Tom Keeney - BT regional director

For many people the name BT conjures up images of a telecoms giant, but the company prides itself on having a strong local presence, which it says ensures that Yorkshire’s interests are well recognised by BT and that BT’s interests are well represented to the region.

A ten-strong board of senior executives, all living in the region, is headed up by Tom Keeney, regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber and also the company’s director of workforce management.

He said: "While there is no question BT is a huge company, we are also a local employer with 800 employees working in York and North Yorkshire alone and hundreds of thousands of customers.

“I believe that having a local team is vital. Not only does it help BT invest in local business opportunities it also ensures that Yorkshire remains firmly within BT’s sights.”

As a Scot from Glasgow, Mr Keeney and his family have adopted Yorkshire as their home. He has lived in the region for more than 20 years, raised two children and currently lives just outside York.

Whilst the Glaswegian accent and obsession with Celtic football club are both still going strong, North Yorkshire is now most certainly Mr Keeney’s home.

“I can’t see myself living anywhere else. The quality of life here is great; we can be at the coast in 40 minutes or the middle of the Yorkshire Moors.

“We all know how beautiful York is and it’s handy for getting to London or back to Scotland. My family love it and the people are also easy going and friendly. I think we’re lucky to live in such a great place.”

BT has been busy in the county of late. A multi million pound commercial investment in fibre broadband has already bought high-speed internet to around 225,000 local homes and businesses.

Further investment in the Superfast North Yorkshire partnership has reached a further 120,000 premises so far. As a result, BT recently announced a further 80 engineering job opportunities for Yorkshire, many of which they hope will be filled in North Yorkshire.

Mr Keeney said: "North Yorkshire has been at the forefront of the fibre roll-out. York was one of the first locations to trial and then successfully deploy fibre-to-the-premises technology.

"The county was the first in the UK to start rolling out fibre broadband using Broadband Delivery UK funds. North Yorkshire County Council realised very early on the benefits fibre would bring to its communities and did everything in its power to secure funding. As a result we are ahead of the game.”

A key role of the regional board has been to ensure residents and businesses alike understand the benefits increased broadband speeds can bring and take advantage of the technology.

Mr Kenney added: “In North Yorkshire there is a choice of fibre technologies, from a wide range of broadband service providers, help for business set up costs from the Government’s Broadband Voucher Scheme and free business support from Superfast North Yorkshire.

“Building a new fibre network is an achievement in itself, but people need to use it to see the benefits. In many parts of North Yorkshire people are choosing to take it up at levels well above the national average, which is fantastic and will undoubtedly have a hugely positive effect on the local economy in the months and years to come.”

What job would you like to have other than your own and why?

"Professional Golfer - I love the sport and the lifestyle looks good."

Greatest achievement?

"My children - they make me proud every single day."

What makes you most angry?

"Unfairness and inequality"

Biggest mistake?

"Not moving to Yorkshire sooner"

What do you need to make life complete?

"To see Celtic win the English Premiership"

Why do you make a difference?

2I speak up - if you don’t you will never know what you can achieve"

Epitaph

"He was a good guy during his 100 years."