End 2020 on a high with our Business Boost

It’s been an unpredictable year for all of us, especially the thousands of small businesses around the UK. If you run your own company and you’re looking for ways to economise and equip your employees for the months ahead, our Business Boost could be just what you’re looking for.

 

Helping you adapt to whatever comes your way

For just £20 a month, we’re offering businesses 10 SIM Only plans, each with unlimited calls, texts and 2GB of data. So if you chose to use all 10 SIMs, you can connect each member of your team for just £2 per connection. The plans are on a 30-day rolling contract, so you can use them for as long as you want – no commitment, no ties, just awesome value when it matters most.

 

Get in quick

The offer is available to the first 2,020 businesses that get in touch with us. And we’re running the deal from 27 November to 26 March 2021, or until all 2,020 Boosts are gone. Don’t wait too long to call, go in store, or buy via web chat.

Call us on 0800 033 8022
Mon-Fri, 08:00 to 20:00 / Sat & Sun, 09:00 to 18:00

Chat online with us now
Mon-Fri, 09:00 to 20:00 / Sat & Sun, 09:00 to 18:00

If your local Three Store is open, come in and see us to get your Business Boost. You’ll find full terms for our Business Boost here and if you need any more information or advice, our team are on hand to help.

End 2020 on a high and boost your connectivity with Three’s Business Boost.

The post End 2020 on a high with our Business Boost appeared first on Hub.

Source: Three Mobile Hub






Make their year with our ultimate Christmas Gift Guide 2020

Make their year with our ultimate Christmas Gift Guide 2020

As far as year’s go, this one’s been a toughie, with heaps of uncertainty. But there’s one thing you can count on: Christmas.

Advent calendars are emerging, fairy lights are sparkling, people are making plans. And no matter who you’re with, or who you’re missing, the 25 December will be here before we know it.

You may want to keep things low-key, or you might be desperate to pull out all the stops and end 2020 on a high. But however you decide to spend Christmas this year, the people you love deserve to be spoiled rotten more than ever before. We’ve made it easy for you to do just that.

Our ultimate Christmas Gift Guide 2020 gives you a selection of the best tech treats around – including stocking fillers for £50 or less and amazing offers on stunning new phones, like the awesome iPhone 12. You can even check out stores like Groove Life for cool silicone rings for men. Who says that only women can wear rings?

Why not treat someone special to a phone or tablet on the UK’s Best Network for Data? Or pop our Supercharged new Pay As You Go SIM into their stocking? You can gear them up for the future of 5G (we’re building the UK’s fastest 5G network), or give them one of the latest, greatest accessories. These are the gifts that keep on giving.

Tap the image below to have a browse:

Three Christmas Gift Guide 2020

The post Make their year with our ultimate Christmas Gift Guide 2020 appeared first on Hub.

Source: Three Mobile Hub





Helping families get connected

2020 has made us all realise just how much time we spend online. But what happens if you don’t have a device or data?

 

Most of us take it for granted – just something that makes life easier. No Netflix? Okay, maybe I’ll be more productive. No online food shopping? Well, I’ll just go to the shops myself. But Lockdown 1 proved that theory wrong. Very wrong. It doesn’t just make life easier, in some situations it can mean the difference between keeping your home or not.

 

The Brett Foundation

We’ve supported local charity, the Brett Foundation for the last couple of years. So, it was one of our first thoughts when Lockdown 1 hit. Sue Brett started offering food supplies to the homeless in Maidenhead from the boot of her car in 2011. By 2014 she had established the Brett Foundation, supporting disadvantaged people in the area. Her aim was to eradicate loneliness, ensure no one goes to bed hungry, and to support families with the essentials. Sue collaborates with Social Services and other local organisations, all with the help of just 20 volunteers.

 

Making a difference

Back in the summer we delivered 10 tablets, loaded with data, for Sue to get to children trying to learn at home through lockdown. What we didn’t realise is that it meant far more.

 

In Sue’s own words, the tablets have been life changing. “The children have been able to keep up with school learning. Self-esteem has increased because they’ve been able to chat with friends. That’s not just the children either, but their parents too. Life hasn’t been as lonely as it might have been.”

 

Getting these families online has also helped them keep their homes. Sue explains, “You used to be able to pay rent in cash at the town hall, but Coronavirus stopped that. This meant if you didn’t have a way of paying online, you couldn’t pay your rent”. Sue and her volunteers supported families with setting up online banking with their new tablets, so they could make rent. Sue adds, “When you’re living hand to mouth, if you can’t pay your rent or energy bills when they’re due, it can mean you spend that money on other things, like food. Then, when the next bill comes you can’t pay. These tablets have helped keep people in their homes.”

 

Being connected isn’t something just to enjoy for entertainment, it’s vital to how we live our lives.

 

How to help

Coronavirus has meant the support the Brett Foundation offers to local families and homeless people is more important than ever before. If you would like to help during these difficult times, you can contact the Brett Foundation via their Facebook page. Alternatively find a food bank that’s close to you to make a donation. It’s usually a good idea to check what they’re short of first.

 

Staying safe and secure online

Of course, once you’re online there are lots of things to consider. Keeping safe and secure is really important, whether you’re an adult or a child. Check out all you need to know on our Internet Matters page.

 

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash.

The post Helping families get connected appeared first on Hub.

Source: Three Mobile Hub






Black Friday shopping tips

2020 hasn’t exactly been a typical year, which means Black Friday’s got to change up too. Say goodbye to hordes of shoppers crowding the streets, laden with shopping bags, fighting to get the best bargains. And hello to bagging Black Friday deals from the comfort of our living rooms. Online shopping’s going to lead the way.

And to help you get the best Black Friday deals, we’ve put together some Black Friday shopping tips.

When is Black Friday?

Black Friday’s officially on 27 November and Cyber Monday follows on 30 November.

But it’s worth remembering that lots of places will start their Black Friday sales even earlier than that. So, keep an eye out on social media and your email inbox for early-bird deals.

Black Friday deals on Three

We kicked off Black Friday a little earlier than normal this year, on 13 November.

Want to get a shiny new iPhone 12 with Unlimited data 6 months half price? Or a SIM Only plan with Unlimited data for just £17 a month? Now is the time. So, what are you waiting for? Go check out our Black Friday deals.

Be prepared

There’s no point rushing to grab something if it’s no good – no matter how much of a bargain it is. So, it pays to do your research and check things like online reviews before you shop.

Got your eye on something in particular? We’d also recommend checking what normal prices are like. That way, you can gauge whether you’re actually getting a good deal or not.

It’s also a good idea to make a list of shops that sell the item you’re looking for. You can then compare prices, making sure you get the best deal. And having a backup option is always a good idea in case the website crashes or runs out of stock.

Set a budget

It can be easy to get carried away on Black Friday – there are bargains to be had everywhere. And suddenly, you’ve spent way more than you thought you had.

So, set a budget and stick to it. And try to resist those impulse buys.

Set up online accounts in advance

If you’re not fast, you’re last – especially on Black Friday. You need to be quick off the mark. There’s no time to mess around with setting up online accounts. And chances are, the websites with the best deals will be running a little slower than normal too. So, save yourself some valuable minutes and either check out as a guest or set up an account online well in advance.

Use social media and join mailing lists

If you don’t already, it’s worth following your favourite brands or shops on social media. And it’s also a good idea to sign up to their email newsletter list, too. Why? Most places will give early access to their Black Friday deals to their followers or people who have subscribed to emails. So, you could get a head start on your shopping.

It’s not just about the ‘saving’

It’s easy to get dazzled by what looks like a huge saving on the price tag. But it’s not always as good as it seems. That’s where doing your research pays off. Remember to bear in mind what normal prices are like. Does that big saving sticker really mean you’re getting the best deal?

Remember to check the returns policy

Occasionally, your bargain purchase will arrive and it’ll either be not quite what you expected, damaged, or faulty. It’s not the end of the world, these things happen. But it’s a good idea to check the store returns policy before you buy. Just in case you need to send something back.

There you have it, our Black Friday shopping tips. We hope you put them to good use and bag some savings this Black Friday. And don’t forget, Black Friday on Three is well underway. Go check out our Black Friday deals today.

The post Black Friday shopping tips appeared first on Hub.

Source: Three Mobile Hub






Campaign Shop Independent: helping small businesses sparkle this Christmas

Campaign Shop Independent: helping small businesses sparkle this Christmas

It’s been a bleak year for the economy. But as we wave goodbye (and good riddance) to 2020, it’s the perfect time for Three Means Business to help small businesses sparkle brighter than ever.

As a follow up to the hugely successful SME:SOS,  Holly & Co are launching Campaign Shop Independent 2020. This initiative is back with a bang for the 4th year running, and entrepreneurs throughout the UK can rely on the awesome Holly Tucker, MBE to champion their unique creativity and passion once again.

Founder of Notonthehighstreet and Holly & Co, Holly is perfectly placed to advise, guide, mentor, and fly the flag for independents everywhere. And we’re incredibly excited to be a key partner of this winter’s SME celebration.

What’s happening?

A difficult year is now behind us, but there’s a sense of uncertainty as we head into the new year. So, it’s never been more relevant to get behind local, independent business owners.

Holly’s mission is to shine a light on creative small businesses across the UK. So, she’s empowering them with the tools and inspiration they need right now to encourage people to shop local this Christmas. Here’s what Holly has to say:

“In an unprecedented year, as the world stopped, people left their offices and went home to their families. Some were busy dreaming, some were building their businesses from their kitchen tables, and many others strived to keep their doors open to serve their local communities. As a champion of small business for nearly 20 years, I’ve been in awe of the strength, determination, adaptability, and resilience that these founders have shown. I’ve also been so encouraged by the consumer appetite for consuming more than ever from small and independent British businesses. It’s this combination of resilience and consumer appetite, alongside the colour that small businesses bring to our world, that I truly believe the future of small is incredibly bright. It’s my greatest honour to lead this campaign and awards to shine a light on this most creative and deserved of communities.”

Why now?

Small businesses make up 99.9% of private sector businesses. Remarkably, with the Coronavirus backdrop, almost 50% more businesses were created in June 2020 than in June 2019. Many of us finally launched that plan B, and the uncertainty has inspired the UK to realise their business aspirations. In July 2020, a record number of 81,000 businesses were registered with HMRC.

Get involved

Campaign Shop Independent 2020 spans the length and breadth of the country. And there are numerous ways small businesses and conscious consumers can get involved.

If you run your own business, make sure you download a Campaign Shop Independent kit from holly.co. It gives you all the tools you need to spread the message for consumers to support independent businesses like yours this Christmas.

Spread the message far and wide by sharing it on your website and social media channels, using the assets provided. And nominate your local town to receive exclusive Shop Independent merchandise. Plus, don’t forget to tune in to Holly Tucker’s weekly Campaign Shop Independent Show on IGTV for all the latest updates and news.

Independent Awards 2020

As part of the wider campaign, Holly & Co has launched the Independent Awards 2020 to showcase and recognise the very best small, creative businesses across the UK. Three are backing this initiative alongside NatWest, Dell, Royal Mail, and Pinterest.

Although it’s the very first year for the Independent Awards 2020, the launch has had a massive impact within the SME community and they’re already the largest small business awards in the UK. Designed to showcase the very best in creative independents – whether they’re online or offline, in shops or in studios – the largest cash prize for any UK small business awards is up for grabs. That’s a whopping £70,000. And we’ve already had 300,000 community nominations.

“As a small business champion for so many years, I consistently see such incredible talent, which I knew, more than ever, needed a platform to shine.  Not only have small businesses faced the biggest challenges of all this year, but COVID has also marked a huge shift in the way the consumer wants to shop. More than any other year, consumers are eager to shop small, support those building from the kitchen table, who are local, have purpose, passion, and individual creativity. My hope is that these annual awards will both champion small businesses just at the moment they so desperately need it, but also shine a light on the colour and creativity that small businesses bring to our lives and society.”

Holly & Co will announce the Independent Awards 2020 nominees on 19 November. You can then get voting for your winners until 3 December and finalists will be announced on 8 December. As well as the public vote, Holly will be joined by an expert judging panel of small business champions at the virtual live awards ceremony on 17 December where the winners will be chosen.

To find out more about the Independent Awards 2020 or how to vote, follow @hollytucker on Instagram or visit www.holly.co.

Show your support

It’s easy to be a part of Campaign Shop Independent 2020. Join the campaign yourself, cast your vote in our awards, and above all support small businesses by shopping independent this Christmas.

 

Campaign Shop Independent 2020 - wall sticker

Get your Campaign Shop Independent marketing materials now

 

The post Campaign Shop Independent: helping small businesses sparkle this Christmas appeared first on Hub.

Source: Three Mobile Hub






1 easy thing to tick off your moving house checklist

Moving house can be really stressful. Studies have shown that people count it among the most stressful events in their whole life. Right up there with having kids or getting married. Seriously.

Of course, it’s not always that bad. There’s no need to panic if you have a house move on the way. It’s going to be hard work, but careful planning will get you through.

We can’t help much with the packing or the lifting – sorry about that. But there’s one moving house tip we can offer that makes moving easy. And that’s our no fuss, no cable, no landline, no installation, delivered next-day Home Broadband.

We can make getting back online the easiest, simplest part of your move.

It’s ready to go the day you move in

The nice thing about our Broadband is that it doesn’t need an engineer or any complicated setup. It takes just a few seconds to get it working.

It runs off our 4G and 5G network. All you have to do is plug it in. And we offer next working day delivery on all our hubs.

So it’s easy to get it delivered for just when you need it, to your new address or your old place. If it’s easier, you can pick your order up in-store too.

You can move it anywhere

Finding where to put things when you first arrive is a real hassle. Especially if there’s DIY to do.

Because our Broadband isn’t tied to a landline or cable, you can move it around with you. So if it’s ever in the way, just move it. You don’t have to arrange anything around it.

The best place to put it is usually a window, where you’ll get the strongest signal. But you really can use it anywhere there’s a plug socket and 4G or 5G coverage.

Doing DIY before you move in?

You don’t have to cancel your existing Broadband to get Three Broadband. You can keep your existing contract going at your old place. And just get a 4G or 5G hub to use in your new one.

Because assembling, lifting, and building is hard enough. You don’t want to leave yourself without motivational music and instructional vids. And this is the perfect time to start that podcast you’ve always fancied listening to.

You don’t have to take out a long contract

We get it if you’re just looking for something temporary. Three Broadband can just be a transitional thing to help you out while you move house and get settled.

You can take out a rolling monthly plan if you don’t want to commit to something long term.

You could also take a look at MiFi – our pocket-size 4G router. It’s portable so you can carry it with you to set up a Wi-Fi hotspot almost anywhere.

How do I get Three Broadband?

Just pop your postcode in our Home Broadband postcode checker. You’ll be able to see what Broadband packages we can offer at your new address.

Good luck. We hope it all goes smoothly.

The post 1 easy thing to tick off your moving house checklist appeared first on Hub.

Source: Three Mobile Hub






Kids’ Apps for a happy school holiday

Kids’ Apps for a happy school holiday

October half-term is just days away. And the reality is, not all of us will be enjoying as many days out as we might like. Whether it’s rain or lockdown upsetting plans for an awayday, here’s our list of the best apps for kids.

There’s something for everyone, from toddlers to teens. Fun ones – it’s the holidays after all. Smart ones – to keep those brains ticking over, and jump around ones – to keep them active. Lastly, but most importantly, we’ve got apps for relaxing and coping with the challenges of being a kid in 2020.

 

Discover with Three

Over the holidays you’ll be able to access some great videos showcasing 3 of our favourite Apps – Toontastic 3D, GarageBand, and Hopscotch. Check back here on 18 October for hot hacks when using these cool Apps to create cartoons, make music, or code.

 

Fun Apps for kids

Not only are these Apps fun, but they can help develop motor skills and coordination, especially in young children.

Peppa Pig™ Theme Park is age appropriate and everything you’d expect it to be. So, if you can’t jump in muddy puddles for real, you can relax and let them enjoy it online. It’s not free, but it definitely saves on the washing. Get it on Google Play or download on the App Store.

Toontastic 3D is brilliant fun if cartoons are their thing. They make up their own stories and narrate them too. It encourages creative and storytelling abilities and is available on Apple or get it on Google Play. The manufacturers say 4 years plus, but we reckon probably 6 years is about perfect.

Roblox isn’t new, but it really spiked in popularity this year. Create games or play ones other members have built. Either way, it’s an exciting way to spark their inner game designer. It’s pitched at 7 years and up, and it’s free. Download on the App Store or get it on Google Play.

Minecraft. It’s a timeless classic – anyone from 9 to 99 years old will enjoy it. For £6.99 they can explore worlds and build anything they can imagine, as long as they’re happy with blocks. Available on Google Play or download from Apple.

Happy Colour by Numbers – is great for some quiet time. There are lots of different designs. Get it on Google Play or download on the App Store. Look out for colouring Apps aimed at slightly older kids too.

Clash of Clans. Yes, it’s still big. If they’re 9 years and up, it’s a rite of passage. They can build their own village by pinching stuff from others. Yes, be warned. It is a fighting game. Available on Google Play and on the App Store.

A Dark Room – isn’t as terrifying as it sounds. It’s not free, but it’s literally just words on a screen, so a very different experience. It starts like this. ‘Awake. Head throbbing. Vision blurry. Come light the fire…’ try it if you don’t believe us. Best for 10 years and over. Get it on Google Play or download on the App Store.

GarageBand is great for creating their own vocal or instrumental tracks. It’s only available on Apple devices, download on the App Store.

Despite any reservations you may have, TikTok can bring deep joy. Don’t be afraid if they’re pestering for it – get involved as well, especially if they’re younger. Why not get them to teach you one of their favourite dances. Remind them that they don’t have to post it. You’ll find new respect for their moves. And don’t worry, you can slow recording down – helps you keep up with the tricky arm-ography. Available on Google Play or download on the App Store.

 

Best learning apps

Sumdog makes maths, spelling, and grammar fun. Comes highly recommended by teachers, parents and kids alike. Available on Google Play and on the App Store.

Hopscotch is a coding App that’s easy to get the hang of, but it will stretch them too. It’s aimed at 8-12 year olds. It’s only available on the App Store.

Chess is getting popular again – why not try Chess for Kids – Play & Learn. Any age really, from 4 years and up. Get it on Google Play or download on the App Store.

We love Magic Piano by Smule, available on the App Store or on Google Play for Android. Proof that you don’t need a keyboard to get musical.

Dualingo’s still popular for a reason – it’s a simple but effective way of learning a new language. Start practising now on Google Play or download on the App Store.

 

Best fitness apps

GoNoodle is a great fitness App for kids, 4 years and up. They can learn dances, unwind with yoga, or try some aerobic exercise. It’s free. Download it on the App Store and or get it on Google Play.

Exhausted trying to get your teen off the couch? Say hello to one of the best free running Apps – Zombies, Run! They’ll love the gamification it brings to doing some cardio. Available on the App Store or on Google Play.

 

Wellbeing

There are some great wellbeing Apps out there.

Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame Street. As you’d imagine this is aimed at younger minds, 2-5 years. Free on the Apple Store and or get it on Google Play.

Headspace for Kids is free for Headspace Subscribers. It focusses on 5 fundamentals – calm, focus, kindness, sleep, and wake up. It’s from 4 years and up, and you can download it on the App Store and on Google Play.

3 Good Things is free and gives them a space to note down happy thoughts each day. They’ll get motivational quotes too, and they can read back through old memories. It’s only available on Google Play.

ThinkNinja aims to help 10-18 year olds with anxiety and low moods. A virtual Wise Ninja educates them about mental health and emotional wellbeing. It’s well done and highly thought of. Free during the pandemic, it’s on the NHS Apps Library. Get it on Google Play or on the App Store.

If things seem to be overwhelming them right now, BBC Own It App is here to help. It’s available on Apple and Google Play and helps young people keep control of their online life and stay safe.

Meetwo offers teenagers a safe forum to discuss any aspect of their lives. It’s on the NHS App store, so you can be sure it’s got top class research behind it. Get it on Google Play or on the App Store.

 

We’ve featured a lot here – there are so many great Apps for kids out there. If you’re thinking you might need another tablet to handle the half-term pressure, then check out our offer. Existing customers can get 6 months half price on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite. That’s a saving of £17 a month. Log in to your My3 account to find out more.

And, if you’re at all worried about safety online, check out Internet Matters for resources and good advice. Whatever half-term throws your way, we hope you have a safe and happy one.

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels.

The post Kids’ Apps for a happy school holiday appeared first on Hub.

Source: Three Mobile Hub