Today, communications provider Plusnet champions the lockdown heroes who are part of the record numbers of new businesses that bravely launched during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Over 800,000* new businesses have been set up during the pandemic - a year on year rise of 40% - with the majority selling goods from home.

Plusnet is urging these businesses who have started up during lockdown, to apply for a That’ll Do Star. Plusnet wants to say thanks for demonstrating grit and determination to carry out the best service for their communities and the economy during the toughest year in generations.

And to help businesses through the challenges of keeping a small business on track, Plusnet is launching a new guide with expert advice, covering everything from using social media to avoiding burnout and hacks to get them through year two.

It comes as new research** reveals a new breed of business, with over half (52%) now relying on connectivity to run their business and almost half (48%) said the majority of their customers now discover their business online.

By embracing technology and social media, over half (51%) of small businesses have been able to improve their range of products and four out of 10 (40%) said it had allowed them to upgrade their customer experience.

Because of the shift to tech, and more businesses going mobile, one in 10 SMEs said having reliable broadband and tech support was more important than having a good logo – or even selling their business for a profit (5%). Furthermore, two out of five (40%) said they value reliability most out of their business broadband – with the smallest businesses appreciating it the most.

Small business leaders said they are now using apps like Facebook (43%) Instagram (30%), LinkedIn (25%), Twitter (24%) and bidding sites such as eBay (17%) and Facebook Marketplace (16%) over traditional forms of marketing and communication with customers such as billboards (6%).

Social media marketing was also considered the number one thing small business leaders wished they had known more about when they started (23%), which is why Plusnet’s new business guide will share tips on how to rocket fuel your business by becoming a social media expert.

The research also showed UK businesses feel huge optimism for the future with 84% saying they expect to grow in the next 12 months.

Plusnet is urging new businesses to apply for a That’ll Do Star from today and download the new business guide at plus.net/thatlldostars. Any business successfully launched since March 2020 and who meets the criteria will qualify to win a That’ll Do Star. The star will serve as recognition from Plusnet that companies will be able to wear like a badge of honour. Of all businesses that enter, ten will be chosen to feature in Plusnet’s ongoing campaign to champion small businesses.

Plusnet is also offering unlimited superfast business fibre broadband from £22.00 per month for 24 months.

How to get your business a That’ll Do Star:

1. Check you meet the criteria for the application:

• Launched no earlier than March 2020
• Have no more than 20 employees
• Be able to showcase have you have exceeded expectations since launch
• Be happy to feature in press

1. Head to plus.net/thatlldostars and fill out the application
2. Receive your That’ll Do Star 2021 badge

Apply for a That’ll Do Star and download the business guide at plus.net/thatlldostars. Plusnet supports small businesses by offering unlimited superfast business fibre broadband from £22 per month for a 24-month contract.