Firm’s takeover of mobile phone network EE means it now supports around 4,500 jobs in Merseyside, with many people based at the company’s city centre HQ.

Communications giant BT estimates that is has contributed almost £350m to the Liverpool city region economy over the past 12 months.

Its takeover of mobile phone network EE means it now supports around 4,500 jobs in Merseyside, with many people based at the company’s city centre HQ.

BT also says that, over the past year, it has spent £77m with local suppliers.

In a report commissioned by Regeneris it was revealed BT supported around 27,100 jobs in the North West through direct employment, spending with contractors and suppliers and the spending of employees.

The report has been welcomed by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

Damian Waters, CBI’s North West director said: “This latest research demonstrates the extent to which BT plays a key role in our local communities.

“There is not a businessperson or family in this region who – directly or indirectly – is not affected by BT’s activities as a supplier of essential services, such as superfast broadband, major employer, investor or purchaser.”

Nearly 2,410 people are directly employed by BT and EE in Merseyside. This is equivalent to one in every four employees working in the IT and communications sector.

Mike Blackburn, BT’s regional director for the North West, said: “Few organisations have a more positive and direct impact on the local economy and the county’s communities than BT.

“The acquisition of EE means we can invest even further.”