DORSET’S economy has been boosted by £80m in the past year due to investment from BT.

An independent report by Regeneris Consulting also reveals the communications giant supports 1,010 jobs across the county through direct employment, its spending with contractors and suppliers and the spending of employees.

Social Study 2013 – The Economic Impact of BT in the United Kingdom analyses the key role the company plays in economic, business and community life.

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.

BT’s South West regional director Jon Reynolds said: “BT and its employees make a major contribution to the Dorset economy. I’m also well aware that BT people throughout the county really want to contribute to their communities."

He added: “We are creating a high-speed fibre broadband network which will be essential to the future success of local businesses and households.”