BT to cut costs by moving internal events and communications in-house

Speaking exclusively to AV magazine, Simon Frusher, BT’s av manager told us; ‘Obviously a lot of our events are also now virtual which has been an ever growing trend. We are still working with a number of agencies to deliver the internal events-but certainly with very cost effective solutions-including using BT spaces where appropriate.’

Frusher has been heavily involved in these discussions.

Carsn Dalton added; ‘Stakeholders from across the business are working with BT’s procurement department to assess which suppliers from the roster are appropriate to their requirements. Service level agreements are being devised and rate cards assessed. The end result will be a smaller number of suppliers on the roster.’

Several agencies that were awarded a place on the roster last year have ‘seen little work because of the economic situation and BT’s changing requirement’, said Dalton.

The roster reduction follows a review this year of BT’s spending prompted by the recession.

BT has also redeveloped its company buildings to provide event space and facilities in an effort to reduce its spending on off-site venues.

The telecoms company has created an ‘internal events centre of excellence’ to manage BT’s internal events and forge close relationships with suppliers.

‘Even in tough economic conditions, face-to-face contact with customers and employees remains vitally important in delivering clear brand and business messages, and events remain a key component of that strategy,’ said Dalton.

He added that BT had been ‘rigorous and fair in all its evaluations, discussions and feedback to all suppliers” and the best suppliers continue to play a significant role in helping it achieve its business objectives.