BT today announced it has secured a ten-year, £70m IT services deal with Devon & Cornwall Police and Dorset Police. Together, the two police forces handle more than a million emergency and non-emergency calls and respond to more than 118,000 incidents of recorded crime each year. The new long-term agreement will strengthen the forces’ technology estates by creating a future-fit infrastructure to support more joined-up policing, with the potential to extend the contract to neighbouring forces in the South West region.

The managed service contract will underpin a range of the police’s information, technology, and communication demands, including field mobile, airwave vehicle and handheld connectivity for emergency services – alongside security and customer service desk applications.

It will see BT work with both police forces to support public contact and staff collaboration platforms, delivering efficiencies for 101 and 999 services, whilst improving intelligence gathering and data sharing for staff. Frontline officers will benefit from improved connectivity for devices such as mobile phones, body-worn cameras and vehicle radio systems, delivering benefits for local policing by giving officers access to critical real-time information.

BT will also assist the forces in staying compliant with security frameworks, supporting measures to strengthen their security protocols against external threats. Together, these services will support Devon & Cornwall Police and Dorset Police with their digital policing strategy and strengthen crime prevention efforts, whilst also delivering expected financial efficiencies.

More than 5,100 police officers and 3,500 police staff work within the two forces, and they employ more than 550 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and special constables. As part of the contract, BT has agreed to progress social value initiatives for both forces, implementing measures to improving transparency on the environmental impact of police activities in the South West.

Ashish Gupta, Managing Director, Corporate and Public Sector at BT, said: “Efficient and resilient technology infrastructure is crucial to support the police in tackling both current and emerging threats – so we’re proud to have the back of South West police forces by delivering exactly that. This new managed service from BT will help future-proof connectivity in all areas of policing, from those on the frontline to behind-the-scenes support staff, helping them to protect the public and keep pace with the changing nature of crime.”

Mark Chivers, Chief Technology Officer at Devon and Cornwall Police, said the new contract had followed a successful long-term relationship between BT and Devon & Cornwall Police for IT managed services: “We are looking forward to working closely with BT colleagues to implement a new contract across both Dorset Police and Devon & Cornwall Police and to act as our key technology partner in our rapidly changing environment,” he said.

“BT brings a wealth of expertise from its wider organisation and having a contract that covers both Forces will enable service improvements and efficiencies through the standardisation of service across our Strategic Alliance.”

The last years have been a journey of transformation and digitisation alongside returning these business units to growth. When taking on these businesses, it was clear from talking to customers, the public and various stakeholders that they needed to change: to modernise and become more sustainable. There were letters from children about why we were still distributing millions of printed phone books every year, enquiries from customers and stakeholders about payphones, and how Freeview could be future proofed for the next generation of content. And these are just a few examples.

Upgrading payphones for a new era

Nowhere is the move to a digitised society more pronounced than the evolution from the traditional phone box to our innovative digital street units. Payphone usage has dropped massively since the late 1990s/2000s, with devices and smart phones replacing not only communication access, but the central community points that the payphones once stood for.

Our recent announcement with Global is a clear proof point of our strategy at BT, to double down on what we’re best at – connectivity – and partner where others are better. We’re the experts when it comes to connectivity, but we’re not a leader in outdoor advertising or building hubs – so our partnership with Global makes perfect sense.

The agreement will see Global continue to market and sell advertising on BT’s c1,000 existing Street Hubs, and upgrade them as they evolve. And they’ll also convert up to 2,000 conventional BT payphones and kiosks into brand new Street Hubs. It means we can concentrate on investing in new networks and connectivity, with many hubs hosting small cells to boost mobile coverage. They will also serve as a key location on high streets for the local community, providing free calls and WiFi as well as access to emergency services through a red button, and give local councils another outlet to reach those who live nearby and pass by on a daily basis.

A revamped directory services unit

Last month also saw the last copies of the printed Phone Book going out to millions of households across the UK - one of the most recognisable outputs of our directory services unit. A poignant moment in many respects, as the public looked back with fondness on a resource that served the UK fantastically for more than a century. But for most people today, looking up a phone number is at the click of a button or a spoken command. This change is reflected in the dwindling number of listings in the Phone Book and the subsequent size of its final edition. A PDF version of the book will be available via our website going forwards for people to browse. And BT also provide printed copies on request for the small number of people who may still need it.

The core directory service that underpins the Phone Book has been brought in-house and will be refreshed. It will continue to be the source of vital information to our emergency services and information to credit reference agencies, which is crucial to the economic growth of the UK.

Accelerating TV to the cloud

Our Media & Broadcast unit is one of our principle vehicles for innovation and change. Last year, we announced a collaboration with Telstra to improve the strength of our Global Media Network (GMN), pooling network infrastructure and localised expertise to create an alliance that’s more than the sum of its parts; again allowing us to focus our investment on our core UK business.

The broadcast industry is vitally important for us as we help customers streamline their operations by moving to the cloud. We’re already working with D3&4 and with military charity and broadcaster BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) to harness the benefits of this technology and future-proof services. Multi-cloud networking is already the backbone on BT’s strategy with the arrival of Global Fabric, and will remain a major focus for us over the next few years in the broadcast media landscape, as we support our customers use of cloud to drive more flexibility and innovation into their workflows.   

Frictionless trade

Over 30 years ago, BT, on behalf of the UK Government, turned Customs declarations electronic: replacing printed telex and faxed paper documents with digital messages that has facilitated trade ever since.

With BT Rune, our CCS (Cargo Community Systems) business is expanding that digitisation further along global supply chains. It now captures information at source and reuses the data all along the cargo journey to satisfy each country’s border regulations - all via an innovative platform.

With major produce importers starting to sign up, this innovation will enable UK Customs declarations to not only be digitised, but fully automated too. This will be a massive step forward as BT helps streamline and simplify processes for traders, demonstrating that our business customers are better on BT.

More to come

I’ve highlighted just a few examples of the rapid transformation we’re undertaking to deliver real value for customers and our wider BT Group stakeholders. BT’s UK Portfolio businesses have long played a significant role in the country underpinning many important services for businesses and communities. In this ever-expanding digital environment, the uniting factor among all our customers is their demand for secure, always-on connectivity delivering our purpose to connect for good.  

Our teams have been proud to make a real difference, and there’s an exciting opportunity ahead for all these businesses and the communities they serve. BT will continue to be there to support them in a better-connected future, every step of the way.

As scammers are known to target vulnerable groups online during the festive period, the one-hour live webinar will reveal the most common tricks and tactics to watch out for.

Register here for the free event on December 12th, either for yourself or on behalf of loved ones who could benefit from understanding more about the online world. All those who register for the session will receive the recording afterward, even if they can't attend on the day.

The event is part of BT Group and AbilityNet’s partnership to support older and digitally excluded people with navigating the online world.

It comes as research* from BT Group highlights older internet users, who may be more vulnerable to online scams, are keen to develop their online confidence. It reveals two thirds (65%) of older people think there’s no age limit on learning new skills, with almost half (49%) open to learning tech skills specifically. 

Victoria Johnson, Social Impact Director at BT Group, said: “If you or someone you care about could benefit from learning more about scams, then join us for ‘The 12 Scams of Christmas’ webinar.

“The run up to Christmas is a time when we’re all online more, shopping for presents or booking events. But it’s also a time when scammers are ready to take advantage of people who are less tech savvy and perhaps aren’t online as much throughout the rest of the year.

"At BT Group, we understand the significance of supporting older and digitally excluded individuals to navigate the digital world. Through our partnership with AbilityNet and initiatives like this webinar, our goal is to empower people with the knowledge needed to feel confident online.”

Lucy Walsh, Digital Skills Trainer at AbilityNet, said: “Almost all of us will, at some time or another, be enticed by ‘scammers’ to part with our hard-earned cash, or our sensitive personal data. This kind of illegal activity is particularly rife during the festive season. 

“So, at this time of year, it's even more important that we spread the word about how we can take action to identify and avoid some common tactics used by online fraudsters.

“Older people, disabled people and those who are less confident with technology are particularly vulnerable to scams, so here at AbilityNet, we want to share some tips and tactics to help keep us all safer online and have a happier, safer Christmas”.

Felicity Oswald, NCSC Chief Operating Officer, said: “As we enter the festive shopping period, online shoppers will naturally be on the lookout for bargain buys. Regrettably, cyber criminals view this time of year as an opportunity to scam people out of their hard-earned cash. I would urge shoppers to join the ‘12 Scams of Christmas’ webinar and also follow the steps in the Cyber Aware online shopping guidance, which includes setting up two-step verification and using passwords with three random words, so they’re easier to remember and harder to hack.”

 www.abilitynet.org.uk/ScamsWebinar

ENDS

Notes to editors

*Research carried out by OnePoll in October 2022 of 1500 people over 60 years of age in the UK.

The activities of BT Group added £690 million to the wider economy of Northern Ireland last year and supported more than 7,300 jobs, according to a new report published today. 

The report from consultancy firm Hatch looked at the spend of employees and suppliers of BT Group – which includes EE, BT, Plusnet and Openreach – and the estimated knock-on impact that has on economies across the UK. 

The report found that BT Group, the UK’s largest telecommunications company which employs more than 3,200 people in Northern Ireland, made a direct contribution to the NI economy estimated at £420 million in the last financial year (2021/22). Through the company’s employees and its supply chain, and their subsequent spending, Hatch estimates the resulting boost to the NI economy came to a total of £690 million. 

The company’s spending with suppliers based in Northern Ireland came to a total of £140 million. According to the study, BT Group’s combined activities supported a knock-on total of 7,340 jobs across Northern Ireland.  

The report highlights BT Group’s presence across Northern Ireland and its current major investment in the rollout of full-fibre broadband and 5G. It also profiles the range of activities by BT Group colleagues across the UK, from the volunteers helping care home residents avoid isolation and loneliness, to the teams protecting customers and the UK from cyber threats. 

BT Group is also transforming its offices and contact centres across the UK. It recently officially opened the multi-million pound refurbished Riverside Tower building in Belfast city centre. BT Group has already opened two brand new regional hubs in Birmingham and Bristol with new hubs set to open in Manchester and Cardiff this year.  

It is part of the company’s Better Workplace Programme, one of the largest workplace improvement schemes of its type ever undertaken in the UK. The five-year programme will see the company shift from having around 300 locations in the UK to around 30, with a focus on creating new, modern workspaces. 

Philip Jansen, Chief Executive of BT Group, said: “BT Group plays a vital role at the heart of the Northern Ireland economy. We're one of only a handful of companies that serves customers in every corner of the UK. 

 “We've continued our major investment in building next generation full fibre and mobile connectivity rapidly across the UK. We've already reached 9.6 million premises with full fibre, and our 5G mobile network now reaches 60% of the UK population. The benefits to families and businesses are huge: new jobs, economic growth and innovation, across every nation and region.  

 “We’re also transforming BT Group so that we’re fit to power the Northern Ireland economy of the future. Our new state-of-the-art offices, spread across the UK, are a central part of that, bringing colleagues together in brilliant spaces that will enable collaboration and help us to better serve our customers.” 

 ENDS  

 Notes 

The Economic Impact Report 2023 has been prepared independently by Hatch Urban Solutions, drawing upon data for BT Group plc activities in the UK during the last financial year 2021/22. 

The activities of BT Group added £740 million to the wider economy of Wales last year and supported nearly 8,500 jobs, according to a new report published today.

The report from consultancy firm Hatch looked at the spend of employees and suppliers of BT Group – which includes EE, BT, Plusnet and Openreach – and the estimated knock-on impact that has on economies across the country.

The report found that BT Group, the UK’s largest telecommunications company which employs nearly 5,000 people in Wales, made a direct contribution to the economy of Wales estimated at £490 million in the last financial year (2021/22). Through the company’s employees and its supply chain, and their subsequent spending, Hatch estimates the resulting boost to the economy of Wales came to a total of £740 million.

The company’s spending with suppliers based in Wales came to a total of £110 million. According to the study, BT Group’s combined activities supported a knock-on total of 8,490 jobs across Wales.

The report highlights BT Group’s presence across Wales and its current major investment in the rollout of full-fibre broadband and 5G across the country. It also profiles the range of activities by BT Group colleagues across the country, from the volunteers helping care home residents avoid isolation and loneliness, to the innovative trials taking place in Wales to use 5G technology to help improve learning and skills for pupils and students living in rural areas.

BT Group is also transforming its offices and contact centres across the UK. The company is due to open a brand-new office and regional hub in the centre of Cardiff later in 2023. The company's contact centre is Bangor has received a major refurbishment as part of the programme and the EE Merthyr Tydfil centre will undergo a similar refurbishment in the coming year.

It is part of the company’s Better Workplace Programme, one of the largest workplace improvement schemes of its type ever undertaken in the UK. The five-year programme will see the company shift from having around 300 locations in the UK to around 30, with a focus on creating new, modern workspaces.

Philip Jansen, Chief Executive of BT Group, said: “BT Group plays a vital role at the heart of the Welsh economy. We're one of only a handful of companies that serves customers in every corner of the country.

“We've continued our major investment in building next generation full fibre and mobile connectivity rapidly across the UK. We've already reached 9.6 million premises with full fibre, and our 5G mobile network now reaches 60% of the UK population. The benefits to families and businesses are huge: new jobs, economic growth and innovation, across every nation and region.

“We’re also transforming BT Group so that we’re fit to power the Welsh economy of the future. Our new state-of-the-art offices, spread across the UK, are a central part of that, bringing colleagues together in brilliant spaces that will enable collaboration and help us to better serve our customers.”

The Group, via its digital network business Openreach, is already delivering ultrafast full-fibre broadband across Wales, while its mobile business EE is a leader on mobile coverage. Its 5G network has now expanded to cities and towns across Wales and its 4G network has now reached 85% of Wales’s geography, putting it ahead of the other mobile networks.

Notes

The Economic Impact Report 2023 has been prepared independently by Hatch Urban Solutions, drawing upon data for BT Group plc activities in the UK during the last financial year 2021/22.

The activities of BT Group added £1.5 billion to the wider economy of Scotland last year and supported nearly 15,000 jobs, according to a new report published today.

The report from consultancy firm Hatch looked at the spend of employees and suppliers of BT Group – which includes EE, BT, Plusnet and Openreach – and the estimated knock-on impact that has on economies across the country.

The report found that BT Group, the UK’s largest telecommunications company which employs more than 7,500 people in Scotland, made a direct contribution to the Scottish economy estimated at £1 billion in the last financial year (2021/22). Through the company’s employees and its supply chain, and their subsequent spending, Hatch estimates the resulting boost to the Scottish economy came to a total of £1.5 billion.

The company’s spending with suppliers based in Scotland came to a total of £190 million. According to the study, BT Group’s combined activities supported a knock-on total of 14,900 jobs across Scotland.

The report highlights BT Group’s presence across Scotland and its current major investment in the rollout of full-fibre broadband and 5G across the country. It also profiles the range of activities by BT Group colleagues across the UK, from the volunteers helping care home residents avoid isolation and loneliness, to the teams protecting customers and the country from cyber threats.

BT Group is also transforming its offices and contact centres across the UK and has already announced plans to open a brand new contact centre on Dundee’s waterfront which will become home to around 1,000 colleagues and is currently carrying out a multi-million pound refurbishment of its Glasgow office which will also house about 1,000 colleagues.

It is part of the company’s Better Workplace Programme, one of the largest workplace improvement schemes of its type ever undertaken in the UK. The five-year programme will see the company shift from having around 300 locations in the UK to around 30, with a focus on creating new, modern workspaces.

Philip Jansen, Chief Executive of BT Group, said: “BT Group plays a vital role at the heart of the Scottish economy. We're one of only a handful of companies that serves customers in every corner of the country.

“We've continued our major investment in building next generation full fibre and mobile connectivity rapidly across the UK. We've already reached 9.6 million premises with full fibre, and our 5G mobile network now reaches 60% of the UK population. The benefits to families and businesses are huge: new jobs, economic growth and innovation, across every nation and region.

“We’re also transforming BT Group so that we’re fit to power the Scottish economy of the future. Our new state-of-the-art offices, spread across the UK, are a central part of that, bringing colleagues together in brilliant spaces that will enable collaboration and help us to better serve our customers.”

The Group, via its digital network business Openreach, is already delivering ultrafast full-fibre broadband across Scotland while its mobile business EE is a leader on mobile coverage. EE’s 5G network is  across many cities, towns and now expanding to rural communities,  while 4G mobile coverage is at 75% of  Scotland’s landmass. The Group has recently announced contract wins with major Scottish companies such as Scottish Power, supporting their global growth, and it provides innovative, secure connectivity solutions over broadband and mobile to the public sector across the country.

Notes

The Economic Impact Report 2023 has been prepared independently by Hatch Urban Solutions, drawing upon data for BT Group plc activities in the UK during the last financial year 2021/22.

“We know that our colleagues are dealing with the impacts of high inflation and, whilst we respect the right of colleagues to take industrial action, we are profoundly disappointed that the CWU is prepared to take this reckless course of action by including 999 services in strikes.

“We will do whatever it takes to protect 999 services – redeploying our people to the most important priority is a normal part of BT Group operations. 

“We made the best pay award we could in April and we have held discussions with the CWU to find a way forward from here. In the meantime, we will continue to work to minimise any disruption and keep our customers and the country connected”.

Context:

At the start of this year, we were in exhaustive discussions with the CWU that lasted for two months, trying hard to reach an agreement on pay. When it became clear that we were not going to reach an accord, we took the decision to go ahead with awarding our team member and frontline colleagues the highest pay award in more than 20 years, effective 1st April.

BT Group awarded a fully consolidated pay increase to its Team Member and frontline colleagues of £1,500. This represents a pay rise of around 5% on average and 8% for the lowest paid and it was effective from 1 April 2022.

Despite this pay award – the highest for over 20 years – the CWU balloted its members, the result of which was a vote in favour of industrial action among its Openreach and BT members. They fell short of the required turnout among their EE members.

We have confirmed to the CWU that we won’t be re-opening the 2022 pay review, having already made the best award we could. We have been in constant discussions with the union throughout this process, including a recent face to face meeting, and although we’ve not yet reached any form of consensus, we are both committed to further dialogue.

The CWU has notified us that they will be holding four days of industrial action for its BT and Openreach members on the 6th, 10th, 20th and 24th October.

Our continuity and resilience processes have been well rehearsed over the last two years: At the start of the pandemic, we saw a near doubling of data traffic over our core network because of the mass shift to home working. At the same time, we had to re-prioritise the work of our frontline key workers due to colleagues self-isolating, social distancing practices and other restrictions from the pandemic – all the while keeping our colleagues safe and our customers and the country connected.

We will work to reduce the impact of any industrial action by, for example, postponing any non-essential planned engineering or software updates - similar to what we did at the height of the pandemic and as we do over holidays like Christmas.

“We know that our colleagues are dealing with the impacts of high inflation and, although we’re disappointed, we respect their decision to strike. We have made the best pay award we could and we are in constant discussions with the CWU to find a way forward from here. In the meantime, we will continue to work to minimise any disruption and keep our customers and the country connected”.

Context: 

At the start of this year, we were in exhaustive discussions with the CWU that lasted for two months, trying hard to reach an agreement on pay. When it became clear that we were not going to reach an accord, we took the decision to go ahead with awarding our team member and frontline colleagues the highest pay award in more than 20 years, effective 1^st April.

BT Group awarded a fully consolidated pay increase to its Team Member and frontline colleagues of £1,500. This represents a pay rise of around 5% on average and 8% for the lowest paid and it was effective from 1 April 2022.

Despite this pay award – the highest for over 20 years – the CWU balloted its members, the result of which was a vote in favour of industrial action among its Openreach and BT members. They fell short of the required turnout among their EE members.

We have confirmed to the CWU that we won’t be re-opening the 2022 pay review, having already made the best award we could. We have been in constant discussions with the union throughout this process, including a recent face to face meeting, and although we’ve not yet reached any form of consensus, we are both committed to further dialogue.

The CWU has notified us that they will be holding two days of industrial action for its BT and Openreach members on 30^th and 31^st August.

Our continuity and resilience processes have been well rehearsed over the last two years: At the start of the pandemic, we saw a near doubling of data traffic over our core network because of the mass shift to home working. At the same time, we had to re-prioritise the work of our frontline key workers due to colleagues self-isolating, social distancing practices and other restrictions from the pandemic – all the while keeping our colleagues safe and our customers and the country connected.

We will work to reduce the impact of any industrial action by, for example, postponing any non-essential planned engineering or software updates - similar to what we did at the height of the pandemic and as we do over holidays like Christmas.

“At the start of this year, we were in exhaustive discussions with the CWU that lasted for two months, trying hard to reach an agreement on pay. When it became clear that we were not going to reach an accord, we took the decision to go ahead with awarding our team member and frontline colleagues the highest pay award in more than 20 years, effective 1^st April.

“We have confirmed to the CWU that we won’t be re-opening the 2022 pay review, having already made the best award we could. We’re balancing the complex and competing demands of our stakeholders and that includes making once-in-a-generation investments to upgrade the country’s broadband and mobile networks, vital for the UK economy and for BT Group’s future – including our people.

“While we respect the choice of our colleagues who are CWU members to strike, we will work to minimise any disruption and keep our customers and the country connected. We have tried and tested processes for large scale colleague absences to minimise any disruption for our customers and these were proved during the pandemic.”

Context: 

BT Group awarded a fully consolidated pay increase to its Team Member and frontline colleagues of £1,500. This represents a pay rise of around 5% on average and 8% for the lowest paid and it was effective from 1 April 2022. 

Despite this pay award – the highest for over 20 years – the CWU balloted its members, the result of which was a vote in favour of industrial action among its Openreach and BT members. They fell short of the required turnout among their EE members.

The CWU has notified us that they will be holding two days of industrial action for its BT and Openreach members on the 29th July and 1st August, 2022.

Our continuity and resilience processes have been well rehearsed over the last two years: At the start of the pandemic, we saw a near doubling of data traffic over our core network because of the mass shift to home working. At the same time, we had to re-prioritise the work of our frontline key workers due to colleagues self-isolating, social distancing practices and other restrictions from the pandemic – all the while keeping our colleagues safe and our customers and the country connected.

We will work to reduce the impact of any industrial action by, for example, postponing any non-essential planned engineering or software updates - similar to what we did at the height of the pandemic and as we do over holidays like Christmas.

“BT Group awarded its highest pay rise for frontline colleagues in more than 20 years – an average 5% increase and up to 8% for those on the lowest salaries. At the same time, we’re in the middle of a once-in-a-generation investment programme to upgrade the country’s broadband and mobile networks. 

“These investments are vital for the benefit of our millions of customers and for the UK economy. Above all, they are central to the success of this business – and its colleagues – now and in the future. 

“Our job is to balance the competing demands of BT Group’s stakeholders and that requires careful management, especially in a challenging economic environment. The result of the CWU’s ballot is a disappointment but we will work to keep our customers and the country connected.” 

Background and context: 

BT Group awarded a fully consolidated pay increase to its Team Member and frontline colleagues of £1,500. This represents a pay rise of around 5% on average and 8% for the lowest paid and it was effective from 1 April 2022. 

Despite this pay award – the highest for over 20 years – the CWU balloted its members, the result of which today is a vote in favour of industrial action among its Openreach and BT members. They fell short of the required turnout among its EE members. 

We will await notification from the CWU of its intention to launch any specific industrial action. There will be a minimum notice period between notification and the beginning of any strike. 

We have tried and tested processes for large scale colleague absences to minimise any disruption for our customers. We proved this during the pandemic and as a precaution we are ready to do the same again should industrial action go ahead. We will do everything we can to keep our customers connected.

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 Sourced is a new, standalone procurement company within the BT Group, established to challenge the traditional ways of buying goods and services by simplifying processes and introducing new technology and partnership-based approaches to the way BT works with suppliers and start-ups.

Based in Dublin, which has established itself as a hub for many ‘Big Tech’ businesses as well as technology start-ups, the company will manage and influence a budget of around €14.8bn (£13bn), and draw on the capital’s diverse and tech-savvy talent pool as it builds its presence in the Republic of Ireland.

BT, which already has a significant presence in Ireland[i], is one of the leading communications service providers globally, and serves customers in 180 countries world-wide. BT Sourced aims to make the company easy to do business with for its global supplier base, drawing on technical innovations including AI-powered digital technology, combined with new, partnership-led approaches to simplify and speed up BT’s global sourcing.

The company will also lead BT’s drive towards sustainable sourcing, using its buying power to influence the company’s supply chain and boost supplier diversity. BT’s ambition is to reduce carbon emissions in its supply chain by 42% by 2030/31[ii].

The roles will be based at BT Sourced’s Grand Canal Plaza HQ, and range across a number of procurement management disciplines including IT, Networks, Connectivity and Services plus procurement analytics and transformation. The company is hiring now, and interested applicants can search available roles at https://www.bt.com/careers/careers-at-bt/procurement.

Cyril Pourrat, Chief Procurement Officer for BT Group, said: “Dublin is a vibrant city with a truly global outlook, and we’re excited to be building our innovative new procurement company at its very heart, taking advantage of the fantastic talent pool Ireland has to offer in the global sourcing arena. We’re looking for diverse, entrepreneurial and talented professionals to join our organisation and help build something from the start.

“BT Sourced will play a major role in BT’s transformation, drawing on the best technology and people to speed up and simplify the way we manage BT’s third party spend worldwide.”

Tánaiste & Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar TD said: “This announcement by BT Sourced will see the creation of 70 new roles in Dublin. BT, which is a world leader in the telecommunications sector, will join the growing number of innovative, multinational companies who have made Dublin their home. The company can look forward to accessing a rich pool of talent which will allow it to embed and grow its operations here. I wish BT every success with this expansion.”

Martin Shanahan, CEO of IDA Ireland said: “BT’s decision to establish its new procurement company BT Sourced in Dublin is a strong endorsement of the deep pool of tech talent in Ireland. This new company will play a strategically important global function for the BT Group. Ireland offers a safe and stable investment location with access to the EU market, an educated and skilled workforce and an attractive environment where people want to live and work. This investment by BT Sourced is very welcome and IDA Ireland offers its ongoing partnership to the team as it builds this key function from Dublin.”

[i] BT Ireland is one of the leading communications companies in Ireland, employing more than 650 people.

[ii] Target relates to scope 3 emissions, versus 2016/17 levels.

See page 40 of the DI&S business briefing.

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

BT Group, its spend with contractors and suppliers, and the spending power of its employees, are responsible for supporting more than 7,270 jobs in Northern Ireland, 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 £655 million in Northern Ireland alone*.

The report estimates that around 7,270 full-time jobs in Northern Ireland are supported by BT Group through direct and indirect effects. The firm also spent £155 million with suppliers based in Northern Ireland, including those in 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 Northern Ireland, the firm directly employs 2,900 people, with a further 436 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 also plans to invest in the refurbishment of its flagship Belfast office at Riverside Tower, providing a future-fit workplace of the future for thousands of colleagues. More announcements are expected later this year.

Last week BT unveiled plans to recruit more apprentices and graduates in Northern Ireland for its September 2021 intake. Meanwhile, Openreach, the digital network business, part of BT Group, announced that it plans to hire more than 100 new apprentice engineers in Northern Ireland before the end of March this year.

Mark Dames, BT Group head of public affairs for Northern Ireland, said: “I’m immensely proud of the contribution our colleagues make in supporting the Northern Ireland 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 Northern Ireland.

“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 across the UK and we have become the first communications company in the UK and Ireland to build and manage a live 5G Private Network to help digitally transform the port at Belfast harbour.

“The company has now 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 Enniskillen to Dundee. 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.

Angela McGowan, Regional Director, CBI said: “This latest research demonstrates the extent to which BT continues to have a massive impact on our local economy and jobs. It’s great to see this significant presence in Northern Ireland.

“BT Group’s investment in the area not only means a boost to the local economy, 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 region as well as the fact that they are a large purchaser for local supply chains. BT’s success is based on smart investments in both technology and people.”

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 – Northern Ireland: 

• 2,900 employees directly working for BT Group, and 436 contractors (Full Time Equivalent – FTE) in Northern Ireland

• 7,270 total FTE jobs supported (including indirect and induced effects) in Northern Ireland

• £115 million total income of BT Group employees (including contractors)

• £155 million spend with suppliers based in Northern Ireland

• £655 million total GVA impact associated with BT Group activities (including indirect and induced effects) in Northern Ireland

• BT Group employed 1 in every 4 in the IT and Communications sector and directly employed 1 in every 170 employees in the private sector across Northern Ireland

• BT Group directly created £1 in every £110 of GVA in Northern Ireland

• As a result of the full economic impact of BT Group, the firm supported £1 in every £60 of GVA in the Northern Ireland economy and 1 in every 80 employees working in the Northern Ireland 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.

The Coventry-born executive started her career at BT selling analogue mobile to small and medium sized businesses and has worked in a variety of roles during her 22 years with the firm. She will lead BT’s Enterprise unit’s relationships with its business and public sector customers across both regions.

Sarah, who is based in Wirral, has started her new role during a particularly challenging time for the regions, and the entire UK, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We know how tough it has been for our customers, including some who have had to temporarily cease trading and others who are adapting to finding new ways of working,” said Sarah.

“The shutdown of normal activity is having a huge impact on businesses, particularly in the hospitality, leisure, entertainment, travel and education industries. As a critical enabler, we are doing all we can to support our partners in both the public and private sectors.

“We are helping a number of NHS bodies through our Smart Messaging platform to relay COVID-19 related patient communications and appointment reminders, as well as being a key partner for Nightingale hospitals in Birmingham and the North of England, and the invaluable LifeLines – a project providing a secure virtual visiting solution for families whose loved ones are in intensive care units.

“We’re also supporting businesses from sole traders and SMEs, all the way through to large corporates by giving them access to the best technology, flexible options and training to help them navigate through this crisis.”

Sarah’s most recent role was leading the major corporate section within BT Enterprise’s Major & Public Sector division, where she was responsible for managing projects including BT’s strategy to improve passenger connectivity across the UK Rail Network.

BT has invested significantly in the Midlands and North of England with the recent announcement of future workplaces in Birmingham, Manchester and Doncaster and 5G mobile services launching in a number of cities and towns in the Midlands including Wolverhampton, Coventry, Nottingham and Leicester, as well as places such as Newcastle, Sunderland, Leeds and Liverpool in the North of England. BT also recently launched a £20.3 million partnership with Leeds City Council which will make Leeds the largest gigabit and ‘5G capable’ city outside of London.

Sarah said the focus now was to help businesses survive the economic impact of the coronavirus situation, but in the longer term she wanted BT to play a key role in both regions’ future prosperity.

She said: “BT’s values align with the strategic plan for the Midlands and the North of England; with a focus on skills, technology and transport within these regions, we have a great opportunity to support the social and economic growth objectives, bringing our public and private sectors closer than ever using the power of technology to enrich the industries and communities that we serve.”

Sarah added that new research from BT Skills for Tomorrow and Small Business Britain has found that small enterprises across the Midlands and North of England are moving more of their services online for survival as the sector looks to take its first steps towards recovery.

The research – which polled over 1,000 firms in Small Business Britain’s UK community - found many across the sector are actively embracing digital tools to power recovery. Out of the small businesses surveyed, two fifths (42 per cent) have moved online due to the pandemic; over a third (37 per cent) are planning for less face to face contact in the future; and a similar number (39 per cent) now view digital skills and tools as a key focus area.

Sarah said: “The right online presence could make a huge difference to a small business, such as helping them to reach a global audience or a new customer base. It’s important that we continue to support small businesses to develop and enhance their digital skills, so they are in the best position for recovery.

BT is also supporting the growth of its mid-market and larger corporate customers in both regions by helping them to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies such as full fibre, 5G, cloud services and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. These technologies are fueling customers’ digital transformation and will help to boost the performance of their business by making them faster, smarter and more agile.

Welcoming Sarah’s appointment, Dean Terry, MD corporate and public sector of BT’s Enterprise unit, said: “I look forward to working with Sarah in her new role. Her experience of working in senior sales positions within BT and her understanding of the business needs of our corporate and public sector partners in the Midlands and North of England will be a huge asset in her new role.”