Want a London phone number? How about an 0203 code?

Considering a business number with a London area code? You’ll probably find that 0207 and 0208 prefixes spring to mind, but what about 0203s. Compared to its older and more established 020 numbers, 0203 are the newest to the range. 

So, where have 0203s come from? 

Okay, the 020 part of the prefix relates to the number’s association with the location of London – accommodating both inner and outer London. Understandably many people associate different prefixes

 with specific areas, often assuming that 0207 links to an inner London operator and the 0208 prefix to an outer London telecom operator. Although sounding logical, this simply isn’t true. 

 So where did this logic come from? It all started in the early 90s – a time when landline combinations were limited. It’s true that back then, 0207 and 0208 prefixes were typically assigned to inner and outer London. Fast Forward to 2005 and landline combinations increased along with demand. Business in London was thriving and telecoms had to accommodate that, so the additional 0203 prefix was introduced.

The results were huge!

The small change of one digit from a 7 or 8 to a 3 made a massive difference – increasing London’s area codes by a jaw dropping 50%. 

Whichever 020 London phone number you choose, remember that they all are a clear indication of the location. All 020 area codes are therefore written with the following spacing 020 3*** **** / 020 7*** **** or 020 8*** ****.

Caller perceptions matter 

Despite covering the entirety of London, 0207 are still widely perceived by the public as being an inner London operator. In a strange way, many callers therefore associate 0203s and 0207s as being associated with higher calibre inner city business, with 0208 representing London’s outer area.

Is an 0203 number for you?

Alongside their ‘whole-of-London’ coverage there are lots of reasons to choose an 0203 code. There are also some reasons for selecting an 0207 or 0208. 

Let’s take a closer look…

Saying ‘YES’ to 0203 (UP TO HERE)  

  • Cost Effective. Creating a presence in sought after business locations can be expensive, but not with a virtual number such as an 0203. Think about it! You don’t even have to have a premises there (avoiding astronomical office rates), with a virtual number you can present the illusion of being virtually anywhere. This works the same for any major UK city such as Manchester, Leeds or Glasgow.
  • Image. As far as the European business market goes, London is viewed as a big player. In fact, it’s the perfect place to springboard to global recognition – elevating your brand to global proportions.
  • Get recognised. It’s not only business recognition your 0203 (or any 02 number) brings. Both London residents and in fact those across the whole of the UK associate 0203 with the Capital City. So, from creating a high business profile to the general public, it’s easy to put your business on the map.

You’re in great company

From the BBC to the Guardian newspaper, 0203 numbers are the preferred choice of many recognised companies. It’s clear to see that the 0203 area code is now well established. However, whether you’re a SME, one-man band or multi-national concern an 0203 (along with 0207 and 0208) are increasingly the ideal fit when it comes to comms.

Why not set up your 0203 number today? 

Setting up your 0203 number (or 0207 / 0208 ) takes just a few minutes. Why not visit us online? Alternatively call 0330 332 0400 and we’ll gladly tell you more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

03 or 08…Which is best for small businesses?

Choosing the right phone number for your business is important. Do you go for a local geographic number or an NGN (non-geographic) option such as an 03 or 08? Which is best for your company. Various types of numbers such as 0330, 0333, 0800 and 0808, are popular for small businesses, but what’s the difference? We aim to look at the benefits of both types of business numbers and hopefully help you decide which to choose.

Why do many small businesses use 03/08 numbers rather than standard landline or mobile numbers?

Personal or professional? As the owner of a small business it can be difficult to decide which approach is best. Of course you want to be within easy reach; however making your personal phone number public knowledge isn’t ideal. Thankfully with the help of 03 and 08 numbers there are options available.

Businesses of all sizes use NGNs (non-geographic) numbers – enjoying a various advantages over standard landline and mobile numbers. Benefits include better call clarity, real-time call data (for marketing purposes) and free calls for your customers/clients. But that’s not all, 08 and 03 numbers can be easily routed to mobiles, landlines or SIP trunks. That means you get to maintain your privacy whilst providing your callers with a professional looking business number. 

What is the difference between 03 and 08 numbers?

Although both are non-geographic numbers they do differ when it comes to the cost you pay. Many business owners, particularly those of smaller concerns, enjoy 03 numbers as they are both cheap to host and to call. 03s are usually free for callers and on the odd occasion they’re not, they are only charged at local 01 & 02 number rate. Some business owners prefer 0800s or 0808s as they are completely free for callers 100% of the time. However, businesses using 0800s do have to pay slightly higher rates on inbound calls.

Freephone 0800s

0800 numbers are a toll-free number for your callers; allowing them to contact you without any telecom charge. It’s the business owner who pays for the calls. That’s why 0800 numbers are a popular choice for customer service departments as they make it super easy and affordable for customers to get in touch.

It is important to remember that 0800s only work as a freephone number within the UK. Many international telecom networks simply don’t recognise 0800 numbers. Callers trying 0800s from abroad need to omit 0 then enter the country code when dialling. International call rates will apply, which means they are not free outside the UK. It’s important to remember that international toll-free numbers are also available. Get your international business number today!

Flexibility comes as standard

Good news! 0800 numbers are available to any individual or organisation. What’s more, they have no restrictions either – making them a popular choice for charities, businesses and government organisations. Commonly assigned to customer service lines, 0800s are regularly used by businesses to provide free customer support. Also used for marketing purposes and competitions, 0800s are a truly versatile choice.

Cutting costs with an 03

Reducing costs is particularly important for owners of small concerns. Choosing to use an 0330 business number is an easy way to make savings. As a more economical choice than 0800s, 03s certainly are budget friendly. It’s not only your pocket they’re gentle on, they’re affordable for callers too; with the vast majority of callers having 03s included in their call bundles. If on the rare occasion they don’t have them included, 03 numbers are never more than a local rate call. 

Furnished with the same call features as 0800 and 0808 business numbers, 0330, 0333 and 0300 numbers, are loaded with functionality and are an affordable form of communication for businesses large and small.

Getting Your 03 Number

Getting a 0330 number for your small business is easy – simply choose your provider,   select your number and enjoy your new service. Once you have your 03 number set up, you can start promoting it to your customers. Don’t forget to advertise it on your website, business cards, emails, vehicles and more. Remember, you can also add it to advertising products such as TV or radio commercials. So, what’s stopping you?

Number Supermarket Packages 

Did you know that Number Supermarket provides flexible 03 and 08 business number packages? In fact, we have everything you’ll need to manage your number from hosting and set up to ongoing management; all underpinned by Tier 1 quality service at a competitive rate. Why not activate your 03 today?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]