SMALL businesses in Bradford may get better connected through a new scheme as they look to get better positioned to recovery after the pandemic.

BT’s Small Business Support Scheme sees the company introduce a range of new measures to help small business boost their connectivity, cash flow and confidence – key concerns which have been identified by Small Business Britain’s recent surveys of its membership.

It is set to help the 428,000 small businesses across Yorkshire and The Humber BT’s action plan includes a commitment to pay its 4,500 small business suppliers promptly and within 30 days of being invoiced, to helping firms fund the cost of ultrafast business connections, as well as access to free resources such as business mentoring, digital skills, marketing tools and mental health support.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: BT Small Business Support Scheme to help Yorkshire businessesBT Small Business Support Scheme to help Yorkshire businesses

Sarah Walker, BT director for corporate and public sector in the North of England, said: “With small businesses accounting for more than 99 per cent of all businesses across Yorkshire and The Humber, they are the beating heart of our economy, high streets and communities.

“They deserve the support of each and every one of us to help them thrive into the future.”

Beckie Hart, CBI regional director for Yorkshire and The Humber, said: “BT’s commitment to supporting small businesses through these tough times will be incredibly valuable. “The CBI has championed digital connectivity and skills as indispensable to all sectors of the economy and in every part of the UK, and this initiative focussed on support to smaller firms is particularly welcome.”

BT’s Small Business Support Scheme comprises the following measures including boosting connectivity, better cashflow, building confidence.

The launch comes as a new survey conducted by Small Business Britain and BT revealed that 70 per cent of small businesses are expecting another lockdown in 2020.