance needed is periodic tidying up of the book supply.  

“At Christmas we installed lights on the green for the first time, powered from the phone box, and we also installed a sound system with carols and songs written about the village during the Covid-lockdown.  

“If another village were considering adopting their phone box, I would say it is very worthwhile.” 

Defibrillator – Orkney Islands, Scotland

A red phone kiosk in the rural Orkney Islands has been transformed into a defibrillator for the local community.

Over the past year, the trust has installed five new community defibrillators across Westray, the locations being the Westray Airfield, Gill Pier Ferry Terminal Waiting Rooms, Westray Parish Kirk, Peter Miller’s Shop and the Rapness Ferry Terminal Waiting Rooms.

The sixth and final defibrillator was installed in the Midbea red telephone kiosk, in Westray’s west side.

The push for the installations came after a series of community first aid training sessions highlighted that there was limited access to defibrillators on the island.

Isobel Thompson, Operations Manager at Westray Development Trust, said: "The red telephone box on the Westside of Westray was an ideal location to install a public access defibrillator as the telephone box was both memorable and already strategically placed. Thanks to BT's 'Adopt a Kiosk' scheme we were able to expand our defibrillator network and improve access to life-saving equipment in an emergency for our isolated island community." 

About Adopt a Kiosk

Communities can adopt a kiosk if they are a recognised public body, such as a parish council, community council or town council. Boxes can also be adopted by registered charities or by individuals who have a payphone on their own land. BT will continue to provide electricity (if already in place) to power the light for adopted phone boxes, free of charge.

For further details on how to apply to Adopt a Kiosk, simply go to www.bt.com/adopt where application forms and information can be found.

The centre – located in Langage Business Park, Plympton, and one of the largest employers in the area – will undergo a full refurbishment to modernise it and create an improved workspace for the 900 or so colleagues based there.

While the majority of contact centre colleagues based in Plymouth – and at other locations across the country – are still working from home during the pandemic, the company is continuing to invest in new and modern workspaces as part of its ‘Better Workplace’ programme.

At the start of the Coronavirus outbreak, the company introduced new systems to equip contact centre colleagues, who wanted to work from home temporarily, with the technology, security and equipment to do so.

BT Group believes that inspiring office environments, combined with a more flexible approach to home working, will play a vital role in its future.

Plymouth is one of the company’s largest contact centres and employs hundreds of customer service advisors, providing support to customers across the UK. Contact centre colleagues were designated key workers by government and EE and BT centres have seen an increase in call volumes during the pandemic, with customers looking to improve or change their connectivity to help them work from home and stay in touch with friends and family.

BT’s consumer contact centres now handle 100% of customer calls in the UK, including at EE’s contact centre in Plymouth. Since customer service for BT, EE and Plusnet customers was brought back to the UK and Ireland last year, more than 34 million calls have been handled.

Work on the refurbishment is due to start in the summer and will be phased to make sure there is no impact on customers or colleagues. The project is expected to last around twelve months and will involve local contractors and suppliers, where possible.

EE, part of BT Group, opened the Plymouth contact centre in 2000 and the company says the investment highlights its future commitment to the location and the wider region.

Nick Lane, managing director for consumer customer services at BT, said: “We’re excited about the plans to refurbish our Plymouth contact centre. It’s an important location for the company and will be the first EE contact centre in the country to benefit from one of our new future-fit workplaces.

“While most colleagues are still working from home due to the pandemic, we’ll be working with them to help create a modern, innovative workspace we can all be proud of. The buildings in which we work play a huge part in how we feel.

“Colleagues in our contact centres have played a really important role during the Covid-19 pandemic. They’ve done a fantastic job making sure our customers have been able to stay connected with family, friends and work during this difficult time.”

Leader of Plymouth City Council, Councillor Tudor Evans said: “This is great news. The contact centre is going to be redeveloped and that the company is investing in the long-term future of the site, which means they are investing in Plymouth and in Plymouth’s workforce. We're delighted to see a large company like BT Group invest here and modernising its office space for staff.

“The centre makes a vital contribution to our local economy and community in Plymouth, and I look forward to seeing the results of the refit, once it's completed.”

Jonathan Warne, head of the contact centre in Plymouth, said: “My team have worked so hard to keep customers happy as we’ve adapted to working from home, but we’ve missed the team camaraderie in Plympton and we want to get back to our community.

“We’re all involved with the new designs for the building and we’ll have the latest technology and spaces created to give us the best environment to continue to support each other and our customers.”

BT Group is a major employer in the South West of England, directly employing more than 8,000 people, including this contact centre. According to a new independent report published this week, BT Group’s combined activities in the South West adds nearly £2 billion to the region’s economy and supports more than 17,000 jobs through direct and indirect effects.

Notes

BT’s Better Workplace programme, first announced in 2018, is the largest workplace improvement and consolidation scheme of its type ever undertaken in the UK. It will consolidate BT Group’s UK footprint of more than 300 locations to around 30. The company has already announced several other locations including Bristol, Cardiff, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Belfast. It also plans to move from its current headquarters in London at St Paul’s to a new 320,000 square foot, 18-storey building near Aldgate East Station next year.

The Economic Impact of BT Group in the UK report, by consultancy firm Hatch, calculates that the communications and technology company generated more than £24 billion in gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy during the last financial year, including almost £2bn (£1,840 million) in the South West alone*. 

The report estimates that around 17,700 full-time jobs in the South West are supported by BT Group through direct and indirect effects. The firm also spent £634 million with suppliers based in the South West, including those in the retail, construction and telecommunications industries.

BT Group has broadband and mobile networks spanning from the Scilly Isles to Shetland, built and maintained by some of the 82,800 direct employees it has in the UK. In the South West, the firm directly employs 8,050 people, with a further 511 employed as contractors.

The company is currently modernising its business, including investing in the UK’s largest workplace consolidation and modernisation programme, as it moves from 300 locations to around 30 as part of its Better Workplace programme. 

BT Group announced last year that it plans to move into a new state of the art office in the centre of Bristol in early 2022. Bristol has been confirmed as one of BT’s key locations in the UK, with the new office acting as a hub for more than 2,000 colleagues in the city and wider region. It plans also to open a new HQ in London later in 2021.

Last week, BT unveiled plans to recruit 51 apprentices and graduates in Bristol for its September 2021 intake. Meanwhile, Openreach, the digital network business, part of BT Group, announced in December that it would create 200 new full time engineering roles across the South West this year.

Nick Speed, BT Group regional director for the South West, said: “I’m immensely proud of the contribution our colleagues make in supporting the South West economy. At an important time for our region, our spending on people, networks and suppliers, provides a vital economic boost. The wider impact of that spending helps to sustain communities and small businesses right across the West Country.

“In the past year, having good connectivity has become more important than ever as we’ve all had to work, learn, and spend more leisure time online. Despite these challenges, our dedicated and determined colleagues have ensured EE’s 5G network has been extended to cover 125 towns and cities, built out Openreach’s full-fibre network to reach 4.1 million premises and EE’s 4G network now reaches 85 per cent of the UK. I know these significant investments will help to underpin the country’s economic recovery post-Covid.”

Employees from across BT Group, which includes Openreach, EE and Plusnet, have played a key role in keeping the country connected during the pandemic. The company has provided critical support to the NHS, SMEs via its Small Business Support Scheme and school children by providing unlimited broadband and mobile data, free and mobile data, free BT Wi-Fi vouchers and zero rating access to two of the most popular online education sites.

BT’s Consumer contact centres now handle 100% of customer calls in the UK, including at EE’s contact centre in Plymouth. Since customer service for BT, EE and Plusnet customers was brought back to the UK and Ireland last year, more than 34 million calls have been handled.

Ben Rhodes, CBI Deputy Regional Director for the South West, said: “It’s great to see companies like BT continue to invest so significantly in the South West and its communities. The value and impact of that investment is felt in high quality local jobs, economic growth and across supply chains the length and breadth of the country.

“This investment in digital infrastructure is crucial if the harmful effects of the Covid-19 pandemic are to be overcome. The last twelve months, perhaps more than any other time, have shown us the value of true connectivity, not just for business and the economy, but for maintaining social connections and aiding mental health.”

Tim Fanning, Director at Hatch, said: “Our analysis underlines how vast BT Group’s contribution is to the UK economy as a whole as well as to individual communities in the nations and regions. Its presence across the country generates significant further activity and investment, supporting many thousands of jobs.”

Across the South West in 2019/20:

• 8,350 BT Group employees live in the region (FTE)
• 8,560 BT Group employees work in the region (FTE)
• £321 million total income of BT Group employees working in the region
• £634 million spend with suppliers based in the region
• £1,840 million total GVA impact (including indirect and induced effects)
• BT Group employed 1 in every 200 employees working in the private sector, and 1 in every 8 employees working in the IT and communications sectors
• £1 in every £130 of GVA is generated directly by BT Group
• BT Group supported 1 in every 100 employees working in the private sector and £1 in every £75 of GVA as a result of BT Group’s full economic impact

BT Group, its spend with contractors and suppliers, and the spending power of its own employees, are responsible for supporting nearly 16,000 jobs in Yorkshire and The Humber, according to an independent report published today.  

The Economic Impact of BT Group plc in the UK report, by consultancy firm Hatch, calculates that the communications and technology company generated more than £24 billion in gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy during the last financial year, including £1.3 billion in Yorkshire and The Humber alone*. 

The report estimates that around 15,800 full-time jobs in Yorkshire and The Humber are supported by BT Group through direct, indirect and induced effects. The firm also spent £424 million with suppliers based in the region, including those in the manufacturing, construction and telecommunications industries.

BT Group has broadband and mobile networks spanning from the Scilly Isles to Shetland, built and maintained by some of the 82,800 direct employees it has in the UK. In Yorkshire and The Humber, the firm directly employs 6,160 people, with a further 500 employed as contractors.

The company is currently modernising its business, including investing in the UK’s largest workplace consolidation and modernisation programme, as it moves from 300 locations to around 30 as part of its Better Workplace programme. The major refurbishment of BT’s Doncaster Contact Centre is nearing completion, and the company also plans to open a new HQ in London later in 2021. New strategic hub locations will open in places such as Bristol and Manchester, providing future-fit workplaces of the future for thousands of colleagues. 

Liz Needleman, BT Group regional lead for the North of England, said: “I’m immensely proud of the contribution our colleagues make in supporting the Yorkshire and The Humber economy. At an important time for our region, our spending on people, networks and suppliers, provides a vital economic boost. The wider impact of that spending helps to sustain communities and small businesses right across the region.  

“In the past year, having good connectivity has become more important than ever as we’ve all had to work, learn, and spend more leisure time online. Despite these challenges, our dedicated and determined colleagues have ensured EE’s 5G network has been extended to cover 125 towns and cities, including 15 in Yorkshire and The Humber; built out Openreach’s full-fibre networks to reach 4.1 million premises; and EE’s 4G network now reaches 85 per cent of the UK. I know these significant investments will help to underpin the country’s economic recovery post-Covid.” 

Employees from across BT Group, which includes Openreach, EE and Plusnet, have played a key role in keeping the country connected during the pandemic. The company has provided critical support to the NHS, SMEs via its Small Business Support Scheme and school children by providing unlimited broadband data, free mobile data and access to learning resources for customers. 

BT’s Consumer contact centres now handle 100% of customer calls in the UK, at centres such as Doncaster. Since customer service for BT, EE and Plusnet customers was brought back to the UK and Ireland last year, more than 34 million calls have been handled. 

Beckie Hart, CBI Yorkshire and The Humber Director, said: “BT is a major employer in Yorkshire and The Humber and has a big impact on the economy and jobs. It is good news to see this significant presence continuing.

“BT Group’s investment in the region not only means a boost to local economies, but also to skills and high-quality jobs, including recruiting apprentices and graduates. BT’s investment in the fastest networks and latest technology is also vital for the country. Being connected is essential for our businesses, for boosting productivity and for improving quality of life in all our communities.”

Tim Fanning, Director at Hatch, said: “Our analysis underlines how vast BT Group’s contribution is to the UK economy as a whole as well as to individual communities in the nations and regions. Its presence across the country generates significant further activity and investment, supporting many thousands of jobs.” 

Summary of results for year 2019/20: 

• 82,800 employees directly working for BT Group in the UK, and 10,600 contractors (Full Time Equivalent – FTE)  

• 300,000 total FTE jobs supported (including indirect and induced effects)  

• £3.4 billion total income of BT Group employees (including contractors)  

• £10.1 billion spend with suppliers based in the UK  

• £24 billion total GVA impact associated with BT Group activities (including indirect and induced effects) 

• BT Group directly employed 1 in every 230 employees in the private sector across the UK, and 1 in every 12 in the IT and Communications sector  

• BT Group directly created £1 in every £165 of GVA in the UK  

• As a result of the full economic impact of BT Group, the firm supported £1 in every £75 of GVA in the UK economy and 1 in every 90 employees working in the UK economy 

BT Group, its spend with contractors and suppliers, and the spending power of its own employees, are responsible for supporting nearly 74,000 jobs in London, according to an independent report published today.  

The Economic Impact of BT Group plc in the UK report, by consultancy firm Hatch, calculates that the communications and technology company generated more than £24 billion in gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy during the last financial year, including £6.1 billion in London alone*. 

The report estimates that around 73,600 full-time jobs in London are supported by BT Group through direct, indirect and induced effects. The firm also spent £3.1 billion with suppliers based in the region, including those involved with head office/management consultancy activities, computer programming and consultancy, and other professional, scientific and technical activities.

BT Group has broadband and mobile networks spanning from the Scilly Isles to Shetland, built and maintained by some of the 82,800 direct employees it has in the UK. In London, the firm directly employs 12,000 people, with a further 2,510 employed as contractors.

The company is currently modernising its business, including investing in the UK’s largest workplace consolidation and modernisation programme, as it moves from 300 locations to around 30 as part of its Better Workplace programme. The firm plans to move into a brand-new HQ in London later in 2021 and has also announced plans to open new or refurbish existing locations. New strategic hub locations will open in Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester, providing future-fit workplaces of the future for thousands of colleagues.

Jane Thomas, BT Group regional lead for London, said: “I’m immensely proud of the contribution our colleagues make in supporting the London economy. At an important time for our region, our spending on people, networks and suppliers, provides a vital economic boost. The wider impact of that spending helps to sustain communities and small businesses right across the region.  

“In the past year, having good connectivity has become more important than ever as we’ve all had to work, learn, and spend more leisure time online. Despite these challenges, our dedicated and determined colleagues have ensured EE’s 5G network has been extended to cover 125 towns and cities, including London; built out Openreach’s full-fibre networks to reach 4.1 million premises; and EE’s 4G network now reaches 85 per cent of the UK. I know these significant investments will help to underpin the country’s economic recovery post-Covid.” 

Employees from across BT Group, which includes Openreach, EE and Plusnet, have played a key role in keeping the country connected during the pandemic. The company has provided critical support to the NHS, SMEs via its Small Business Support Scheme and school children by providing unlimited broadband data, free mobile data and access to learning resources for customers. 

BT’s Consumer contact centres now handle 100% of customer calls in the UK. Since customer service for BT, EE and Plusnet customers was brought back to the UK and Ireland last year, more than 34 million calls have been handled. 

Eddie Curzon, CBI London and South East director, said: “BT is a major employer in London and has a big impact on the economy and jobs. It is good news to see this significant presence continuing.

“BT Group’s investment in the region not only means a boost to local economies, but also to skills and high-quality jobs, including recruiting apprentices and graduates. BT’s investment in the fastest networks and latest technology is also vital for the country. Being connected is essential for our businesses, for boosting productivity and for improving quality of life in all our communities.”

Tim Fanning, Director at Hatch, said: “Our analysis underlines how vast BT Group’s contribution is to the UK economy as a whole as well as to individual communities in the nations and regions. Its presence across the country generates significant further activity and investment, supporting many thousands of jobs.” 

Summary of results for year 2019/20: 

• 82,800 employees directly working for BT Group in the UK, and 10,600 contractors (Full Time Equivalent – FTE)  

• 300,000 total FTE jobs supported (including indirect and induced effects)  

• £3.4 billion total income of BT Group employees (including contractors)  

• £10.1 billion spend with suppliers based in the UK  

• £24 billion total GVA impact associated with BT Group activities (including indirect and induced effects) 

• BT Group directly employed 1 in every 230 employees in the private sector across the UK, and 1 in every 12 in the IT and Communications sector  

• BT Group directly created £1 in every £165 of GVA in the UK  

• As a result of the full economic impact of BT Group, the firm supported £1 in every £75 of GVA in the UK economy and 1 in every 90 employees working in the UK economy 

BT Group, its spend with contractors and suppliers, and the spending power of its own employees, are responsible for supporting more than 41,500 jobs in the South East, according to an independent report published today.  

The Economic Impact of BT Group plc in the UK report, by consultancy firm Hatch, calculates that the communications and technology company generated more than £24 billion in gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy during the last financial year, including £3.8 billion in the South East alone*. 

The report estimates that around 41,600 full-time jobs in the South East are supported by BT Group through direct, indirect and induced effects. The firm also spent £2.4 billion with suppliers based in the region, including those in the manufacturing, computer programming and telecommunications industries.

BT Group has broadband and mobile networks spanning from the Scilly Isles to Shetland, built and maintained by some of the 82,800 direct employees it has in the UK. In the South East, the firm directly employs 7,710 people, with a further 2,070 employed as contractors.

The company is currently modernising its business, including investing in the UK’s largest workplace consolidation and modernisation programme, as it moves from 300 locations to around 30 as part of its Better Workplace programme. The firm plans to move into a brand-new HQ in London later in 2021 and has also announced plans to open new or refurbish existing locations.

Jane Thomas, BT Group regional lead for the South East, said: “I’m immensely proud of the contribution our colleagues make in supporting the South East economy. At an important time for our region, our spending on people, networks and suppliers, provides a vital economic boost. The wider impact of that spending helps to sustain communities and small businesses right across the region.  

“In the past year, having good connectivity has become more important than ever as we’ve all had to work, learn, and spend more leisure time online. Despite these challenges, our dedicated and determined colleagues have ensured EE’s 5G network has been extended to cover 125 towns and cities; built out Openreach’s full-fibre networks to reach 4.1 million premises; and EE’s 4G network now reaches 85 per cent of the UK. I know these significant investments will help to underpin the country’s economic recovery post-Covid.” 

Employees from across BT Group, which includes Openreach, EE and Plusnet, have played a key role in keeping the country connected during the pandemic. The company has provided critical support to the NHS, SMEs via its Small Business Support Scheme and school children by providing unlimited broadband data, free mobile data and access to learning resources for customers. 

BT’s Consumer contact centres now handle 100% of customer calls in the UK, at centres such as Canterbury in Kent. Since customer service for BT, EE and Plusnet customers was brought back to the UK and Ireland last year, more than 34 million calls have been handled. 

Eddie Curzon, CBI London and South East director, said: “BT is a major employer in the South-East and has a big impact on the economy and jobs. It is good news to see this significant presence continuing.

“BT Group’s investment in the region not only means a boost to local economies, but also to skills and high-quality jobs, including recruiting apprentices and graduates. BT’s investment in the fastest networks and latest technology is also vital for the country. Being connected is essential for our businesses, for boosting productivity and for improving quality of life in all our communities.”

Tim Fanning, Director at Hatch, said: “Our analysis underlines how vast BT Group’s contribution is to the UK economy as a whole as well as to individual communities in the nations and regions. Its presence across the country generates significant further activity and investment, supporting many thousands of jobs.” 

Summary of results for year 2019/20: 

• 82,800 employees directly working for BT Group in the UK, and 10,600 contractors (Full Time Equivalent – FTE)  

• 300,000 total FTE jobs supported (including indirect and induced effects)  

• £3.4 billion total income of BT Group employees (including contractors)  

• £10.1 billion spend with suppliers based in the UK  

• £24 billion total GVA impact associated with BT Group activities (including indirect and induced effects) 

• BT Group directly employed 1 in every 230 employees in the private sector across the UK, and 1 in every 12 in the IT and Communications sector  

• BT Group directly created £1 in every £165 of GVA in the UK  

• As a result of the full economic impact of BT Group, the firm supported £1 in every £75 of GVA in the UK economy and 1 in every 90 employees working in the UK economy 

BT Group, its spend with contractors and suppliers, and the spending power of its own employees, are responsible for supporting nearly 55,000 jobs in the East of England, according to an independent report published today.  

The Economic Impact of BT Group plc in the UK report, by consultancy firm Hatch, calculates that the communications and technology company generated more than £24 billion in gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy during the last financial year, including £3.1 billion in the East of England alone*. 

The report estimates that around 54,700 full-time jobs in the East of England are supported by BT Group through direct, indirect and induced effects. The firm also spent £1.5 billion with suppliers based in the East of England, including those in the education, construction and telecommunications industries.

BT Group has broadband and mobile networks spanning from the Scilly Isles to Shetland, built and maintained by some of the 82,800 direct employees it has in the UK. In the East of England, the firm directly employs 8,560 people, with a further 394 employed as contractors.

The company is currently modernising its business, including investing in the UK’s largest workplace consolidation and modernisation programme, as it moves from 300 locations to around 30 as part of its Better Workplace programme. BT’s research and innovation hub at Adastral Park, near Ipswich, has also been named as a key site in the company’s future. The Group plans to open a new HQ in London later in 2021, while strategic hub locations are due to open in places such as Birmingham, Bristol and Manchester, providing future-fit workplaces of the future for thousands of colleagues.

Last week BT unveiled plans to recruit 78 apprentices and graduates at Adastral Park for its September 2021 intake, including roles in cyber security and applied research. Meanwhile, Openreach, the digital network business, part of BT Group, announced in December that it would create 295 full time engineering roles across the East of England this year.

Jane Thomas, BT Group regional lead for the East of England, said: “I’m immensely proud of the contribution our colleagues make in supporting the East of England economy. At an important time for our region, our spending on people, networks and suppliers, provides a vital economic boost. The wider impact of that spending helps to sustain communities and small businesses right across the region.  

“In the past year, having good connectivity has become more important than ever as we’ve all had to work, learn, and spend more leisure time online. Despite these challenges, our dedicated and determined colleagues have ensured EE’s 5G network has been extended to cover 125 towns and cities, including Ipswich, Brentwood, and Watford; built out Openreach’s full-fibre networks to reach 4.1 million premises; and EE’s 4G network now reaches 85 per cent of the UK. I know these significant investments will help to underpin the country’s economic recovery post-Covid.” 

Employees from across BT Group, which includes Openreach, EE and Plusnet, have played a key role in keeping the country connected during the pandemic. The company has provided critical support to the NHS, SMEs via its Small Business Support Scheme and school children by providing unlimited broadband data, free mobile data and access to learning resources for customers. 

BT’s Consumer contact centres now handle 100% of customer calls in the UK. Since customer service for BT, EE and Plusnet customers was brought back to the UK and Ireland last year, more than 34 million calls have been handled. 

Richard Tunnicliffe, CBI East of England Director, said: “BT is a major employer in the East of England and has a big impact on the economy and jobs. It’s good news to see this significant presence continuing.

“BT Group’s investment in the region not only means a boost to local economies, but also to skills and high-quality jobs, including recruiting apprentices and graduates. BT’s investment in the fastest networks and latest technology is also vital for the country. Being connected is essential for our businesses, for boosting productivity and for improving quality of life in all our communities.”

Tim Fanning, Director at Hatch, said: “Our analysis underlines how vast BT Group’s contribution is to the UK economy as a whole as well as to individual communities in the nations and regions. Its presence across the country generates significant further activity and investment, supporting many thousands of jobs.” 

Summary of results for year 2019/20: 

• 82,800 employees directly working for BT Group in the UK, and 10,600 contractors (Full Time Equivalent – FTE)  

• 300,000 total FTE jobs supported (including indirect and induced effects)  

• £3.4 billion total income of BT Group employees (including contractors)  

• £10.1 billion spend with suppliers based in the UK  

• £24 billion total GVA impact associated with BT Group activities (including indirect and induced effects) 

• BT Group directly employed 1 in every 230 employees in the private sector across the UK, and 1 in every 12 in the IT and Communications sector  

• BT Group directly created £1 in every £165 of GVA in the UK  

• As a result of the full economic impact of BT Group, the firm supported £1 in every £75 of GVA in the UK economy and 1 in every 90 employees working in the UK economy 

• £410 million annual supply chain spend in the North West 

BT Group, its spend with contractors and suppliers, and the spending power of its employees, are responsible for supporting more than 19,800 jobs in the North West, according to an independent report published today.  

The Economic Impact of BT Group in the UK report, by consultancy firm Hatch, calculates that the communications and technology company generated more than £24 billion in gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy during the last financial year, including £1.71 billion in the North West alone*. 

The report estimates that around 19,800 full-time jobs in the North West are supported by BT Group through direct and indirect effects. The firm also spent £410 million with suppliers based in the North West, with the majority spent in the telecommunications industry. 

BT Group has broadband and mobile networks spanning from the Scilly Isles to Shetland, built and maintained by some of the 82,800 direct employees it has in the UK. In the North West, the firm directly employs 8,280 people, with a further 1,440 employed as contractors.  

The company is currently modernising its business, including investing in the UK’s largest workplace consolidation and modernisation programme, as it moves from 300 locations to around 30 as part of its Better Workplace programme. The firm has announced plans for significant multi-million-pound investments to move staff into new long-term state of the art offices in Manchester and Warrington. More announcements are expected later this year, providing future-fit workplaces of the future for thousands of colleagues.

Last week BT unveiled plans to recruit dozens more apprentices and graduates in the North of England for its September 2021 intake. Meanwhile, Openreach, the digital network business, part of BT Group, announced in December that it would create 255 new full time engineering roles across North West this year.

Liz Needleman, BT Group head of public affairs for North of England, said: “I’m immensely proud of the contribution our colleagues make in supporting the North West economy. At an important time for our region, our spending on people, networks and suppliers, provides a vital economic boost. The wider impact of that spending helps to sustain communities and small businesses right across the North West.   

“In the past year, having good connectivity has become more important than ever as we’ve all had to work, learn, and spend more leisure time online. Despite these challenges, our dedicated and determined colleagues have ensured EE’s 5G network has been extended to cover 125 towns and cities, including Manchester, Salford and Rochdale, built out Openreach’s full-fibre network to reach 4.1 million premises and EE’s 4G network now reaches 85 per cent of the UK. I know these significant investments will help to underpin the country’s economic recovery post-Covid.”  

Employees from across BT Group, which includes Openreach, EE and Plusnet, have played a key role in keeping the country connected during the pandemic. The company has provided critical support to the NHS, SMEs via its Small Business Support Scheme and school children by providing unlimited broadband data, free mobile data and access to learning resources for customers. 

BT’s Consumer contact centres now handle 100% of customer calls in the UK, at centres from Dundee to Plymouth. Since customer service for BT, EE and Plusnet customers was brought back to the UK and Ireland last year, more than 34 million calls have been handled. 

Across the North of England, BT has also been rolling out its Care Home Companion service in a number of contact centres. Colleagues have made 2,000 calls to vulnerable care home resident, giving them a friendly ear and helping to combat loneliness during these difficult times. 

Damian Waters, CBI North West Director, said: “BT is a major employer in the North and has a significant impact on the economy, and the figures in this report tell a compelling story. 

“BT Group’s investment in the North of England not only means a boost to local economies, but also to skills and high quality jobs, including those for apprentices and graduates. BT’s investment in the fastest networks and latest technology is essential not only for our businesses, but also for improving quality of life in all our communities.” 

Tim Fanning, Director at Hatch, said: “Our analysis underlines how vast BT Group’s contribution is to the UK economy as a whole as well as to individual communities in the nations and regions. Its presence across the country generates significant further activity and investment, supporting many thousands of jobs.” 

Summary of results for year 2019/20 – North West 

• 8,280 employees directly working for BT Group, and 1,440 contractors (Full Time Equivalent – FTE) in the North West 

• 19,800 total FTE jobs supported (including indirect and induced effects) in the North West 

• £322 million total income of BT Group employees (including contractors)  

• £410 million spend with suppliers based in the North West 

• £1.71 billion total GVA impact associated with BT Group activities (including indirect and induced effects) in the North West 

• BT Group employed 1 in every 8 in the IT and Communications sector and directly employed 1 in every 240 employees in the private sector across the North West 

• BT Group directly created £1 in every £160 of GVA in the North West 

• As a result of the full economic impact of BT Group, the firm supported £1 in every £100 of GVA in the economy in the North West and 1 in every 120 employees working in the North West economy  

-Ends-  

Notes to editors:  

*Gross Value Added (GVA) measures the value of all goods and services produced in an economy. GVA combines wages and operating profits from companies and other organisations. Growing GVA can reflect improvements in workforce skills, productivity, R&D and innovation. The figures for BT show the value added directly through BT's services and additional value generated through BT's suppliers across the nations and regions.  

BT Group, its spend with contractors and suppliers, and the spending power of its employees, are responsible for supporting nearly 10,000 jobs in the East Midlands, according to an independent report published today.  

The Economic Impact of BT Group plc in the UK report, by consultancy firm Hatch, calculates that the communications and technology company generated more than £24 billion in gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy during the last financial year, including £759 million in the East Midlands alone*. 

The report estimates that around 9,800 full-time jobs in the East Midlands are supported by BT Group through direct, indirect and induced effects. The firm also spent £130 million with suppliers based in the East Midlands, including those in the construction and telecommunications industries as well as those involved in film, video, music and broadcasting activities.

BT Group has broadband and mobile networks spanning from the Scilly Isles to Shetland, built and maintained by some of the 82,800 direct employees it has in the UK. In the East Midlands, the firm directly employs 3,750 people, with a further 738 employed as contractors.

The company is currently modernising its business, including investing in the UK’s largest workplace consolidation and modernisation programme, as it moves from 300 locations to around 30 as part of its Better Workplace programme. The firm plans to move into a brand-new regional hub at Three Snowhill, Birmingham, this year, and plans to open a new HQ in London later in 2021. New strategic hub locations will open in places such as Bristol and Manchester, providing future-fit workplaces of the future for thousands of colleagues. 

Wendy Sycamore, BT Group regional lead for the Midlands, said: “I’m immensely proud of the contribution our colleagues make in supporting the East Midlands economy. At an important time for our region, our spending on people, networks and suppliers, provides a vital economic boost. The wider impact of that spending helps to sustain communities and small businesses right across the Midlands.  

“In the past year, having good connectivity has become more important than ever as we’ve all had to work, learn, and spend more leisure time online. Despite these challenges, our dedicated and determined colleagues have ensured EE’s 5G network has been extended to cover 125 towns and cities, including Nottingham, Leicester and Northampton in the East Midlands, built out Openreach’s full-fibre network to reach 4.1 million premises and EE’s 4G network now reaches 85 per cent of the UK. I know these significant investments will help to underpin the country’s economic recovery post-Covid.” 

Employees from across BT Group, which includes Openreach, EE and Plusnet, have played a key role in keeping the country connected during the pandemic. The company has provided critical support to the NHS, SMEs via its Small Business Support Scheme and school children by providing unlimited broadband data, free mobile data and access to learning resources for customers. 

BT’s Consumer contact centres now handle 100% of customer calls in the UK, at centres from Leicester to Lincoln. Since customer service for BT, EE and Plusnet customers was brought back to the UK and Ireland last year, more than 34 million calls have been handled. 

Richard Blackmore, CBI East Midlands Director, said: “BT is a major employer in the Midlands and has a big impact on the economy and jobs. It is good news to see this significant presence continuing.

“BT Group’s investment in the region not only means a boost to local economies, but also to skills and high-quality jobs, including recruiting apprentices and graduates. BT’s investment in the fastest networks and latest technology is also vital for the country. Being connected is essential for our businesses, for boosting productivity and for improving quality of life in all our communities.”

Tim Fanning, Director at Hatch, said: “Our analysis underlines how vast BT Group’s contribution is to the UK economy as a whole as well as to individual communities in the nations and regions. Its presence across the country generates significant further activity and investment, supporting many thousands of jobs.” 

Summary of results for year 2019/20: 

• 82,800 employees directly working for BT Group in the UK, and 10,600 contractors (Full Time Equivalent – FTE)  

• 300,000 total FTE jobs supported (including indirect and induced effects)  

• £3.4 billion total income of BT Group employees (including contractors)  

• £10.1 billion spend with suppliers based in the UK  

• £24 billion total GVA impact associated with BT Group activities (including indirect and induced effects) 

• BT Group directly employed 1 in every 230 employees in the private sector across the UK, and 1 in every 12 in the IT and Communications sector  

• BT Group directly created £1 in every £165 of GVA in the UK  

• As a result of the full economic impact of BT Group, the firm supported £1 in every £75 of GVA in the UK economy and 1 in every 90 employees working in the UK economy 

• £41 million annual supply chain spend in the North East 

BT Group, its spend with contractors and suppliers, and the spending power of its employees, are responsible for supporting more than 13,700 jobs in the North East, according to an independent report published today.  

The Economic Impact of BT Group in the UK report, by consultancy firm Hatch, calculates that the communications and technology company generated more than £24 billion in gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy during the last financial year, including £1.09 billion in the North East alone*. 

The report estimates that around 13,700 full-time jobs in the North East are supported by BT Group through direct and indirect effects. The firm also spent £41 million with suppliers based in the North East, with the majority spent in the construction industry. 

BT Group has broadband and mobile networks spanning from the Scilly Isles to Shetland, built and maintained by some of the 82,800 direct employees it has in the UK. In the North East, the firm directly employs 8,170 people, with a further 1,100 employed as contractors.   

The company is currently modernising its business, including investing in the UK’s largest workplace consolidation and modernisation programme, as it moves from 300 locations to around 30 as part of its Better Workplace programme. The firm has announced plans for a multi-million-pound refurbishment of its BT Gosforth contact centre to modernise it and create a fantastic workplace for hundreds of colleagues. More announcements are expected later this year, providing future-fit workplaces of the future for thousands of colleagues. 

Last week BT unveiled plans to recruit dozens more apprentices and graduates in the North of England for its September 2021 intake. Meanwhile, Openreach, the digital network business, part of BT Group, announced in December that it would create 50 new full time engineering roles across North East and North Yorkshire this year. 

Liz Needleman, BT Group head of public affairs for North of England, said: “I’m immensely proud of the contribution our colleagues make in supporting the North East economy. At an important time for our region, our spending on people, networks and suppliers, provides a vital economic boost. The wider impact of that spending helps to sustain communities and small businesses right across the North East.   

“In the past year, having good connectivity has become more important than ever as we’ve all had to work, learn, and spend more leisure time online. Despite these challenges, our dedicated and determined colleagues have ensured EE’s 5G network has been extended to cover 125 towns and cities, including Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland, built out Openreach’s full-fibre network to reach 4.1 million premises and EE’s 4G network now reaches 85 per cent of the UK. I know these significant investments will help to underpin the country’s economic recovery post-Covid.”  

Employees from across BT Group, which includes Openreach, EE and Plusnet, have played a key role in keeping the country connected during the pandemic. The company has provided critical support to the NHS, SMEs via its Small Business Support Scheme and school children by providing unlimited broadband and mobile data, free and mobile data, free BT Wi-Fi vouchers and zero rating access to two of the most popular online education sites. 

BT’s Consumer contact centres now handle 100% of customer calls in the UK, at centres from Dundee to Greenock. Since customer service for BT, EE and Plusnet customers was brought back to the UK and Ireland last year, more than 34 million calls have been handled. 

Across the North of England, BT has also been rolling out its Care Home Companion service in a number of contact centres. Colleagues have made 2,000 calls to vulnerable care home resident, giving them a friendly ear and helping to combat loneliness during these difficult times. 

Sarah Glendinning, CBI North East Director, said: “BT is a major employer in the North and has a significant impact on the economy, and the figures in this report tell a compelling story. 

“BT Group’s investment in the North of England not only means a boost to local economies, but also to skills and high quality jobs, including those for apprentices and graduates. BT’s investment in the fastest networks and latest technology is essential not only for our businesses, but also for improving quality of life in all our communities.” 

Tim Fanning, Director at Hatch, said: “Our analysis underlines how vast BT Group’s contribution is to the UK economy as a whole as well as to individual communities in the nations and regions. Its presence across the country generates significant further activity and investment, supporting many thousands of jobs.” 

Summary of results for year 2019/20 – North East 

• 8,170 employees directly working for BT Group, and 1,110 contractors (Full Time Equivalent – FTE) in the North East 

• 13,700 total FTE jobs supported (including indirect and induced effects) in the North East 

• £262 million total income of BT Group employees (including contractors)  

• £41 million spend with suppliers based in the North East 

• £1.09 billion total GVA impact associated with BT Group activities (including indirect and induced effects) in the North East 

• BT Group employed 1 in every 4 in the IT and Communications sector and directly employed 1 in every 70 employees in the private sector across the North East 

• BT Group directly created £1 in every £60 of GVA in the North East 

• As a result of the full economic impact of BT Group, the firm supported £1 in every £50 of GVA in the economy in the North East and 1 in every 50 employees working in the North East economy  

-Ends-  

Notes to editors:  

*Gross Value Added (GVA) measures the value of all goods and services produced in an economy. GVA combines wages and operating profits from companies and other organisations. Growing GVA can reflect improvements in workforce skills, productivity, R&D and innovation. The figures for BT show the value added directly through BT's services and additional value generated through BT's suppliers across the nations and regions.  

BT Group, its spend with contractors and suppliers, and the spending power of its employees, are responsible for supporting more than 21,000 jobs in the West Midlands, according to an independent report published today.  

The Economic Impact of BT Group in the UK report, by consultancy firm Hatch, calculates that the communications and technology company generated more than £24 billion in gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy during the last financial year, including £1.5 billion in the West Midlands alone. 

The report estimates that around 21,700 full-time jobs in the West Midlands are supported by BT Group through direct, indirect and induced effects. The firm also spent 636 million with suppliers based in the West Midlands, including those in the retail, construction and telecommunications industries.

BT Group has broadband and mobile networks spanning from the Scilly Isles to Shetland, built and maintained by some of the 82,800 direct employees it has in the UK. In the West Midlands, the firm directly employs 5,470 people, with a further 600 employed as contractors.

The company is currently modernising its business, including investing in the UK’s largest workplace consolidation and modernisation programme, as it moves from 300 locations to around 30 as part of its Better Workplace programme. The firm plans to move into a brand-new regional hub at Three Snowhill, Birmingham, this year, and plans to open a new HQ in London later in 2021. New strategic hub locations will open in places such as Bristol and Manchester, providing future-fit workplaces of the future for thousands of colleagues. 

Last week BT unveiled plans to recruit 51 apprentices and graduates in Birmingham for its September 2021 intake. Meanwhile, Openreach, the digital network business, part of BT Group, announced in December that it would create 160 new full time engineering roles across the West Midlands this year.

Wendy Sycamore, BT Group regional lead for the Midlands, said: “I’m immensely proud of the contribution our colleagues make in supporting the West Midlands economy. At an important time for our region, our spending on people, networks and suppliers, provides a vital economic boost. The wider impact of that spending helps to sustain communities and small businesses right across the Midlands.  

“In the past year, having good connectivity has become more important than ever as we’ve all had to work, learn, and spend more leisure time online. Despite these challenges, our dedicated and determined colleagues have ensured EE’s 5G network has been extended to cover 125 towns and cities, including 17 in the West Midlands, built out Openreach’s full-fibre network to reach 4.1 million premises and EE’s 4G network now reaches 85 per cent of the UK. I know these significant investments will help to underpin the country’s economic recovery post-Covid.” 

Employees from across BT Group, which includes Openreach, EE and Plusnet, have played a key role in keeping the country connected during the pandemic. The company has provided critical support to the NHS, SMEs via its Small Business Support Scheme and school children by providing unlimited broadband data, free mobile data and access to learning resources for customers.

BT’s Consumer contact centres now handle 100% of customer calls in the UK, at centres from Stoke to West Bromwich. Since customer service for BT, EE and Plusnet customers was brought back to the UK and Ireland last year, more than 34 million calls have been handled. 

Richard Butler, CBI West Midlands Director, said: “BT is a major employer in the Midlands and has a big impact on the economy and jobs. It is good news to see this significant presence continuing.

“BT Group’s investment in the region not only means a boost to local economies, but also to skills and high-quality jobs, including recruiting apprentices and graduates. BT’s investment in the fastest networks and latest technology is also vital for the country. Being connected is essential for our businesses, for boosting productivity and for improving quality of life in all our communities.”

Tim Fanning, Director at Hatch, said: “Our analysis underlines how vast BT Group’s contribution is to the UK economy as a whole as well as to individual communities in the nations and regions. Its presence across the country generates significant further activity and investment, supporting many thousands of jobs.”

Summary of results for year 2019/20:

• 82,800 employees directly working for BT Group in the UK, and 10,600 contractors (Full Time Equivalent – FTE)

• 300,000 total FTE jobs supported (including indirect and induced effects)

• £3.4 billion total income of BT Group employees (including contractors)

• £10.1 billion spend with suppliers based in the UK

• £24 billion total GVA impact associated with BT Group activities (including indirect and induced effects)

• BT Group directly employed 1 in every 230 employees in the private sector across the UK, and 1 in every 12 in the IT and Communications sector

• BT Group directly created £1 in every £165 of GVA in the UK

• As a result of the full economic impact of BT Group, the firm supported £1 in every £75 of GVA in the UK economy and 1 in every 90 employees working in the UK economy

Providing our BT, EE and Plusnet customers with the best service has never been so important in what has been an extraordinary 12 months. With 100% of our frontline people based across many sites in the UK and Ireland, we have been able to maintain resilience in the face of the Coronavirus crisis where others have not. And that has helped us keep our customers connected when they need it most to employment, education, entertainment – all of which drove a surge in demand for connectivity triggered by the first lockdown last March – and, most importantly, to each other.

So, what has that enabled us to do over the past year? 

From Dundee to Plymouth, Sheffield to Glasgow, and Merthyr to Enniskillen we employ more than 11,000 customer service advisors. Between them, they have answered 34 million calls in the past 12 months alone. That’s down from 38 million the previous year because we are better placed to help our customers when they first call, reducing the number of times they need to pick up the phone to get in touch.

And they haven’t stopped there. Colleagues up and down the country have taken the opportunity to get involved their local communities to make a difference and support those who have been worst hit by effects of the pandemic. Our Care Home Companion initiative was born out of our contact centre in Darlington, with my colleagues using their professional communication skills and volunteering time to have regular conversations care home residents isolated by the pandemic feel less lonely. 

We are now rolling Care Home Companion out across the country, with calls happening in Gosforth, Darlington, North Tyneside, Sheffield and Leeds. Our people have already made 2,000 calls – each one an important social lifeline to a member of their community. And new partnerships are underway in Middlesbrough, South Shields and Enniskillen, with 600 colleagues volunteering to get involved. 

We have also made huge improvements in the way we handle issues when things go wrong*. We have reduced the number of Ofcom complaints so that we are consistently below industry average. And all while customer usage has doubled on our fixed network. A great example of that is the average household using more than 50% more data YoY to 15GB across Christmas and Boxing Day in 2020 – enough to stream 5,000 films on Netflix. They are there when you need them most. On Christmas Day last year, for example, my BT and EE call centre colleagues helped nearly 9,000 customers.

We have come a long way in a short time. We know our customers value speaking to someone who understands their issue down to the regional differences that make us so great as a country, whether that’s expert help with tech or chat about the local football team. Now our customers can be called ‘Duck’ in Sheffield, ‘La’ in Liverpool and ‘Pet’ in Newcastle.

This level of personal and local support is important for every customer but no more so than the many vulnerable customers and their carers that we serve. And that brings me back to what a lifeline our people have been for our customers during the pandemic.

Coronavirus continuity

When the world changed for us all last spring, we were able to meet the enormous technical, logistical, and regulatory challenges that arise in giving such a large number of our people the option of home working. We could only do that because 100% of our frontline people are based across many sites in the UK and Ireland, not only keeping our people safe, but also enabling us to maintain our customer service continuity.Our people showed amazing resilience and we completed a massive logistical challenge to equip every colleague who wanted to work from home with the technology, security and equipment to do so. I couldn’t be prouder of how my colleagues rose to this challenge, keeping our customers connected with the help they need so they don’t have to leave their homes.They are all walking, talking examples of BT’s ambition to connect for good. 

Marc Allera, CEO, BT’s Consumer brands

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram at @marcallera

*Complaint handling complaints have reduced from 1,168 per 100k to 922 per 100k

BT will recruit talent into the company across areas as diverse as engineering, customer service, applied research, and cyber-security to support the UK’s fast-growing digital sectors. The new recruits will also support the company’s plans to build and extend the latest 5G networks around the UK.

BT has recruited more than 1,600 apprentices and graduates over the past 24 months.

The new roles are spread across a number of locations including; Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Dundee, Edinburgh, Ipswich, London and Manchester^[2].

Today’s figures are in addition to Openreach’s recent plans to create more than 2,500 full-time jobs in its service and network build divisions, as well as an estimated 2,800 positions in its UK supply chain. Together, BT and Openreach are currently delivering a wide range of apprenticeships, with over 4,000 colleagues working towards their qualifications.

Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson said: "It is brilliant that BT are continuing to champion apprenticeships and offering more than 400 people the opportunity to start a great career in the digital industry.

“Apprenticeships form a key part of our new Skills for Jobs White Paper which will transform post-16 education and training, helping to deliver the skills individuals, businesses and the economy need to thrive after coronavirus.

“I hope more employers will follow BT’s lead so more people can get on the path to a great job.”

Alison Wilcox, Group HR Director, BT Group said: “BT is at the heart of the UK’s digital economy and as a leading employer of apprentices and graduates we offer unparalleled development opportunities. Despite the uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve continued to recruit and attract brilliant people from all walks of life into our business, and we value the diverse perspectives they bring. We look forward to welcoming the 2021 newcomers.”

BT Group, including Openreach, is one of the UK’s largest private sector apprenticeships employers and in October 2020 ranked fourth in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK.

Alongside its apprenticeship and graduate scheme opportunities, BT is also investing in several initiatives to support young jobseekers. These include BT’s Work Ready training scheme which has already helped thousands of young people kickstart their careers, providing opportunities for young people who aren't in employment, education or training and preparing them for the world of work.

Work Ready is just one part of BT’s Skills for Tomorrow ambition which aims to help 10m people in the UK develop the skills they need to make the most of life in the digital world.

For more information on how to apply for a BT apprenticeship of graduate placement, please visit: https://www.bt.com/careers/early-careers

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• BT Group, including Openreach, is one of the UK’s largest private sector apprenticeships employers. In 2021 the company will hire 2,729 apprentices.
• BT Group is a partner of the FastFutures programme which helps provide equal opportunities to 18-22-year who are looking to shape their future career. Over the course of 12-weeks, participants learn business-focused skills that are most valued by the employers of today, such as: marketing, data, finance, teamwork and problem solving.
• For more information about our Work Ready programme and BT’s Skills for Tomorrow, with free courses to develop your digital skills, please visit: https://www.bt.com/skillsfortomorrow

[1] 428 jobs: 199 graduate and 229 apprentice roles.

[2] Field based roles are located in communities across the country.

BT took a significant leap into the commercial drones market today, as the company announced the formation of a new consortium to deliver a series of industry use cases across the UK’s first commercial drone corridor. BT, together with Altitude Angel and a number of UK tech start-ups, have been selected by UK Research and Innovation to deliver “Project XCelerate” – a key Future Flight Challenge project[1] which will establish the UK’s first commercial drone corridor in open and unrestricted airspace, located south of Reading, Berkshire.

In summer 2021, the project will conduct flight trials along the 8km-long corridor to demonstrate how drones can operate safely in the same airspace as manned aviation. The consortium will demonstrate key industry use cases across healthcare, emergency services and infrastructure to illustrate how drone deliveries and inspection can bring countless benefits to businesses, the public sector and UK citizens.

Gerry McQuade, CEO of BT’s Enterprise unit, said: “As drone numbers continue to rise, there is an urgent need to safely integrate commercial drones into global airspace alongside manned aviation. In showing how drones can deliver improved, potentially life-saving services to the public, we’re aiming to accelerate the adoption of fully automated drones in unrestricted UK airspace in a safe and responsible way.”

“From improved mobility, connectivity, healthcare and manufacturing output, to reduced road congestion and pollution, automated drone technology will transform the quality of our lives. BT’s role in the consortium is to bring world-leading drone expertise together and to provide the secure and resilient mobile network connectivity, as well as our drone detection services. The power of EE’s 4G and 5G networks will ensure commercial drones remain connected for greater situational awareness, accurate positioning and to avoid collisions – ensuring that they can be operated safely and responsibly across UK skies.”

Richard Parker, Altitude Angel, CEO and founder said: “Project XCelerate is bringing together experts and world leaders in their respective fields, something we’re very proud and excited to be a part of. Our Arrow technology is truly ground-breaking and the key enabler to the project and we’re pleased to be deploying it for maximum benefit in the UK first.”

Joining BT and Altitude Angel as part of the consortium are: drone technology experts from Dronecloud, HeroTech8 and Skyports, cyber security provider Angoka, and end user experts SkyBound Rescuer and DroneStream.

The key use cases which will be explored by the consortium include using drones to assist the emergency services, for example during road traffic collisions and search and rescue missions. Using 3D mapping techniques, drones can be used for forensics purposes to aid the police when responding to road traffic collisions and can also help to locate missing persons during search and rescue missions. Project XCelerate will prove how drone technology can be used to speed up response times for such incidents, helping the emergency services to improve the chances of survival, whilst also reducing costs.

The project will also demonstrate how automated drones can reduce the lead times for urgently needed medical deliveries, helping the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors to improve standards of patient care. A further use case is key infrastructure inspection, where drones can be used to help assess damage or maintenance required for critical national infrastructure for the utilities, telecoms and transport sectors.

BT's strengths in reliable, secure, high bandwidth, low-latency radio and fixed connectivity mean it is ideally placed to lead the consortium. Its EE mobile network – the biggest and fastest in the UK, and the trusted provider behind the critical Emergency Services Network (ESN) - will ensure that a safe commercial drone corridor can be established with optimal mobile coverage at altitude. BT will provide the critical communications required for BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) environments such as GPS location and remote identification, command and control, redundant geo-awareness, and live notifications (NOTAMs) sent directly to drones in-flight.

BT will combine its experience with Altitude Angel’s leading experience in Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) platforms, together with its operation of the Arrow Drone Zone commercial drone corridor. UTM is a key enabler to address the safe and efficient integration of unmanned vehicles into airspace. Project XCelerate will combine a network of existing and new technologies underpinned by Altitude Angel's proven UTM platform, incorporating existing air traffic management and communications systems and augmented by new technology, such as 5G.

Project XCelerate aims to widen the use of UTM systems by providing a framework which towns, cities, organisations and networks can follow in order to ‘open up’ portions of the sky. The project consortium is powerfully placed to realise the world's first live commercial automated BVLOS flight zone in which any compatible vehicle can connect into and fly within safely.

Ends

Notes to Editors

Project XCelerate is match funded by UK Research and Innovation through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund.

About BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) drone flights

• Current Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulation outlines that drones have to operate within the pilot’s Visual Line Of Sight (VLOS) unless granted a permission by the CAA.

• The concept of operating drones BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) means that drones are able to fly beyond visual range of the remote pilot by using appropriate technology to safely identify, locate and control drones.

• The adoption and integration of highly automated drones in unsegregated UK airspace, enabling a number of key drone use cases will rapidly unlock the full potential of BVLOS drone flights.

Consortium Partner Quotes:

Yuri Andersson, Angoka CEO and co-founder, said: “Project XCelerate offers exciting new possibilities into the future of drone flight. Angoka is delighted to contribute with its unique technology, developed to secure machine-to-machine communication, which will be critical to ensure the safety of drone traffic management”.

Jan Domaradzki, Dronecloud, CEO said: “We’re super excited to be working with a truly world leading team on Project XCelerate. The Project’s ambitions are clear, we are making the technology, safety and commercial cases for delivering real-world BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) drone flights, at scale. Dronecloud will help integrate the complex components required into a centralised, command and control platform for Enterprise Drone Fleets.

Harry Howe, CEO at DroneStream, said: “Connectivity is at the heart of what ensures the successful adoption of drone capabilities if the service is to scale. With project XCelerate we build on this by enabling drones to live stream information in real-time to control rooms, teams on the ground and other stakeholders while they analyse and act on it, a situation that can be described as true interoperability”.

Edward Anastassacos, HEROTECH8, CEO said: “In Project XCelerate we will be will be using our drone-in-a-box technology to deliver the UK’s first industrial Drone On-Demand platform where end-users can hail drone services as soon as they are needed. Project XCelerate will facilitate this step-change in drone utilisation and we are excited to be a part it.”

Gemma Alcock, SkyBound Rescuer, CEO said: “In Project XCelerate, SkyBound Rescuer will be managing the Emergency Response use cases, which will enable drones to reach emergency incidents ahead of rescue teams to autonomously conduct optimised mission plans based on our research-driven methodologies; enhancing safety, saving cost, saving time, and – most importantly – saving lives.”

Duncan Walker, Skyports CEO said: “Skyports is already working with the NHS in Scotland to assist with the response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by transporting medical supplies and samples between healthcare sites and integrating our drone delivery service into their supply chain. In Project XCelerate, we will be able to contribute our expertise and experience of flying BVLOS missions and benefit from the means to operate in non-segregated airspace – essential to achieving permanent, full-scale commercial drone delivery operations.”

Supportive industry comments:

Gareth Pritchard, National Chair of the Association of Lowland Rescue said; “We are delighted to be involved in Project XCelerate. Our 34 Teams across the country provide an invaluable resource to assist the police in finding vulnerable missing persons. This Project will develop the use of drones to support our operations and to safeguard the public.”

Paul Lindup, Drone Manager, Air Operations at Network Rail, said: “The reason why Network Rail’s Air Operations are involved in Future Flight is two-fold. Firstly we have been operating unmanned aircraft in various guises now for six years now, so have some experience in this sector. Secondly there are several exciting SME’s that are pushing the boundaries of what unmanned aviation can offer the UK market. Air Operations is excited to be part of a consortia of these exciting companies to learn what can be achieved. We are particularly interested in the Drone in a Box idea along with BVLOS capability for the inspections of our asset but also responding to incidents along our 20,000 miles of track. We see the future of this model and are excited to see what the challenge achieves”

About Altitude Angel

Altitude Angel is the world’s leading provider of UTM (Unmanned Traffic Management) software, enabling those planning to operate, or develop UTM/U-Space solutions, to quickly integrate robust data and services with minimum effort.

Today, Altitude Angel’s market-defining technology is providing a critical, enabling service on which the future of automated navigation in towns, cities and at key infrastructure locations will be built.

By unlocking the potential of drones and helping national aviation authorities, ANSPs, towns, cities, developers and enterprise organisations to access the sky, Altitude Angel is helping to prepare our world for the aerial revolution.

Alongside BT and Altitude Angel, the consortium holds a broad mix of U.K. corporate, start-up, and researchers, including:

• Angoka is a cybersecurity startup, headquartered in Belfast, with an office in London. Angoka provides hardware-based solutions for managing the cybersecurity risks inherent in machine-to-machine (M2M) communication networks, such as those used for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, Critical National Infrastructure and Industry 4.0. Angoka is passionately committed to keeping the internet of everything secure and looks forward to developing new solutions for the emerging field of drone traffic management systems.

• Skyports operates cargo drone deliveries within the medical, e-commerce and logistics sectors overcoming inefficiencies associated with traditional transportation methods. Skyports is also working with the leading electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) passenger and cargo vehicle manufacturers around the world to secure, design, build, own and operate vertiports enabling safe and efficient flight operations within urban and suburban environments. Based in London, United Kingdom, Skyports has projects operating in multiple continents, including in Europe, North America, Asia and Africa. Skyports investors are Deutsche Bahn Digital Ventures, Groupe ADP, Irelandia Aviation and Levitate Capital. www.skyports.net

• HEROTECH8 is a robotics startup developing drone-in-a-box technology for security, public safety and industrial inspection applications. Our technology enables end-users with a means of remotely and automatically deploying, recovering and recharging drones without the need for an on-site pilot.

• SkyBound Rescuer offers industry leading research and consultancy services into best practice for the use of drones in public safety.

• DroneStream is a software platform that allows drone operators to collaborate with their clients or teams in real-time.

• Dronecloud is a cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) solution targeted at enterprise level drone operations, built for drone operators by drone operators. Our platform and evolving eco-system integrates complex drone fleets, team based project management, real-time air space & ground hazard data into a risk assessed and auditable workflow built for mission critical drone ops. Dronecloud has been helping some of the biggest UK and International drone users with operations currently supported by Civil Aviation regulation, while paving the way for Beyond Visual Line of Sight and increased autonomy & automation. The future of drone operations, Today!

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI):

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is the largest public funder of research and innovation in the UK, with a budget of over £8bn. It is composed of seven disciplinary research councils, Innovate UK and Research England.

We operate across the whole country and work with our many partners in higher education, research organisations businesses, government, and charities.

Our vision is for an outstanding research and innovation system in the UK that gives everyone the opportunity to contribute and to benefit, enriching lives locally, nationally and internationally.

Our mission is to convene, catalyse and invest in close collaboration with others to build a thriving, inclusive research and innovation system that connects discovery to prosperity and public good.

UKRI continues to support the research and innovation community to navigate the transitions associated with the exit of the UK from the EU. To keep up to date please visit our dedicated pages. https://www.ukri.org/research/international/ukri-eu-exit/

Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund: The Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund aims to bring together the UK’s world leading research with business to meet the major industrial and societal challenges of our time. The fund was created to provide funding and support to UK businesses and researchers, part of the government’s £4.7 billion increase in research and development over the next 4 years. It was designed to ensure that research and innovation takes centre stage in the Government’s modern Industrial Strategy. It is run by UK Research and Innovation.

[1] https://www.ukri.org/innovation/industrial-strategy-challenge-fund/future-flight1/

BT Group today released images of its new regional office hub at Three Snowhill - as it announced the first colleagues will move into the brand-new building in the New Year.

Around 200 people will begin working from the site early in 2021, following the latest public health guidelines, with more arriving in phases over the following months. The office is expected to eventually accommodate more than 3,000 people.

The state-of-the art building will also be the first of BT’s future-fit offices in the UK to open as part of its ‘Better Workplace Programme’ - the largest workplace improvement and consolidation scheme of its type ever undertaken in the UK.

The investment will help BT to transform the way it works, create efficiencies and enable it to better serve its customers. The new office is also a sign of the company’s commitment to the Midlands, providing a major new hub site for the region and the best facilities and services for colleagues to thrive.

The first colleagues to occupy the building will come from a wide range of its functions. BT will ensure social distancing rules apply inside the building, as well as following Public Health England’s latest guidelines on Covid-19 to ensure people are kept safe. The company will be the main occupier of the 17-storey development, marking a major investment by the company in the UK’s second city.

The update comes as BT released new interior images of the building. The modern office environment includes smart building technology, flexible workspaces and collaboration areas. There will also be a range of catering options including a ground floor café open to the public, world class event spaces, and a large media screen in reception.

Hosts will welcome and support colleagues and guests on arrival and throughout the building, and there will be a variety of wellbeing facilities including an on-site gym, multifaith rooms and parenting rooms. In addition, there will be cycling facilities and even a ‘bike doctor’ available to encourage as many colleagues as possible to travel into work by sustainable transport.

Graeme Paton, BT’s managing director of Property and Facilities Services, said: “This year has been so tough on everybody due to the impact of Covid-19 and we know how acutely this has been felt in Birmingham. We believe in the power of our teams and want to give them the best environments to connect, collaborate, create and innovate.

“As the UK’s second largest city, Birmingham is a strategically important location as part of BT’s future. Despite the issues caused by Covid-19, our contractors have been doing an amazing job getting the building prepared so we can occupy it.

“We are pleased to demonstrate this sign of commitment to the West Midlands region and we’re so excited for our colleagues who will be the first in the company to benefit from the future-fit facilities and latest technology that are the cornerstone of our transformation plans.”

Under the five year ‘Better Workplace Programme’, first announced in 2018, BT will consolidate its footprint of more than 300 locations to around 30. The company has already announced several other future locations including Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Manchester and Bristol. It will also move from its current headquarters in London at St Paul’s to a new 320,000 square foot, 18-storey building near Aldgate East Station next year.

BT colleagues based at Three Snowhill will include those from its existing sites in Birmingham and the wider region. The company will also recruit a number of new roles into Three Snowhill over the next year.

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “I am delighted that a firm of BT’s size and stature is making this move, especially at such a challenging time for the regional economy. It shows there is still a future for major city centre office blocks despite the coronavirus pandemic, and it is a real vote of confidence in the West Midlands economy.

“I look forward to welcoming the first tranche of BT’s employees in the New Year and seeing that number grow throughout the year as our city centres spring back to life.”

Paul Faulkner, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “This fantastic news is a great boost for Birmingham and the wider region at a time when we needed it most.

“By confirming their move to Three Snowhill, BT have underlined their confidence in the city and beyond. And there is the added bonus that their commitment will lead to new jobs being created.”

Wendy Sycamore, BT Group regional lead for the Midlands, said: “This is a really exciting time for BT in the region. Three Snowhill is an amazing workplace that will bring our colleagues together in a modern working environment that will facilitate and build upon the fantastic work BT is doing in the area.

“Birmingham is a really attractive city to work in for our colleagues and we will have access to a great talent pool in the West Midlands region. From digital infrastructure rollout and technology innovation to digital inclusion, BT is already playing a huge role in supporting the West Midlands economy and this will only serve to help expand and increase our ambitions”

Teams based at Three Snowhill will also benefit from Openreach’s full fibre broadband network investment in Birmingham, with more than four million premises across the UK set to receive ultrafast connections by March next year. Colleagues at the new office will also benefit from EE’s extensive 5G coverage in the area. According to independent testing from RootMetrics last year, EE’s 5G network achieved the highest availability in eight major cities, including Birmingham.

BT’s ambition is to increase efficiency and productivity, improving its ability to do the best for its customers. The Better Workplace Programme will deliver a combination of moves like this, into new offices, as well as the refurbishment of some existing BT buildings

BT Group plays an important role in the Midlands economy and is responsible for generating £1 in every £115 produced in the Midlands region, according to an independent report. It also generated nearly £2 billion towards the Midlands economy in Gross Value Added, during the 2017/18 financial year. BT Group employs more than 11,000 people across the Midlands.

The centre in Wilmington Drive has undergone a major revamp to modernise it and create a fantastic workplace for more than 1,000 colleagues – nearly double the number of colleagues based there currently (around 600).

The first phase of works, which started at the end of last year, are now complete and it’s already demonstrating what BT’s vision of the future will look like. The modern office environment will feature everything from full height windows providing natural light, café and restaurant facilities, flexible workspaces, collaboration areas, as well as plants. It will also include relax and refuel areas and a games area with table tennis, pool and games consoles.

The refurbishment is taking place in two stages, allowing contact centre workers to continue operating in another section of the building whilst work takes place. BT is ensuring social distancing rules apply inside the contact centre as well as following Public Health England’s latest guidelines on Covid-19 to ensure people are kept safe.

When the refurbishment is complete, the state-of-the art building will be one of the first of BT’s future-fit offices in the UK to open as part of its ‘Better Workplace Programme’ - the largest workplace improvement and consolidation scheme of its type ever undertaken in the UK.

BT says the investment will help transform the way it works, create efficiencies and enable it to better serve its customers. The new office is also a sign of the company’s commitment to Yorkshire and providing the best facilities and services for colleagues to thrive.The building itself will include multifaith and parenting rooms, and even a ‘bike doctor’ to encourage as many colleagues as possible to travel into work by sustainable transport.

Nick Lane, managing director for consumer customer services at BT, said: “The refurbishment of our Doncaster Contact Centre has been progressing well, with the first phase now complete.

“Throughout the refurbishment, some of our colleagues have chosen to remain on site while others have worked from home. Everyone has done a fantastic job ensuring our customers have been able to stay connected with family and friends during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We are fully committed to Doncaster and the wider Yorkshire region and we cannot wait for our colleagues based there to be among the first in the UK to benefit from one of our new future fit workplaces.

“Although it’s the same building, the capacity will be significantly increased thanks to this refurbishment. We plan to recruit further roles next year, providing new job opportunities in Doncaster.”

BT’s Doncaster contact centre first opened in 1997 and the company says the refurbishment will safeguard its long-term future.

Damian Allen, CEO Doncaster Council, said: “I’m delighted to see the progress that has been made on the refurbishment of BT’s Doncaster Contact Centre and it is undoubtedly a great vote of confidence that the company is planning to increase the number of staff they have based here.

“The centre makes a vital contribution to our local economy and community in Doncaster and I look forward to seeing the new centre when it is completed next year.”

Under the five year ‘Better Workplace Programme’, first announced in 2018, BT will consolidate its UK footprint of more than 300 locations to around 30. The company has already announced several other locations including Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol. It will also move from its current headquarters in London at St Paul’s to a new 320,000 square foot, 18-storey building near Aldgate East Station called One Braham next year.

Liz Needleman, BT Group regional lead for the North of England, said: “Doncaster is an important town for BT and a strategically important site for us in the region.

“When it comes to doing the best thing for our customers and colleagues, the buildings we work in play a huge part in how we feel about being here. We are bringing our people together in a brilliant space that will transform the way we work.

“This is a bold and ambitious programme for BT and we are committed to this major investment for Doncaster even in these challenging times.”

Teams based at the Doncaster Contact Centre will benefit from full fibre broadband as well as EE 5G mobile connectivity in the area. BT’s ambition is to increase efficiency and productivity, improving its ability to do the best for its customers. The Better Workplace Programme will deliver a combination of moves like this, into new offices, as well as the refurbishment of some existing BT buildings

BT Group plays an important role in the Yorkshire and The Humber economy and is responsible for generating £1 in every £190 produced in the region, according to an independent report. It also generated more than £1.2 billion to the Yorkshire and The Humber economy in “Gross Value Added” GVA, during the 2017/18 financial year. BT Group employs more than 6,400 people across the region.

The AIRQKD trial combines BT’s globally leading expertise in building quantum-secure networks using QKD (Quantum Key Distribution – an essentially un-hackable, cutting edge technique for sharing encryption ‘keys’ between locations using a stream of single photons) with other new techniques for applying quantum security to mobile devices, developed by UK start-ups Nu Quantum, Angoka and Duality.

The trial, which will run for 36 months, is funded with £7.7M by the Quantum Technologies Challenge, led by UK Research and Innovation. It will for the first time combine Quantum Key Distribution over fixed fibre and free-space networks (point-to-point laser connections between cell sites), with quantum-enhanced security chips in mobile devices.

In combination, these technologies will be used to deliver an ultra-secure link between connected 5G towers and mobile devices, as well as to connected cars, in conjunction with the Warwick Manufacturing Group at Warwick University.

The new trial builds upon BT’s current fibre-based testbed for QKD, which runs between Cambridge and the BT Labs at Adastral Park, Suffolk. It will pave the way for the development of a wide range of quantum-secured use-cases, for applications where ultra-security of data transfer is especially important.

Cambridge-based Nu Quantum, one of the UK’s newest quantum technology start-ups, will be the provider of quantum components: small modules capable of manipulating the faintest light signals (single photons of light) to generate and communicate absolutely secure quantum encryption keys.

Other partners include Belfast-based Angoka, Bristol’s Duality Quantum Photonics and London-based Arqit; all cutting-edge start-ups specialising in the new field of Quantum tech, in which the UK is increasingly seen as taking an early lead.

Professor Andrew Lord, BT’s head of optical network research, said: “The UK has firmly established itself as a global leader in quantum-based network security. With the AIRQKD trial, we’re delighted to be taking this to the next level and combining multiple quantum technologies from innovative UK start-ups to build the world’s most secure fixed-mobile communications link. Connected cars are only one of the possible range of applications that will benefit from such ultra-secure connectivity in the future.”

Dr Carmen Palacios Berraquero, co-founder and CEO of Nu Quantum said: “In this project, we are basically creating the architecture for a whole new quantum-telecommunication industry, with a supply chain running from component manufacture through to end user. At Nu Quantum we have the unique ability to use the smallest packets of light, making the most of quantum mechanics and the security advantage it can give us. This 3-year partnership with BT and others across the UK is an important step taking quantum out of the lab and into our networks.”

Roger McKinlay, Challenge Director for the UK Quantum Technologies Challenge, said: “This investment is part of a wider package delivered by The National Quantum Technologies Programme, which is set to make a £1 billion investment over its life-time. This is ground-breaking technology but also commercially important, the close collaboration between the parties accelerating the establishment of a UK supply chain.”

AIRQKD is an Innovate UK funded project involving the following partners: BT, Lexden Technologies, OLC, Duality, Bristol University, Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics, Strathclyde University, Warwick University Manufacturing Group, Bay Photonics, Heriot Watt University, Angoka, ArQit, Nu Quantum, National Physical Laboratory, CSA Catapult, Edinburgh University.

< Ends >

Relevant links:

BT Labs: https://atadastral.co.uk/

Bristol has been announced as one of BT’s key locations in the UK, with the new office acting as a hub for more than 2,000 colleagues in the city and wider region.

Construction of the 13-storey waterfront development is underway, with the work due to be completed next year.

The Assembly Bristol building – part of the growing Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone – will have capacity for more than 2,000 colleagues and will offer state of the art facilities for those based there.

The building, close to Bristol Temple Meads station, will have large roof terraces on the upper floors, more than 250 cycle spaces and shower and changing facilities for staff.

The development represents a multi-million pound investment by BT in the Bristol area, with the company due to increase its presence significantly in the city in the coming years.

Ahead of the move to the new building, BT has acquired the lease on a temporary building in the centre of the city that has seen some staff moving there this year.

While the majority of BT colleagues will continue to work from home over the coming months due to the coronavirus outbreak, the company is committed to creating new and modern workspaces for staff to return to, when government and public health guidance allow. BT believes that inspiring office environments, combined with a more flexible approach to home working, will play a vital role in its future.

The announcement is part of BT’s ‘Better Workplace Programme’ – one of the largest workplace improvement and consolidation schemes of its type ever undertaken in the UK. Bristol was announced in June 2018 as one of the first locations that will house BT’s workplaces of the future as part of the programme. The five-year programme will improve and consolidate BT’s footprint of corporate offices, contact centres and specialist sites across the UK.

Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees said: “This investment will create a new, modern workspace in the heart of the city and will contribute to the ongoing transformation of Temple Quarter.

“We are delighted that this will bring skilled jobs and growth into Bristol and the west of England as we recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Graeme Paton, BT’s managing director of Property and Facilities Services, said: “Our new buildings will bring our people together in an impressive and modern environment, transforming the way we work.

“Excitingly, they will become strategic locations for BT in the UK with a considerable increase in the number of colleagues based there. We hope our colleagues will be inspired by the new spaces, which will give them the tools and environment to be able to thrive.

“We’re modernising the way we work as a business, by simplifying our products and processes, moving to the latest IT platforms and investing in future-fit workspaces. Our move to Assembly Bristol is part of this modernisation process.

“Our Assembly Bristol building will boast panoramic views over the floating harbour and across the city, as well as incorporating outstanding design features, including rooftop terraces and exceptional communal spaces.”

Paul Coles, BT Group’s English regions director, said it was a huge boost for the city.

He said: “Bristol has already been revealed as one of our key cities and I’m excited that we can now reveal when colleagues will start working from this impressive, state-of-the-art building in the heart of the city. This will be a great workspace for staff, in the thriving Bristol Temple Quarter, and represents our future vision as a company.

“I’m really pleased we’re able to make this long-term commitment to Bristol during an incredibly difficult time for our economy due to the pandemic. Our new office spaces and increased presence in the city will make us one of the largest employers in the area.”

Teams based at BT’s new and refurbished buildings will benefit from the company’s investment in the latest technology. BT’s ambition is to increase efficiency and productivity, improving its ability to do the best for its customers. The Better Workplace Programme will deliver a combination of moves like this, into new offices, as well as the refurbishment of some existing BT buildings. The programme is expected to be complete by 2024.

BT Group plays an important role in the South West’s economy and directly employs more than 7,000 people in the region. According to an independent report, it generated a £1.3bn (£1,300 million) contribution – expressed as “Gross Value Added” (GVA)* – to the South West economy during the 2017/18 financial year.

Bristol joins other locations already announced including, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Belfast, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Warrington and Ipswich (Adastral Park). More locations will be announced in due course.

3 November 2020: BT, University of Warwick and Warwickshire County Council today announced a collaboration to bring 5G innovation and co-development to the University campus and the wider region, stimulating regional economic growth and post Covid-19 recovery. This innovation alliance has enabled BT to switch on the UK’s first dedicated public 5G network for a connected campus, bringing ultrafast 5G mobile coverage to University students, staff and visitors across the 720-acre site and to people in surrounding areas through its EE mobile network. The commercial 5G installation is the first phase of a strategic alliance between BT and the University to accelerate the co-creation of 5G led capabilities within the campus and for industries across the UK.

The installation of a public 5G cell site on University of Warwick’s main campus will mark the University as an early adopter of 5G technology and a testbed for research, industry and consumer 5G use case development. As a leading research University with over 30,000 students and staff, EE’s public 5G network will further enhance Warwick’s research and student learning and experience whilst also bringing 5G’s faster speeds, reliability and response times to people in neighbouring areas.

In a further step, the company will soon extend 5G network coverage to the University’s Creative and Digital Communities incubator, to support creative and digital companies working with the University and those located in the Leamington Spa area. Leamington Spa’s ‘Silicon Spa’ games industry cluster will also benefit from a focus on esports and gaming.

Fotis Karonis, CTIO of BT’s Enterprise unit, said: “University of Warwick is renowned for its world- leading research and innovation, so its status as the first public 5G connected university campus in the country is very fitting. With the 5G network now live across the entire campus, we’re gearing up to accelerate the co-creation of innovative 5G use cases in a partnership with University of Warwick. This will not only benefit its faculty, student experience and academic R&D, but will also shape 5G learning and co-creation for key business industries across the UK.”

David Plumb, the University of Warwick’s Chief Innovation Officer said: “This powerful innovation alliance with BT gives Warwick the advantage of being an early adopter of 5G technology with a significant partner. Our public 5G connected campus will: support new areas of research; enable new teaching technologies; help us to support even more regional businesses; and it will add to students’ campus experience be it in teaching, esports or simply through an enhanced performance on mobile devices.”

Councillor Peter Butlin, Warwickshire County Council's portfolio holder for finance and property, said: "We're thrilled to be part of this collaboration and support the piloting of 5G infrastructure. It enhances the county's offer as a centre of cutting-edge technology which is key to attracting the inward investment that will drive our future economic growth. 

"I'm particularly pleased to see the coverage extending to Silicon Spa area in Leamington. This will be a real boost to the cluster of gaming companies based there which make such a strong contribution to the county's economy and which are a major employer of young people, whose employment prospects have been hardest hit by the pandemic."

BT and University of Warwick deliver 5G use cases across CAM, medical tech and e-gaming

The University has already commenced a number of activities to draw on 5G technology.

Together, BT and University of Warwick will help deliver Europe’s first Connected Autonomous Mobility (CAM) demonstration over a public 5G network. The demo, being undertaken by WMG (Warwick Manufacturing Group) at University of Warwick, will explore Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V) communication scenarios with two connected autonomous pods exchanging live data feeds; including LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data and live video alerts of road obstacles, to enhance future road and pedestrian safety.

The transport and mobility sectors are expected to gain heavily from 5G as the high-speed network and low latency connectivity will enable transportation to become faster, smarter and safer. BT is combining its network expertise with WMG’s leading work in the manufacturing and transport technologies to understand the behaviour and movements of connected autonomous pods, powered by 5G technology.

BT will also work with the University of Warwick’s School of Engineering to pioneer 5G for medical technology. 5G connectivity will enable the health and social care sector to effectively care for patients remotely and in real-time – a trend which is accelerating as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the healthcare sector. The School of Engineering will explore how 5G could be used to help people and monitor their ‘Health and Wellness’ throughout their normal daily activities. In addition, The Institute of Digital Health and Warwick Medical School will also look to understand how 5G might have positive impacts on the healthcare sector.

BT’s development of 5G in the gaming and esports industry (combined with AI, IoT and data analytics) will also reap significant benefits from this new 5G collaboration with the University of Warwick. University of Warwick students are the winners of The British University Esports Championship and Warwick is the first University to hold the UK e-sports University of the Year title. The nearby town of Leamington has also become known as Silicon Spa because of its significant cluster of video gaming companies many of which employ University of Warwick graduates.

5G development for economic recovery

The insights gleaned from the use cases will be used to stimulate innovation across the various industry sectors both in the region and across the UK. By doing so, BT and University of Warwick will help empower, inform and inspire Warwickshire and West Midlands businesses to develop further 5G use cases and applications within their own industries. This will kick-start growth on those regions which will be even more essential in driving a vibrant local economy following Covid-19 and beyond.

Together BT, the University of Warwick and Warwickshire County Council are launching a series of streamed events to help businesses develop fresh thinking and new possibilities from 5G. These will be held in late November and focus on 5G possibilities in Health and Wellbeing, Creative and Digital, and Industry 4.0. For further details on the events and content, please see here.

EE, part of BT Group, recently switched on 5G in 12 additional towns and cities across the UK including the first 5G service in Warwick, cementing its position as the best network in the UK, with 112 5G locations now live.​