We’ve launched a Small Business Support Scheme, introducing a range of new measures to help small business boost their connectivity, cash flow and confidence – key concerns which have been identified by recent research from Small Business Britain and BT Skills For Tomorrow.
Introducing BT Halo for Business
BT has launched the UK’s only converged fibre broadband, mobile and digital phone line bundle for micro-businesses, which represent 91 per cent of all businesses in the UK. By combining three powerful connections in one package, Halo helps businesses stay better connected inside and outside of the workplace, so that they never miss an important call or a sale.
Helping small businesses to go cashless
BT has partnered with Square to bring a new digital payments solution to help small businesses move to cashless transactions. This is a trend which is accelerating as a result of the pandemic, with 25 per cent of small businesses increasing their use of contactless payments over the past few months.
Prompt payment for BT’s small business suppliers
With 58 per cent[1] of small businesses citing cash flow as their number one concern, BT has committed to pay its 4,500 small business suppliers within 30 days of being invoiced. This sees BT halving the 60-day terms stipulated by the Government’s Prompt Payment Code.
[1] Based on Small Business Britain Survey Data from May, 2020
Financial flexibility for the hardest hit
BT continues to assist small businesses in financial distress from the effects of the pandemic by helping them find a flexible option for paying their bill. BT has created a dedicated team to support customers who are struggling with aspects of their bill as a result of the pandemic.
Helping small businesses access the full power of digital and social media advertising
With 63 per cent of small businesses wanting more support around marketing and sales, BT is looking to help small firms across the UK to better promote their goods and services online. More details will be revealed in due course.
Supporting small businesses through mentoring
BT has introduced a new mentoring scheme for small businesses, to provide them with free access to its expertise across strategy, marketing, sales, and more. BT is supporting businesses via Digital Boost, a free non-profit platform uniting digital experts with leaders of small businesses and charities.
Helping small businesses acquire new digital skills
BT’s ambition is to reach 1m small business owners and their employees with digital skills by 2025, with 46 per cent expecting to increase their use of digital tools following the pandemic. BT has already helped tens of thousands of small businesses with digital skills training through its Skills for Tomorrow programme and has released new learning content on crucial topics, including how to prevent cyber-attacks and using social media to reach new customers.
Wellbeing support
BT is acutely aware that it’s an extremely worrying and uncertain time for small businesses, so we will be providing customers with access to expertise around maintaining their wellbeing by boosting their mental and physical health. BT has launched a free online Wellbeing Toolkit for small businesses and have delivered a Wellbeing webinar specifically designed for small businesses.
