It is good to see that BT have announced the launch of their Small Business Support Scheme in Northern Ireland, which will help firms boost connectivity, cash flow and confidence as the country looks to get back on its feet again post lockdown.
Helping Small Businesses In Northern Ireland Recover
This package of support is a bid to help 124,000 small businesses in Northern Ireland recover and grow once more as we move towards Brexit.
Paul Murnaghan, director of BT`s Enterprise business in Northern Ireland, is quoted as saying in an article on the Love Belfast website:
Small Businesses The Beating Heart Of Our Economy
“Small businesses are the beating heart of our economy, high streets and communities. The past few months have been amongst the most challenging in living memory for SMEs. As they employ the majority of private sector workers here, their success is key to securing Northern Ireland’s economic recovery from the pandemic. Small businesses deserve the support of each and every one of us to help them thrive into the future.
“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. So we’ve listened to the needs of small businesses and are stepping up to deliver a support scheme which should have something for everyone – whether you’re a sole trader, tech-start up, micro business or a larger firm.”
Supporting Local SME`s Through Tough Times
And in the same article Ann McGregor MBE, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, added:
“The past few months have been amongst the most challenging in living memory for businesses and BT’s commitment to supporting local SMEs through these tough times will be particularly welcome by the sector.
“The Small Business Support Scheme is directly targeted at a number of the pressure points facing businesses now. Its assistance with relieving cash flow pressures for suppliers and improving digital skills across a wider business base is extremely important. As thousands of businesses here look to digitally transform operations and how they service customers, BT’s continued focus on connectivity is also going to be central.
“I encourage small businesses from every sector across Northern Ireland to take advantage of the expertise and support on offer.”
The Support Scheme will help businesses with:
Funding ultrafast business connections
Launching bursaries for UK tech start-ups
Introducing BT Halo for Business
Helping small businesses to go cashless
Accelerating payment for BT’s small business supplier
Financial flexibility for the hardest hit
Helping small businesses access the full power of digital and social media advertising
Supporting small businesses through mentoring
Helping small businesses acquire new digital skills
Wellbeing support
This is excellent news for small businesses in Northern Ireland and the economy as a whole. Let`s hope this is a great success and it helps many small businesses on the road to recovery.
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