“The message to small businesses is clear: we’re here to help,” explained Anne Sheehan, business director at Vodafone UK. “Businesses need to be running as efficiently as possible in 2021 – that means getting online, using the best digital tools, getting the best business advice, and spending as little money as possible. It’s great to see how businesses adapted throughout last year, and we’re here to help more do the same in 2021.”
The offer follows new research Enterprise Nation, on behalf of Vodafone UK, which found the number of small businesses running entirely online has doubled during the pandemic. In addition, 71 per cent of small businesses say they are more reliant than ever on broadband.
Following the initial 12-month period, the monthly fee will revert to the standard rate of £22.50 per month for Business Broadband Superfast 1 and £25 per month for Business Broadband Superfast 2. There will be a one-time fee of £20 to cover set up costs, with the next payment taken in the thirteenth month.
Reacting to the announcement, Nicholas McQuire, head of enterprise research at CCS Insight, explained this will be a boost to the many businesses that have had their finances adversely affected by the pandemic.
Superb news from @VodafoneUK @VodafoneBiz today which is making business broadband free for ??small businesses in 2021. 30% of UK businesses have <3 months cash reserves @ the mo (ONS) & with most SMBs now running entirely online, this is a big boost ??https://t.co/F5BzNzaDoS
— Nicholas McQuire (@nickmcquire) January 7, 2021
To further support small businesses on their digital journey, Vodafone has also set up the V-Hub small business digital support platform offering detailed guides on key aspects of operating in a more digitalised world and free one to one support with a business adviser. The platform covers topics such as website creation, digital marketing, remote working and cyber security.