The one-year Digital and Technology Entrepreneurship (DaTE) programme will support start-ups and small organisations to develop new digital and technology products, processes and services.

Participants will receive expert advice, mentoring and funding through the programme, which is led by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and delivered in collaboration with BT, helping to drive innovation, business growth and job creation across the region.

Tailored support will help turn innovative ideas into commercial opportunities, strengthen entrepreneurial skills and accelerate the growth of digital and technology-led organisations across the region. 

While Highlands and Islands businesses and social enterprises are recognised for innovation, many in rural and island locations can face challenges accessing specialist expertise, investment and technical support.  

The new HIE programme has been designed to help overcome these barriers through a mix of events, mentoring, networking opportunities and grant funding.  

The support includes entrepreneurial mentoring and advice, grant funding for digital and technology projects and Kickstart grants. 

The programme will build skills, confidence and innovation capacity, strengthen the pipeline of emerging digital and technology businesses in the region, and create new opportunities for growth and jobs. 

The initiative forms part of BT’s purpose to Connect for Good and its commitment to helping communities develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive in a digital world. It sits alongside the rollout of new gigabit-capable broadband delivered by Openreach as part of Project Gigabit, the government's programme to bring fast, reliable broadband to hard-to-reach areas.  

HIE’s team leader for digital economy Theresa Swayne said:  

“Digital and technology business founders, and creators of new tech ideas and products, have a vital role to play in the future prosperity of the Highlands and Islands economy. We want to ensure that great ideas can flourish wherever they emerge, from our towns to our most rural and island locations.  
 
“This programme will give entrepreneurs access to the skills, expertise and funding they need to innovate, grow and bring new products and services to market. We’re delighted to be working with BT to help unlock the region’s entrepreneurial potential.” 

Richard Marsh, BT Responsible Business Director added:  

“Digital technology is creating new opportunities for people and businesses across the UK, but talent and ambition exist in every community, not just our largest cities. As we continue to invest in the connectivity that underpins modern life, we're also committed to helping people and businesses make the most of the opportunities that technology creates.  

“This programme will help entrepreneurs across the Highlands and Islands access the skills, networks and support they need to grow. Through BT’s ambition to support 30 million people, businesses and families with digital skills, tools and support by 2030, we're helping ensure that the benefits of technology and economic growth can be felt in every postcode of the UK.”  

Economy Secretary Stephen Flynn said:

“Geography should never be a barrier to turning ideas and invention into economic success. Scotland’s future prosperity depends on us unlocking innovation in every part of the country and The Highlands and Islands has entrepreneurial talent and ambition in abundance.  

“By supporting entrepreneurs to develop new products, attract investment and build businesses rooted in their communities, this programme is an important step in unlocking even more of the region’s economic potential.”  
 
To support the rollout of the programme, HIE is collaborating with Techscaler, a Scottish Government initiative delivered by CodeBase, to deliver a series of regional events across the Highlands and Islands.  
 
The joint roadshow series will raise awareness of the funding and specialist advice available through the HIE Digital and Technology Entrepreneurship programme, while connecting local entrepreneurs with Techscaler’s national network of founder education, mentorship, investor connectivity and peer support. 

For more information on the DaTE programme, eligibility and to apply please visit:  

• Technology Kickstart Grant
• Technology Development Grant
• Digital and Technology Start-up Advice Grant  

For more information about digital support for your business please visit Digital support | HIE.  

 

5 March: London, UK: BT Group and UK digital inclusion charity AbilityNet have teamed up with Gavin & Stacey star, Melanie Walters, best known for playing Gwen in the hit BBC series, to help older people stay safe online, as new research reveals one in five are “too intimidated” to attend traditional tech classes.

Walters joined a group of retirees on board a restored 1950s Pullman-style steam engine on the Epping-Ongar heritage railway for a day out with a difference - bringing modern tech to a classic setting to get their online confidence back on track by learning alongside their peers.

On board a group of seniors took part in digital workshops about online safety and put their new tech skills to the test. The sitcom star told how the session was a game-changer for the group who ranged in age from 65 to 92 - proving you’re never too old to learn to be safer online.

Lack of confidence driving fear and avoidance

It comes as new research from BT Group reveals over half (54%) of older people fear they could become a victim of an online scam and almost nine out of 10 (86%) would welcome simple, clear guidance to help them understand what’s genuine online. Embarrassment remains a barrier to asking for help, with 16% admitting to hiding scam concerns from their children to avoid appearing incapable.

The research reveals the scale of the problem facing older people online, with more than four in 10 (44%) reporting they had been targeted more than 10 times in the past year. The average over-65 has been targeted by up to 8 scams in the past year, ranging from fake delivery texts to online shopping scams.

The most common scams were messages or emails pretending to be from a bank or official organisation, such as HMRC (62%), pop up messages pretending your device has a virus (49%) or other suspicious messages or calls (49%). The average loss reported by victims was £1,059.40 per incident. Among those who were scammed of money, 11% had lost more than £3,000 in a single scam.

For many, the way criminals are exploiting new technology like AI is also a source of anxiety. Just 2% of older people are confident they could spot fake content, with one in four left feeling “unsure who or what to trust online”. A further 16% feel anxious deciding if something is genuine, while three quarters have changed their online habits due to fears over scams - from avoiding clicking email links to shopping online, or managing their money using apps or websites.

At BT Group, scam-blocking efforts have been driven by significant network innovation. Across 2025, the Group’s team of more than 3,000 security professionals blocked 1.6 billion attempts to access malicious domains, stopped 200 million scam SMS messages, blocked 61 million scam calls and flagged a further 175 million nuisance and fraud calls to keep customers protected.

Welsh actress Melanie, who is best known for playing Gwen in hit BBC series Gavin & Stacey, and also appears in the BBC’s highly anticipated second series of Death Valley, also revealed how she narrowly escaped losing thousands to a scam attempt last year.

Melanie told how the scammers - who contacted her via email claiming her account security had been breached - had access to her name, email address, home address and other personal information. And it was only an unusual glitch in the form she was using to input her account details that caused her to pause, and check the communication was genuine with her bank. 

She said: “What struck me the most was how sophisticated the scam was. I am quite cautious online and know not to click links or anything like that - but these scammers were playing the long game.

“I began when I received an email warning me that the image data I had used to open my new business account had become compromised - I assumed this meant my passport - and I was offered a year’s free credit score check with a well-known company, which I could access using a link and a code.

“A month later a letter arrived from a different bank, saying someone had tried to open an account in my name. I was really shocked by how manipulative the scam was. If I had gone ahead and shared my bank details, I would have risked losing thousands of pounds.

“Unfortunately scams are now part of everyday life, and that’s why these BT Group and AbilityNet sessions matter. They give people a safe place to share their worries without embarrassment and help them develop the confidence they need to protect themselves and be independent online.”

Retired teacher Kathryn Ross, 71, from Cornwall always considered herself savvy online but told of her embarrassment after losing £70 to an online scam that she never told anyone about - not even her bank.

She said: “I saw an advert on social media which claimed to link to a closing down sale for fashion brand Seasalt. I followed the link and ordered £70 worth of clothes, but not long after I saw a post warning other people it was a scam. I immediately cancelled my card, but the money was gone. Afterwards I was too embarrassed to tell my bank I had fallen for a scam, so I never got it back.

“It might not seem a huge amount of money but to someone on a pension £70 is a lot. But the strongest feeling was embarrassment and irritation. I’m not surprised almost one in five over 65s have admitted to hiding scam concerns - it’s embarrassing to admit you feel vulnerable.”

Kathryn isn’t alone, as the research findings reveal a growing digital confidence gap among older people that BT Group and AbilityNet are working to close through free in-person digital skills sessions for over 65s and disabled adults, helping them to build their confidence and independence online.     

Free in-person digital skills sessions are available to over 65s in locations across the UK including London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, the East Coast of Scotland, Newcastle, Brighton and Hove, Sussex, Belfast and surrounding areas. Participants can attend a workshop or request a one-to-one session in their homes tailored to individual needs, from learning the basics with a smartphone or tips on staying safe online. The sessions are supported free online webinars available for anyone in the UK to join.

BT Group’s partnership with AbilityNet has now supported 14,000 people, with 9,000 benefitting from the courses in the last year.

BT Group’s Responsible Business Director Richard Marsh said:

“Our research shows many older people feel intimidated about joining tech classes – and rising fears around criminals misusing AI to create ever more convincing scams only adds to that sense of uncertainty. That’s why, alongside our scam blocking efforts, we’re also working with AbilityNet to take free support directly into communities, creating safe, welcoming spaces where people can build confidence at their own pace. At BT, connecting for good means ensuring everyone has the confidence and support they need to benefit from the digital world.”

AbilityNet’s CEO Amy Low said:

“The digital world, while bringing exciting new opportunities, can be a source of anxiety for older people who are increasingly targeted by scams. The development of AI technology represents an additional challenge for many who already feel unsure of what they can trust online. At AbilityNet, we see every day that the issue is rarely a lack of ability, but a lack of support. Our partnership with BT Group is helping ensure that people who did not grow up with technology have the skills they need to feel confident and independent online.”

To find out more about BT Group and AbilityNet’s free digital skills support head to  https://abilitynet.org.uk/TrainingOnTrack

Additionally people over 65 from anywhere in the UK can join AbilityNet’s free online webinar on Thursday 26 Feb to find out how you can make your smartphone easier to use.

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

*BT Group Research carried out by Opinium Research in February, surveying 1,000 UK adults aged 65+

About AbilityNet

UK charity AbilityNet has more than 25 years of experience of empowering disabled people through technology at home, at work and in education. In its mission to create a “digital world accessible to all,” it works with individuals, charities, and community groups to champion inclusive digital design, and its experienced consultants enable the private and public sectors to deliver accessible websites, services, and apps. The Charity’s Patron is Baroness Martha Lane-Fox. www.abilitynet.org.uk 

AbilityNet offers free IT support at home and online to older people and disabled people via its nationwide network of 500+ AbilityNet Tech Volunteers. To access the free service, call the helpline on 0300 180 0028 during UK office hours, email to enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk or visit: www.abilitynet.org.uk/at-home 

• Research shows over 65s who struggle online spend 25% more time completing digital admin than those with more tech confidence – including tasks like booking GP appointments or train tickets
• Those lacking confidence spend 50% more time booking a GP appointment – and nearly one in eight give up because they find the process too complicated
• Former BBC presenter Johnny Ball has urged less tech savvy pensioners to get online and improve their digital skills, admitting it used to take him “days” to do online tasks that should take minutes
• Johnny has teamed up with BT Group, which alongside UK charity AbilityNet, is encouraging those struggling with digital tasks to reclaim the day with free training to give older people more skills and confidence online.

Legendary BBC broadcaster Johnny Ball, who made maths fun for millions and shaped the UK’s love of learning, is today urging less tech savvy older people to reclaim the day by cutting the time they spend struggling with online tasks.

Ball has joined forces with BT Group and UK charity AbilityNet to support older people who are being left behind when it comes to completing basic online tasks. This comes as new research shows nearly half of over 65s struggle to complete digital admin without help – including booking GP appointments or train tickets, ordering repeat prescriptions or online banking. Almost a quarter are abandoning essential online tasks completely because they find the process too complicated or time-consuming.

Older people who do not feel confident online spend 25% more time than other age groups completing basic online tasks over the course of a year.

This includes 50% more time spent booking a single GP appointment – with nearly one in eight giving up on booking because they find it too difficult or time-consuming.

BT Group and AbilityNet are offering free in-person digital skills sessions for over 65s and disabled adults, helping them to build their confidence and independence online. After benefiting from BT and AbilityNet’s free training himself, TV legend Johnny Ball is now urging more of his generation to do the same.

Johnny, hosted groundbreaking educational children’s shows spanning several decades from the 1960s to the 1990s – from BBC’s Play School, Think of a Number and Knowhow to ITV’s Johnny Ball Reveals All.  The 87-year-old father of BBC Radio 2 star Zoe Ball and grandfather to DJ Woody Cook–has revealed his own tech struggles as part of his work with BT.

He said: “I spent the best part of 50 years helping people’s children understand science and maths in a fun, engaging way, but now it’s the turn of today’s parents I hope to influence in learning about technology, in order to make their everyday lives easier.

“For some, basic skills like booking a GP appointment or paying for your parking, using modern technology can seem daunting. I also feel that at times. It used to take me days to do basic online tasks that should take minutes.

“I still need help to do some things. For example, for sending WhatsApp messages and other social media - I often learn from my wife Di or daughter Zoe.

“But the more skills you have the more confidence you feel, so that with practice you’ll find you will be able to reclaim much of the time you took grappling with an app or a website.

“Take it from me, digital tasks are easier than you think. So, like me, you will feel a huge sense of achievement and joy when you  get to the point of doing something new, comfortably.”

The research from BT Group also shows how fears around digital safety are holding many older people back. A third of over-65s say worries about scams make them reluctant to carry out essential tasks online. Almost a quarter have difficulty trusting what they read online.

Others are held back by practical issues – such as a lack of confidence using the cloud (35%), connecting to WiFi (23%) and being able to set up a new device (20%).

Kamla Parmar, 76, told how the several AbilityNet training sessions she attended have transformed her confidence online.

She said: “Prior to my sessions with AbilityNet I didn’t do online banking as I didn’t have the trust or confidence to do it. I felt too old for the technology we have nowadays and that it was beyond me. I’d get flustered trying to move between different tabs and screens. But now it’s easy for me and the things that seem difficult are actually a lot simpler than you imagine them to be.”

Kamla isn’t alone, as analysis by Age UK* has found around 4.7million people aged 65 and over in the UK lack the basic skills to use the internet.

Four in 10 say their lives would be easier with better digital knowledge, while 43% plan to take part in a digital training course to improve their confidence online.

BT Group’s partnership with AbilityNet has now supported 13,000 people, with 5,000 benefitting from the courses this year alone.

Alongside its digital skills courses, AbilityNet is launching a free ‘how to stay safer online’ webinar on January 28, 2026.

BT Group’s Responsible Business Director, Richard Marsh, said: “Johnny Ball has opened the world of maths and science to millions of children. It’s a privilege to work alongside him and to help empower those in his generation who are eager to embrace new skills.

“Our research shows that older people who lack confidence online are losing hours grappling with new technology. By enrolling in one of our free courses with AbilityNet, they can learn these simple skills, reclaim their time and not feel so left behind.”

To find out more about BT Group and AbilityNet’s free digital skills support head to https://abilitynet.org.uk/BTDigitalSkills

NOTES FOR EDITORS

*BT Group Research carried out by Opinium Research, 25^th November to 2^nd December among 1,000 UK adults aged 65+

**Age UK's report "Offline and Overlooked" - March 2024

About AbilityNet

UK charity AbilityNet has more than 25 years of experience of empowering disabled people through technology at home, at work and in education. In its mission to create a “digital world accessible to all,” it works with individuals, charities, and community groups to champion inclusive digital design, and its experienced consultants enable the private and public sectors to deliver accessible websites, services, and apps. The Charity’s Patron is Baroness Martha Lane-Fox. www.abilitynet.org.uk 

AbilityNet offers free IT support at home and online to older people and disabled people via its nationwide network of 500+ AbilityNet Tech Volunteers. To access the free service, call the helpline on 0300 180 0028 during UK office hours, email to enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk or visit: www.abilitynet.org.uk/at-home 

BT Group which includes Openreach, the UK’s largest wholesale broadband company, manages the second largest commercial vehicle fleet in the UK, with more than 27,000 vehicles used by engineers across the country. The company already has around 4,300 electric vehicles, supporting its target to become a net zero business by March 2031. The order of the new EVs is part of a larger delivery of 6,000 new vehicles, with more than half of the vans being EVs.

The new fleet will provide colleagues with the most efficient, sustainable, modern vehicles, as they work to build and maintain the company’s next generation mobile and broadband networks. BT Group has the largest full fibre broadband network in the UK, covering more than 16 million homes and businesses, with engineers from Openreach building to more premises every week, on track to reach 25 million premises by the end of 2026. BT Group engineers also look after more than 19,500 mobile masts for the EE mobile network and they maintain around 5,600 telephone exchanges, from Shetland to The Isles of Scilly.

Simon Lowth, Chief Financial Officer, BT Group, said: “By integrating yet more electric vehicles into our operations, we are taking another significant step towards reducing our carbon footprint and supporting the UK's transition to a greener future. As we extend our full fibre build from 16 million homes and businesses today to 25 million by the end of 2026, having the most efficient, sustainable electric vehicles will give our engineers the edge as they connect customers at pace to our next generation networks. Our modern fleet will help us to be more efficient and deliver a better service for our customers.”

Lilian Greenwood, Future of Roads Minister, said: “Businesses have a crucial role to play in driving the transition to electric cars and vans. That’s why it’s fantastic to see that BT Group have made the most of our plug-in van grant to order 3,500 brand new EVs – which means they will have the largest electric commercial fleet in the UK.

“We want to help more businesses decarbonise their operations, and we’ve extended our plug-in van grant with £120m funding to help roll out more zero emission vans on our roads - part of our £2.3bn to support industry and consumers switch to EVs and make the transition a success”.

The order will be delivered by four manufacturers over the next two years: Ford, Stellantis, Toyota, and Renault.

Notes to editors:

• BT Group has been a leader on climate action for over 30 years and aims to become net zero for its own emissions by the end of March 2031, targeting net zero for supply chain and customer emissions by the end of March 2041. 
• By the end of FY24, BT Group achieved a 61% reduction in its carbon emissions intensity since FY17. A big contributor to this performance is the move to more energy-efficient full fibre, 4G and 5G networks, while switching off old legacy networks. 

New research from BT Group has highlighted how technology can play a crucial role in aiding dementia patients - yet many carers don’t have the skills to benefit.

The findings from BT Group show two-thirds (66%) of people who care for someone with dementia believe technology can enhance the quality of life of those living with the condition.¹

This includes using smartphones for reminders and alarms, managing medication, playing music to calm agitation and keeping connected to friends and family.

However, 40% of carers are unsure how to use technology in their caregiving routines, and 52% feel there isn't enough training to help them use tech in caring for their loved ones.

It comes as charity AbilityNet prepares to host a free webinar with the support of BT Group on Wednesday 10 July to show how tech can help people with dementia or cognitive disabilities.

In the UK over 944,000 people are currently living with dementia - and one in three people will care for a person with dementia at some point in their lives.²

Full-time carer Rachel Haworth, 53, from Southampton, looks after her mother, Brenda, 89 who was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2020 following the death of Brenda’s husband Gerry.

Rachel worked as a professional carer before becoming her mum's primary carer after her condition emerged 10 years ago. She says technology has been transformative for them - not only in supporting daily routines but also leading to improvements in her mum’s condition.

She said: “I’ve been a carer for older people with all sorts of special requirements and cognitive disabilities for a long time, so I know just how important technology has become in the last decade or so.

“As a family we’ve gone from a world where everything was pen and paper to one where tech plays a crucial role in our daily lives.

“We now use tech for basic things like setting up alerts for medication, booking appointments and staying in touch with the carers who support me. They’re simple but they make such a big difference to ensure we’re all on the same page and are essential to helping mum enjoy a good quality of life.

“My mum also has a tablet now, which she uses to play games, which are great for her mind – she uses messenger as well, which means she can call her grandkids whenever she likes.

“The positive change in her over the last year or so has been remarkable – a real turnaround we never thought we’d see.

“She keeps up with current affairs and remembers names in a way she couldn’t even a year ago.

“Embracing technology isn’t just about convenience; it's about preserving independence and dignity. I’ve seen how tech has given mum a sense of empowerment and connection that I would never have thought possible."

The BT Group study also looked into what’s stopping people from using technology in their caregiving routine.

It found 43% of carers believe they lack the skills required to use tech for caregiving and nearly a third (32%) feel overwhelmed by how to use it.

Victoria Johnson, Social Impact Director at BT Group, said: “Technology holds so much potential to enhance the lives of older people and those living with dementia and cognitive disabilities. Yet our research shows getting to grips with tech can be daunting for carers.

“The AbilityNet webinar is part of BT Group’s purpose, We Connect for Good, which aims to tackle the UK's digital divide by empowering people with the knowledge, resources and confidence to live life in the digital world.”

Sarah Brain, Head of Free Services, AbilityNet, said: “Technology can be a real ally in dementia care, but if you don’t know what’s out there or how to use it then it’s daunting for carers and those living with dementia.

“At AbilityNet, we assist older and disabled individuals by providing advice, support, and training with tech. This upcoming webinar on 10 July is an excellent starting point to help carers explore available resources, and see how, together with BT Group, we can empower them with the knowledge and tools they need."

Notes to editors:

¹ Research from an Opinium poll of 500 adults who provide care for someone with dementia, carried out on behalf of BT Group in June 2024.
² NHS website

AbilityNet and BT Group are working in partnership to help improve the digital skills of older and digitally excluded people by providing free digital skills training to support older people (65+ years) in various areas across the UK. Find out more at: www.abilitynet.org.uk/BTDigitalSkills

About AbilityNet:

UK charity AbilityNet has more than 25 years’ experience of empowering disabled people through technology at home, at work and in education. In its mission to create a “digital world accessible to all,” it works with individuals, charities, and community groups to champion inclusive digital design, and its experienced consultants empower the private and public sectors to deliver accessible websites, services, and apps. The Charity’s Patron is Baroness Martha Lane-Fox. www.abilitynet.org.uk

AbilityNet offers free IT support at home and online to older people and disabled people via its nationwide network of 450+ AbilityNet Tech Volunteers. To access the free service, call the helpline on 0300 180 0028 during UK office hours, email to enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk or visit: www.abilitynet.org.uk/at-home