BT has launched a new business unit to serve the millions of UK firms which are either small by design or just starting up. Together with the launch of the UK’s first ‘unbreakable’ Wi-Fi for micro-businesses – which delivers guaranteed coverage across the workplace, full fibre speeds of up to 900Mbps and free tech expert support – the new unit will help the UK’s smallest firms to rebuild and get set for growth.
More than 95 per cent – or around 5.7 million – of the UK’s private sector companies are micro-businesses with up to 9 employees. These range from home-based businesses and start-ups to more established firms with a single site.
BT is so convinced by the high-growth potential of this market – known as Single/Small Office, Home Office (SoHo) – and its role in powering the post pandemic recovery, that it has carved out a new unit to focus on the digital and connectivity needs of home-based and single site businesses.
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.
BT’s latest research has found that three quarters of the UK’s small firms are confident in the success of their business as lockdown restrictions lift. And with around 800,000 new UK businesses set up during the pandemic – a year-on-year rise of 40 per cent – the rise of digital shopkeepers and freelancers mean that an increasing number are running their business from home.
Chris Sims, BT’s managing director for its new SoHo unit, said:
“By setting up this new unit we’re investing in the future of the UK’s smallest firms and start-ups which are the lifeblood of the UK economy. I’m really proud to be leading this new unit at a time when their success has never been more important in securing our country’s future as we rebuild after the toughest economic crisis in a generation.
“Every big business starts small, and we want to help them thrive by delivering flawless connectivity, coverage and customer service – so that their broadband never lets them down. Building on the purpose of our Skills for Tomorrow programme – which has delivered free digital skills training to almost 300,000 small business employees – we’ll also be launching a suite of new services and apps to move the UK’s smallest firms into the digital fast lane.”
“today we’re launching UK’s first ‘unbreakable’ Wi-Fi package for micro-businesses – delivering guaranteed coverage across the workplace, full fibre speeds of up to 900Mbps and free tech expert support. Complete with 4G back-up, business-grade security, a digital phone line and UK-based advanced remote IT support available 24/7, there really is nothing else quite like it in the market.”
“And we’re proud to be the only UK business communications provider to guarantee your connection AND coverage across your entire premises – so that your broadband never lets you down.”
‘Unbreakable’ Wi-Fi package for micro-businesses
Launching today, BT is bringing the first ‘unbreakable’ Wi-Fi package – guaranteed across the workplace – to deliver the UK’s most reliable, converged connectivity experience for micro-businesses. Following the introduction of its converged Halo for business broadband bundles last year, BT has revamped the offering to bring the following benefits to the UK’s smallest firms:
Its fastest ever full fibre broadband with speeds of up to 900Mps
BT has tripled the speeds of its full fibre product to deliver its most reliable, ultrafast business broadband connection yet.
4G mobile broadband back-up and next day connectivity
BT’s Hybrid Connect device switches seamlessly to EE’s 4G mobile network if there’s a problem with the fixed line, to deliver uninterrupted business connectivity. With the device dispatched to customers the next working day after placing their order, it gets businesses up and running fast.
Complete Wi-Fi coverage across the workplace
BT is the only business broadband provider which offers micro-businesses a seamless Wi-Fi network across the workplace, eliminating blackspots to deliver guaranteed Wi-Fi coverage for their business.
BT’s Digital Phone Line
The option of a digital phone line allows businesses to make and receive calls on their office number from their smartphone when on the move through an easy-to-use app; turn voice mails into text messages; and keep the same number if they move premises. BT’s Digital Phone Line also futureproofs their business ahead of the analogue phone network being withdrawn in 2025.
Free visit from a tech expert and 24/7 remote IT support
Customers can opt to receive a visit from one of BT’s tech experts to optimise the set up of their equipment so it performs at its best. Advanced UK-based remote IT support is on tap 24/7, while advice from dedicated business consultants is available from almost 100 BT/EE stores across the country.
Business-grade security
Customers have the option to add secure cloud back-up and antivirus protection to their package to ensure their data is safe in case of a cyber security breach. Starting from 250GB, this provides peace of mind so that if the worst happens, they can continue trading with no disruption.
Customer service guarantee
If a customer’s connection, coverage or minimum speed falls short of what BT has promised them and can’t be improved, they could exit their contract without penalty.
BT’s fixed price promise
To provide further peace of mind, customers are guaranteed a fixed price on their Halo for business bundles for the duration of their 24-month contract. As part of a special launch promotion, Halo for business with Complete Wi-Fi is available for £43.45 per month, while the premium Halo for business 1+ package costs £48.44 per month with security included.
Helping micro-businesses to take the leap into digital advertising
As part of its bid to turbo-charge the growth of UK home based and single site businesses, BT is also trialling new online tools to make it easier for them to run their own digital advertising campaigns.
Despite the majority of small businesses moving online during the pandemic, lack of experience, time and budget are still holding 2.4 million small businesses back from running their own paid digital media campaigns. And BT’s latest research shows that while 64 per cent of small businesses think digital marketing is vital to their survival and growth, almost 60 per cent need more support with digital marketing skills.
BT’s new online tools will 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 says it will share more details soon.
BT’s new SoHo unit will sit in its Enterprise division and will officially launch on 1st July, 2021.
