Telecoms giant BT has generated almost £110million for the economy in the north of Scotland, a new report has found.
Independent analysis by Regeneris Consulting pointed to the company’s 840 employees in the Highlands and a further 450 in Aberdeen as part of the overall financial impact of BT activities in the regions.
Across Scotland, BT generated £1billion for the economy in the past year through spending with contractors and suppliers, and the spending of its 12,400 employees, the report found.
It is the first time the company has passed the £1billion milestone north of the border, with an increase of £68million since figures were last published two years ago.
BT Scotland director Brendan Dick said: “We are one of Scotland’s largest private-sector employers and investors – our investment in fibre broadband across the country amounts to hundreds of millions of pounds – and the services that we provide are a vital part of every community.
“The facts and figures shown in this report highlight the full extent of BT’s contribution to the Scottish economy as we go about the daily business of keeping people connected and introducing new technologies, which are creating fresh opportunities and transforming lives.”
It also revealed the company has committed more than £1.1million to community, charity and voluntary programmes, spread around many regional communities in 2014/15.