BT has stepped in to the breach left by Cable & Wireless (C&W), which is abandoning some firms to focus on its 3,000 biggest customers.

BT has set up a freephone helpline for C&W business customers that are not among those 3,000.

Bill Murphy, managing director of BT Business, said: “This uncertain situation could be damaging to a business. They could be without service while they chose another supplier. I can assure all businesses that BT still wants their custom.”

Perhaps unsurprisingly, BT said it also welcomes calls from other businesses considering their telecoms futures.

The helpline number is 0800 169 5067.