BT generated £80million for the Dorset economy in the past year, according to an independent report published this week.

The report, by Regeneris Consulting, also shows that the communications company supports 1,010 jobs across the county through direct employment, its spending with contractors and suppliers and the spending of employees.

In employment terms, BT’s impact on the south west in 2012/13 was larger than all of the region’s research and development. About £100 million was spent with regional suppliers.

The overall beneficial financial impact of BT activities – expressed as a gross value added – for the south west totalled £798 million – equivalent to £1 in every £130 of the region’s total GVA.

Jon Reynolds, BT’s south west regional director, said: “BT and its employees make a major contribution to the Dorset economy.

“They are a key part of its prosperity and economic well-being. BT is at the centre of every community and our day-to-day work benefits every local authority area right across the UK.

“I’m also well aware that BT people throughout the county really want to contribute in a positive way to the communities in which they live and work.

“Every day BT employees help millions of people to communicate, do business, be entertained and stay informed.

“But BT’s role in Dorset and the south west region as a whole is more significant than even these massive figures suggest. In addition to the activities analysed in this comprehensive report, we are creating a high-speed fibre broadband network which will be essential to the future success of local businesses and households.

“The potential benefits to the region offered by that network are huge by any standards.”

The report shows that in the south west BT is responsible for the employment of 5,750 people – 5,490 direct employees and 257 contractors – with employment income of £200m.

It provides work for a further 4,200 people through spending with businesses that supply its equipment and services.

BT committed £2.2million to community, charity and voluntary programmes.

The firm is investing £2.5billion in its commercial fibre broadband roll-out in the UK.

Already more than 1.3 million south west homes and businesses have access to the technology and the company is a major partner in the Superfast Dorset broadband partnership.

Stephen Nicol, MD of Regeneris Consult-ing, said: “Our analysis confirms the sheer scale and reach of BT’s economic contri-bution to the UK and its constituent local economies.”