DC08-209 June 12, 2008
BT local businesses in Wales celebrate five year anniversary
More than 41,000 firms benefit from BT’s local presence in Wales
Four businesses in Wales are today celebrating five years of helping local firms manage their technology and communications. The companies, based in Cardiff, Chester, Newport and Swansea1 are independent small businesses themselves, licensed to sell BT products and services and form part of the BT Local Business [BTLB] network.
They are able to provide their customers with the stability and trust of the BT brand, combined with an understanding of the pressures that affect other businesses in their area. In total the Welsh BT Local Businesses provide communications advice and solutions to more than 41,000 local businesses. The four firms have a combined revenue of more than £51 million and employ a total of 59 staff.
A valued customer of the Cardiff BT Local Business is New Generation Parking Ltd. Based in Cardiff, managing director Tony Roberts explained: “We have consistently had excellent service from the BTLB. It provides every communications element we need, plus the insight of working as a small company in our area. Importantly, it makes previously complicated technology decisions simple, explaining everything in jargon free language that I can easily understand.”
Dave Thomas, managing director, Cardiff BT Local Business said: “There are 74,895 small businesses in Wales, 6,770 of which are based in Cardiff 2. The majority of these prefer to do business with similar sized organisations. As a small business we can help our customers do what they do best because we experience similar pressures and empathise with them. Many customers are still with us from when our business started.”
The four Welsh BT Local Businesses are a key part of the 54-strong network which also covers all of England and Scotland and accounts for 50 per cent of BT Business revenue, £1.2 billion in 2007/8.
Ashton Hunt, general manager of the BTLB network, commented: “Small and medium businesses are the lifeblood of the UK. The right support allows them to thrive and grow. BT Business is passionate about supporting this sector which is why the Local Business network was set up five years ago, and why it is a priority for the BT Group. The Welsh Local Businesses are key to the network’s success, and are provided with as many resources and support as possible, to help them give the best customer service available.”
Small businesses in Wales can contact their BT Local Business on 0800 389 3364.
Notes to editors
1. Locations in Wales are: Cardiff, Chester (North Wales) Newport and Swansea
2. UK Business Activity: Size and Location 2007 http://www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/product.asp?vlnk=933
About BT Local Business
For more information on BT Local Business www.bt.com/btlocalbusiness or simply call 0800 389 3364 to automatically connect to your nearest BT Local Business
In a world of constant change, BT Local Business offers businesses the technical innovation and backing of BT, combined with the support and advice of a knowledgeable team of experts on their doorstep
BT Local Business was created in response to customer demand for a supplier which could understand the needs of small companies
All of the 54 independent BT Local Businesses assist clients ranging from one-person start-ups to those employing 50 people
They aim to help their one million plus customers overcome barriers to adoption of information and communication technology (ICT)
Help is provided through a range of communications and IT products developed to help modern businesses cope with the demands being made on them
