Which prefix?

Your contact numbers say a lot about you and your business, giving callers clues about how big you are, where you are based, and how keen you are to talk to them. As the telephone is often the first point of contact with new customers it is vital to choose numbers with the right associations. When people see your advert, letterhead or business card, make sure your number creates a positive impression.

Number types and impression management

Choosing the right number is an important part of impression management. Get it wrong and you risk losing customers to your competitors, and appearing less professional than the rest.

As all numbers come with the same advanced features, choose whichever type best suits your business objectives.

The 08 numbers are classic 'first contact' numbers, designed to attract new business, create a solidly professional impression, maximise advertising response, and give a 'national presence'. While at first glance 0800 and 0845 numbers may appear expensive to run (as you pay for at least part of the in-coming call costs) they encourage potential customers to make that call, and ensure that you don't spoil a good ad with a bad number. Look on an 08 number as part of your advertising costs, justified by the increased response an 08 number tends to generate.

0207 numbers (Central London numbers) give the impression that you do business from central London - universally recognised as one of the world's leading financial and cultural cities. If you are based abroad, one of these numbers can demonstrate your commitment to the UK market, but from a sales standpoint, they are 'less eager' than 08 numbers. One advantage is that 0207 numbers can be reached reliably from overseas, whereas some non-UK telecom companies are unable to route calls to 08XX and 07XX numbers. 0207 numbers are sophisticated and cosmopolitan ... 'we're based in the capital of Britain'.

Geographic numbers. In addition to 0207 numbers, we can issue you with any UK geographic area code (STD code) , enabling you to create an association with any Town or City in Great Britain. Like all our numbers, where that number forwards to, is entirely up to you!

07's ('personal numbers') look like mobile phone numbers, and are recognisably more expensive to call than 08's and 0207's. As such, they are more suitable for contacting individuals than for sales use, although they make good 'field support' numbers for staff who are 'on call'. 07 numbers are free to set up and include a huge amount of free call-forwarding, making them perfect personal contact numbers.