BT launches major drive to help struggling small businesses in Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport and Havant

BT’s Small Business Support Scheme will give specialist help to the 939,000 small businesses in south east.

The telecoms company has introduced a range of new measures to help small businesses boost their connectivity, cash flow and confidence – key concerns identified by recent surveys of Small Business Britain’s membership.

The move has been welcomed by Hampshire Chamber of Commerce.

BT’s action plan includes a commitment to pay its 4,500 small business suppliers promptly and within 30 days of being invoiced, as well as helping firms fund the cost of ultrafast business connections up to £2,500.

It also gives access to free resources such as business mentoring, digital skills, marketing tools and mental health support.

Jon Pollock, BT director for corporate and public sector in the south east, said: ‘With small businesses accounting for more than 99 per cent of all businesses in the south east, they are the beating heart of our economy, high streets and communities. They deserve the support of each and every one of us to help them thrive into the future.’

Ross McNally, Hampshire Chamber chief executive and executive chairman, welcomed the scheme.

He said: ‘We welcome any effective support for SMEs as they navigate the economic impact of Covid. Better broadband connectivity, faster payment of small business supplier invoices by BT, and more flexibility with BT bill payments will all help many of our small business members.’

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Malcolm Hyde, CBI regional director for the South East, said: ‘BT’s commitment to supporting small businesses through these tough times will be incredibly valuable.

‘The CBI has championed digital connectivity and skills as indispensable to all sectors of the economy and in every part of the UK, and this initiative focused on support to smaller firms is particularly welcome.’

BT’s Small Business Support Scheme also includes a bursary scheme to give 1,000 UK tech start-ups and entrepreneurs a financial head start.

It has also launched BT Halo for Business – the UK’s only converged fibre broadband, mobile and digital phone line bundle for micro-businesses, helping businesses stay better connected.

And it has pledged to help small businesses to go cashless, preparing a new digital payments solution.

Mr Pollock said: ‘At BT, we can use our technology, scale and expertise to help small businesses kick-start recovery and growth by boosting their connectivity, cash flow and confidence.’

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