Baxter International : BT redefines connectivity for small firms with the launch of BT Halo f..

• BT Halo for business is the UK's best converged plan for small businesses, enabling businesses to work flexibly, no matter where staff are based

• Launch comes as research reveals that almost half of small businesses are working from home while more than a third expect less face to face contact with customers in future

• BT builds on Small Business Support Scheme commitment to accelerate the digital transformation of UK's 5.8 million small businesses

BT today reaffirmed its support for UK small businesses with the launch ofBT Halo for business-the UK's best converged fibre broadband, mobile and digital phone line bundle for micro-businesses, which represent 91 percent of all businesses in the UK.

The launch coincides with today's announcement of BT's Small Business Support Scheme, an unprecedented package of new measures to help the country's 5.8 million small businesses build their recovery and growth following coronavirus and as they prepare for a post-Brexit climate. The new scheme includes aseries of measuresaimed at boosting connectivity, cashflow and confidence amongst small businesses, and addressing key concerns which have been identified through BT's research with Small Business Britain.

BT Halo for Business sees BT deliver on its commitment to supercharge connectivity for small businesses, by introducing three powerful connections in one. BT Halo for business includes superfast fibre broadband that automatically switches to 4G to ensure that small businesses always stay connected; adigital phone line that letsbusinessesusetheiroffice numberremotely, so they never miss a call; and an unlimited mobile plan with no data caps or speed restrictions. Business customers also have the option to upgrade to 5G for a truly converged experience.

A recent survey by BT Skills for Tomorrow and Small Business Britain found that almost half of small businesses have moved their services online due to the coronavirus pandemic and over two-fifths around are continuing to work from home.

Pete Oliver, Managing Director of SME, BT Enterprise Unit, said: 'We've seen how the pandemic has prompted businesses of all shapes and sizes to embrace greater levels of remote working. And with working from home undoubtedly here to stay, the challenge for microbusinesses is to stay connected to customers when they're on the move or outside their normal workplace while keeping their business identity at the same time.

'From today, we can help our customers solve that challenge though our new BT Halo for business product, the UK's best converged digital solution. This will ensure that businesses can stay better connected wherever they are, so that they never miss an important call or sale. This is particularly important for the many micro-businesses that work on the road and need to switch seamlessly between fixed and mobile locations and networks.'

As part of the offering, small businesses can also benefit from an Always Connected Guarantee, a Fixed Price Guarantee - so the price of their package stays the same throughout their contract - and a UK-based support team. The support team will help small businesses with their broadband and phone line needs 24 hours 7 days a week, removing the complexities from SMEs, and providing them with the peace of mind and flexibility they need to succeed.

For SMEs signing up to Halo for business today, BT has launched a special promotion offering Superfast Fibre Broadband, a Digital Phone Line and Unlimited 4G SIM at £42.95 per month, a saving of £528 over 24 months.

For more information on BT halo for business, please see here:https://business.bt.com/products/broadband-and-internet/halo-for-business-offer/

For pricing and packages, please see here:https://business.bt.com/products/broadband-and-internet/deals/

Note to Editors:

Key features and benefits of BT Halo for business include:

Fibre broadband -SMEs that select BT Halo for business Enhanced will have next day 4G connectivity, plus their broadband will automatically switch to 4G if there's a problem with their connection. Digital phone line -BT Halo for business comes with a digital phone line, so businesses can stay connected from anyplace, any time. Users can simply download the app on a mobile device and can make and take calls from their business number wherever they go. The number does not change, so business customers can maintain their local presence even if the business moves.Unlimited mobile -With BT's unlimited mobile plans, there are no data caps and no speed restrictions. Users can browse and download everything they need without the worry of slowing down. Business customers can only opt for 5G to help stream in high quality and download files in seconds.

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