Archive for the ‘Press releases’ category

BT Business and Google today announced an agreement to offer digital marketing services to small businesses. The alliance will involve BT Business becoming a Google AdWords™ Authorised Reseller.
Small businesses can now access Google’s base of millions of UK users and receive professional, full-service AdWords account management, from account setup and activation to ongoing campaign monitoring and optimisation, through BT Business.

More than one million businesses already served by BT Business, including the 350,000 members of BT Tradespace (www.bttradespace.com) will benefit from the agreement.

“Small businesses are looking to the internet to compete and grow in these tough economic times,” said Bill Murphy, managing director, BT Business. “Our own research across 700,000 small business websites shows that the majority need help to optimise search and effectively use search engine marketing. They don’t often have the skills internally to manage this and need affordable services and support. Working with Google AdWords will enable us to help smaller companies promote themselves and engage with customers, partners and suppliers online as well as larger businesses.”

The addition of the Google AdWords online advertising platform means BT Business can now offer customers a complete range of digital marketing services to help them promote their businesses effectively on the Web. From setting up a website and managing an online marketing campaign – to ensuring they can effectively extend their business relationships through customer management tools and business social networking profiles such as BT Tradespace and other business applications.

Matt Brittin, Managing Director UK & Ireland said: “Many businesses already use Google AdWords to reach new customers locally, across the UK and across the world. BT Business can now offer targeted, accountable and cost effective AdWords advertising to more than a million small businesses in the UK. We look forward to working with BT to help more small businesses get the most out of the online opportunity.”
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Enquiries about this news release should be made to the BT Group Newsroom on its 24-hour number: 020 7356 5369. From outside the UK dial + 44 20 7356 5369. All news releases can be accessed at our web site: http://www.btplc.com/News

Emma Watson is the person most small businesses would want as a young apprentice, according to a new poll out today.

The 19-year-old actress – who plays Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series – netted 45 per cent of the vote beating Cheryl Cole, 26, on 29 per cent.

Olympic diving hopeful Tom Daley, 15, finished joint third with Formula One ace Lewis Hamilton, 24, both on 10 per cent in the www.bttradespace.com survey.

However, perhaps 24-year-old Lily Allen’s outspoken nature did not help in the survey as she polled just three per cent along with tennis ace Andy Murray, 22.

Ivan Croxford, head of the 350,000-strong business social networking website, said: “Emma Watson has got where she is through a mixture of talent, dedication and hard work – exactly the sort of characteristics which make for a good apprentice.

“She refused to give up her studies despite the lure of fame and fortune.has always kept her feet firmly on the ground and is known for her professional manner.

“Our members clearly believe she would grace any business.

“The stars who finished at the top of the poll are all determined to make the best of themselves while remaining personable and down-to-earth.”

The survey was carried out as employers weigh up whether to take on youngsters for work experience during the summer break or recruit from the ranks of school or college leavers.
Croxford said: “Although this was a fun poll, it does illustrate the sort of personalities small businesses value.

“A capable apprentice who is eager to learn and fit in well with staff, suppliers and customers can be worth their weight in gold to any business.

“Finding somebody who is suitable can be challenging but ultimately very rewarding.”

Poll Results:

To the question, if you could appoint a young apprentice, who would it be?

• Emma Watson – 45%
• Cheryl Cole – 29%
• Tom Daley – 10%
• Lewis Hamilton – 10%
• Lily Allen – 3%
• Andy Murray – 3%

Victoria Beckham has beaten Marks and Spencer boss Sir Stuart Rose in a poll of inspiring business figures conducted by the business social networking site www.bttradespace.com.

Users of the 350,000 member site voted Beckham, 35, joint third on 11 per cent with lastminute.com founder Martha Lane Fox. The M&S executive chairman came in fourth with nine per cent.

The former Posh Spice has transformed herself from a pop singer into a global entrepreneur with fashion, cosmetic and women’s accessory lines.

Ivan Croxford, General Manager of www.bttradespace.com, said: “Victoria Beckham has proved to be a very shrewd businesswoman with a keen sense of what consumers want.

“She has skillfully combined her celebrity status with a drive and determination which has helped to take the Beckham brand in completely new directions.”

Sir Alan Sugar, the Apprentice star and multi-millionaire founder of Amstrad, topped the poll as the UK’s Most Inspiring Business Figure with 34 per cent. Naked Chef Jamie Oliver was runner-up with 25 per cent.

Croxford said: “The survey choices show how the celebrity and business worlds sometimes overlap. Leading business figures are becoming household names and showbiz personalities are increasingly pursuing business ventures to exploit their star status and enhance their income. Sir Alan Sugar epitomises this trend and is a good illustration of how businesspeople have crossed into mainstream popular culture. People admire how he rose from a humble background and relate to the no-nonsense style he shows on his TV appearances.”

Other celebrities who featured in the poll include: Kate Moss, Myleene Klass and Gary Barlow (all three per cent).

Sir Alan Sugar has been voted the most inspiring business figure in the country in a poll conducted by the business social networking website www.bttradespace.com.

The 62-year-old founder of Amstrad and star of The Apprentice scored 34 per cent in the vote, well clear of Naked Chef Jamie Oliver on 25 per cent.

Users of the 350,000-member site also voted Victoria Beckham in joint third with lastminute.com founder Martha Lane Fox (both 11 per cent), pipping Marks and Spencer executive chairman Sir Stuart Rose.

The result is further evidence of how the former Posh Spice has transformed herself from a pop singer into a global entrepreneur with fashion, cosmetic and women’s accessory lines.

Ivan Croxford, General Manager of www.bttradespace.com, said:

People admire how Sir Alan rose from a humble background and relate to the no-nonsense style he shows during his TV appearances. He speaks in a language the public can understand and is very focused on what the consumer wants.

He is a good illustration of how businesspeople have crossed into mainstream popular culture and The Apprentice has definitely helped raise his profile and popularity.

Croxford added:

The survey choices show how the celebrity and business worlds sometimes overlap.Leading business figures are becoming household names and showbiz personalities are increasingly pursuing business ventures to exploit their star status and enhance their income. Sir Alan Sugar epitomises this trend and is a good illustration of how businesspeople have crossed into mainstream popular culture.

Other stars who featured in the poll include: Kate Moss, Myleene Klass and Gary Barlow (all three per cent).