An independent report has revealed the BT Group was responsible for adding £322million to Kent's bottom line during the last financial year.

The report, entitled the Economic Impact of the BT Group plc in the UK, by the consultancy firm Hatch, also says the firm's spend with contractors and suppliers, as well as the spending power of its own employees, is responsible for nearly 3,000 jobs in the county.

Overall, it is estimated the communications and technology company generated more than £24billion in gross value added to the UK economy in the last financial year.

The report estimates around 2,850 full-time jobs in Kent are supported by BT Group either directly or indirectly. The firm, which also owns the EE mobile network, Openreach and Plusnet, also spent £2.4bn with suppliers based in the South East.

Jane Thomas, BT Group regional lead for the South East, said: “At an important time for our region, our spending on people, networks and suppliers, provides a vital economic boost. The wider impact of that spending helps to sustain communities and small businesses right across the region.

“In the past year, having good connectivity has become more important than ever as we’ve all had to work, learn, and spend more leisure time online. Despite these challenges, our dedicated and determined colleagues have ensured EE’s 5G network has been extended to cover 125 towns and cities, including several towns across Kent including Dartford, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham and Maidstone; built out Openreach’s full-fibre networks to reach 4.1 million premises; and EE’s 4G network now reaches 85 per cent of the UK. I know these significant investments will help to underpin the country’s economic recovery post-Covid.”

BT has a customer call centre in Canterbury.

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