Support Telecom's partnership with the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT) has resulted in a 38 per cent reduction in the latter's bill, due to the firm's partnership programme which brings charities and businesses together.

Companies that sign up to Support Telecom pay discounted rates for their calls, and the money saved is then taken off the Trust's call charges.

Support Telecom and EHAAT are now urging more firms to switch over and save money for the Trust and for themselves.

Mike Allison, Support Telecom managing director said: "With every business that comes on board, Support Telecom shares its profits with the Air Ambulance.

"Every time one of the partner businesses picks up the phone, they're making a donation.

"Even after the Air Ambulance's phone bill gets to zero, the profit-share continues, and we start to make a monthly donation."

Jean Robinson, facilities manager of EHAAT, said: "We got the ball
rolling by cutting our phone bill by over a third, and now we want to offer Essex and Herts businesses the chance to do the same.

"By joining this scheme, they could help get our phone bill down to zero - and all the savings we make allow us to concentrate on funding the frontline costs of keeping the helicopter flying.

"Eventually, we want to raise enough money through Support Telecom to fund a brand new phone system for the office. This is a great partnership for us."

To find out how your business can sign up log onto www.ehaat.uk.com or www.supporttelecom.org, or call 0800 804 8840.