The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
BT sees fall in revenue but hails a ‘strong performance’
SUPPORT: Telecoms giant announces a new scheme to help small businesses
BT has hailed its latest trading figures as a “strong operating performance” despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The firm has also launched a scheme to support small businesses as it revealed revenue of £5.2 billion, a fall of 7%, for the three months to June 30 2020.
Between direct employment and contractors, BT supports around 1,200 jobs in Dundee and currently has a base at West Bell Street.
BT attributed the drop in revenue primarily to the pandemic, including reduced BT Sport income and lower business activity in its enterprise units.
Pre-tax profits fell by 13% to £561 million, due to higher depreciation and amortisation charges, along with higher interest expense.
BT chief executive Philip Jansen said: “Despite Covid-19, BT delivered a strong operating performance in the first quarter and delivered a relatively resilient set of financial results.
“We continue to invest in the long-term future of the business.
“We continued to support our customers and colleagues through the crisis, including offering NHS workers on EE unlimited mobile data, and discounts for pubs and clubs on BT Sport until the end of the year.
“During the quarter, Openreach resumed provisioning and repair activity in customer premises, we reopened the majority of our retail stores, and we saw the restart of the Premier League on BT Sport.
“Enterprise has today launched the BT Small Business Support Scheme, which will boost cashflow, connectivity and confidence among this critical segment of the economy over the coming months.”
The business support scheme includes a commitment to pay its 4,500 small business suppliers promptly and provide access to free resources such as business mentoring, digital skills, marketing tools and mental health support.
Last month, the firm underlined its commitment to Dundee when it selected the city as one of its key locations.
The announcement is part of BT’s Better Workplace Programme – one of the largest workplace improvement and consolidation schemes of its type ever undertaken in the UK.
Dundee joins Glasgow and Edinburgh as currently confirmed locations for the company in Scotland.
The five-year programme, due to complete in 2024, is a major investment for BT that will significantly improve and consolidate the company’s footprint of corporate offices, contact centres and specialist sites across the country.