Partner Article

BT invest to create UK businesses and jobs

Thousands of new jobs and start up businesses in Yorkshire are set to be created thanks to BT’s investment in super-fast broadband in Yorkshire and the Humber.

Over the next 15 years, it predicted that high-speed technology could contribute hundreds of millions of pounds to the regional economy, by allowing businesses to operate more efficiently and develop new products.

The report, produced by Regeneris Consulting, also indicates that BT’s super-fast broadband investment could give the average UK town a £143 million boost whilst also creating 225 jobs and 140 new start-up businesses.

In an average sized city, the investment could generate up to £296 million, 430 new jobs and 320 business start ups.

The investment is also predicted to cause a surge in home working.

John Anderson, BT’s regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “This report demonstrates the great benefits that BT’s activities, including its major investment in super-fast broadband, are delivering for Yorkshire and the Humber and will continue to deliver in the years to come.

“BT is playing a vital role in the prosperity and well-being of the region from the massive economic boost provided by our activities to the 4,000 hours of volunteering activity carried out by BT’s people right across the region.”

The Regeneris Report also considered the wider impact of BT in Yorkshire and the Humber through direct employment, contractor expenditure and employee spend. It was found that BT made a Gross Value Added contribution of £998 million, which represents more than 1.1% of the region’s total.

He added: “BT’s plans to roll-out next generation broadband across Yorkshire and the Humber are already well underway, but we want to go further and would very much welcome the opportunity to have an even bigger impact on the regional economy by working with the public sector to make the high-speed technology available in more challenging areas.

“It is vital that we continue to grow and help our customers, stakeholders and employees to thrive as we work together to create a more prosperous Yorkshire and the Humber.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .