IT has recently been reported that Cable and Wireless is to focus its business operations on only 3,000 large businesses and government customers. All other customers have been told they have 90 days to find a new supplier.

This shock withdrawal of a large company such as C&W could be extremely unsettling, not to mention damaging, for many businesses which run the risk of being left without service while they choose another provider.

Here at BT we are keen to reassure all businesses that we still want their custom and can provide a stable, long term and reliable service. This is why we decided to set up a free helpline (0800 169 5067) to help anxious customers affected by the changes.

An expert team of advisors are on hand every day from 8am to 6pm to help displaced businesses understand their options and manage the unexpected requirement to move to another provider with the minimum of hassle and disruption.

Advisors will be able to manage a transfer to BT, offer advice or refer callers for a price check consultation to help them determine the relative value they're getting from their current supplier. We are attracting around 2,800 business lines back to BT each week, which customers tell us is for our trusted brand and good value calling packages. These include BT Business Plan where all UK national calls are capped at ten pence for up to an hour and potentially costly calls from most landlines to UK mobiles are capped at 25p for up to an hour. In addition, with BT Business Broadband from £19.99 a month, we can offer everything a customer needs to run their business better.

Recent mergers, acquisitions and strategy changes have left customers questioning future service from some suppliers. We would like to invite any businesses with concerns about their telecoms needs to call our freephone helpline for information and advice on 0800 169 5067.

Paul Evans

BTLB Director

West Midlands