Press Release | 30 Jan 2025

1.7 million UK SMEs have upskilled their digital capabilities thanks to Vodafone’s V-Hub online service

More than 1.7 million UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) - a fifth of the UK’s total business population - have upskilled their digital capabilities thanks to the free range of business resources and guidance available through the Vodafone Business V-Hub online service.

  • The successful launch of Vodafone’s small business-focused three-part ‘Digital SOS’ documentary series, in partnership with Steven Bartlett, was instrumental in driving interest in the service.
  • Vodafone launched V-Hub in 2020 to help businesses expedite their digital transformation efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Free to access, V-Hub offers an expansive library of business content, with users also being able to speak to an adviser at no cost.

Vodafone launched V-Hub in 2020 to help businesses expedite their digital transformation efforts after the COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a period of national lockdown, with many businesses being forced to transition their operations online.

Free to access, V-Hub features an expansive library of business resources covering everything from setting up a new website and managing a business online to marketing and cybersecurity. In addition, users can also speak with a V-Hub adviser for tailored business guidance either on the phone or online – free of charge.

The success of Vodafone’s three-part documentary series ‘Digital SOS’, which was launched during 2023 in partnership with entrepreneur and ‘Diary of a CEO’ host Steven Bartlett, was also instrumental in driving businesses to V-Hub.

Each episode of the series sees Steven visit a different business to provide tips and guidance across online marketing, cybersecurity and e-commerce. London-based specialty coffee roasters Perky Blenders is just one of the many SMEs who have used V-Hub to better utilise technology in pursuit of their business goals.

Adam Cozens, Managing Director and Co-founder, Perky Blenders, said: “Thanks to the Vodafone Business V-Hub, we’ve been able to embrace technology in ways we never thought possible.

The free tools and expert guidance have helped us streamline operations and grow our online presence, which has been crucial for reaching more customers.

“As an independent coffee roaster, specialising in online gifting and coffee-by-post, having access to such valuable support has made a real difference to how we delight our customers and grow our business.”

How V-Hub advisers make cybersecurity simple for small businesses

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Birmingham, Croydon and Essex were the top three towns/cities in which SMEs were most engaged with V-Hub content.

Miryem Salah, Head of Data, Digital, Transformation and IT Hubs, Vodafone UK, said: “Since its creation in 2020, Vodafone Business V-Hub has supported more than a fifth of UK businesses, playing a vital role in helping SMEs navigate the challenges of the pandemic and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

“V-Hub was born out of a commitment to empower small businesses during one of the toughest periods in recent history, and it continues to be a cornerstone of Vodafone’s long-term strategy to support the UK’s thriving SME community.

“We’re proud to be a trusted partner for so many businesses, providing the tools, guidance and resources they need to adapt, grow, and succeed in an ever-changing landscape.”

If you’re an SME business owner, visit the Vodafone Business V-Hub to find out how to take your business to the next level or simply have a chat with a V-Hub adviser – free of charge – online or over the phone.

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About Vodafone UK

Vodafone UK is a technology communications company that connects people, businesses and devices to help our customers benefit from digital innovation. Our services span mobile, fixed-line connections, home and office broadband, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

We have a strong track record as a tech pioneer, making the UK’s first mobile phone call, sending the first text message, and making the UK’s first live holographic call using 5G in 2018. We were the first to start carrying live 5G traffic from a site in Salford, Greater Manchester and now have 5G in locations across Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain as well as the UK. Meanwhile, our 4G network coverage currently reaches over 99% of the UK population.

Today, Vodafone serves more than 18 million mobile and fixed-line customers in the UK. Vodafone is the largest provider of full fibre in the UK – our superfast broadband services are now available to nearly 12 million homes across the UK.

Sustainability is also at the heart of what we do: as of 1 July 2021, 100% of the grid electricity we use in the UK is certified to be from renewable sources.

For more information about Vodafone UK, please visit: www.vodafone.co.uk.

Vodafone UK Media Relations

Telephone: +44 (0) 1635 693 693

Email: ukmediarelations@vodafone.com

Twitter: @VodafoneUKNews

Website: https://vodafone.co.uk/newscentre/

Vodafone Limited

Registered Office: Vodafone House, The Connection, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2FN

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