Vodafone Ireland has announced that it is to provide SMEs with business support tools worth almost €900 to businesses or €900,000 in total. Available to new and existing business customers, these supports include six months free broadband with speeds of up to 2GB and six months free cybersecurity solutions.
In addition, SMEs can access relevant content on Vodafone’s Business knowledge centre, V-Hub – a free, comprehensive library of easy-to-follow, informative articles and advice for SMEs on digital marketing, cyber security and much more.
The initiative has been launched alongside a new global report from Vodafone titled ‘Fit for the Future’, which shows that many businesses in Ireland are struggling to cope with disruption and adapting to changing demands. According to the study, which surveyed 250 Irish businesses, over half of firms {52%} regard their performance for addressing top risks within their business as being ‘under-performing’ or ‘average’.
More than 30% of Irish firms highlighted high-speed broadband as the top technology that would enable their business plans. Cybersecurity was the third highest priority (out of 9) for businesses to improve their resilience and yet, only 28% of firms have a clear plan for cybersecurity and have implemented most of their planned actions.
Commenting on the launch, Managing Director of Vodafone Ireland Business, Sinead Bryan said: “We know that the current climate is putting a lot of pressure on the Irish business community, especially small and medium enterprises. We also know that technology adoption and digital transformation are crucial to their survival and will help them navigate challenging market forces and rising costs. High-speed connectivity and cyber resilience are vital elements to enable SMEs digitally, so
“I am delighted to launch a range of supports to help businesses during this difficult period. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment of keeping Ireland connected and we are working closely with our customers to offer solutions that will help as well as encouraging them to get in touch with us should they need additional support.”
Over the last 12 months, Vodafone Ireland also launched a range of other supports for SMEs including the Go and Grow Online initiative in collaboration with Enterprise Nation, Microsoft and Klarna which is a completely free digital upskilling programme for SMEs incorporating drop-in advice sessions, workshops and webinars.
A new webinar series focussing on how to minimise costs and the latest economic supports available to Irish businesses is also planned as part of this programme before the end of the year. Businesses also have the ability to trade in any of their old smartphones for cash back of up to €400 each. Vodafone then recycles and repurposes them, helping the planet in the process.
Beyond business customers, Vodafone also have a series of supports in place for consumers, such as the Vodafone Rewards programme that offers customers exclusive discounts, deals and freebies throughout the year to keep families enjoying everyday treats – including the Fantastic Days free cinema tickets. Every week customers can get up to four free tickets in any ODEON cinema nationwide through the MyVodafone app.
Additionally, Red Family plans provide the best value offering in the market for Irish families, as they can save a minimum of €240 a year. Customers can save up to €20 on every plan after the first two accounts and can get €5 sims for the 3rd -6th on their account and up to €200 discount off handsets, providing connectivity services for the whole family.
