The Best UK Phone Systems for Your Business: A Comprehensive Guide

As a business owner, having a reliable phone system is crucial for communication with clients and employees. Not only does a good phone system improve customer service, but it can also increase productivity and efficiency within the company. According to a study by Osterman Research, poor communication and collaboration can lead to an average of 8.1 wasted hours per week per employee. Investing in a reliable phone system can help your business avoid this type of lost time and increase overall productivity.

There are various types of phone systems available in the UK, each with their own unique features and benefits. In this blog post, we will explore the different options available and provide tips on what to consider when choosing a phone system for your business.

PBX (Private Branch Exchange) systems are traditional phone systems that are used by businesses to handle incoming and outgoing calls. These systems use a central server to route calls, allowing multiple lines to be used simultaneously. PBX systems are typically installed on-premises, meaning they require hardware to be installed and maintained. One of the main advantages of PBX systems is cost savings, as they allow businesses to use a single phone line for multiple phone extensions. They are also flexible, as they can be easily scaled up or down to meet the needs of a growing or shrinking business. Some popular PBX systems in the UK include Avaya and Cisco.

Virtual PBX systems are a newer type of phone system that allows businesses to make and receive calls using the internet. These systems do not require any hardware to be installed, making them easy to set up and maintain. Virtual PBX systems are also highly scalable, allowing businesses to easily add or remove phone lines as needed. Some popular virtual PBX systems in the UK include RingCentral and 8×8.

Cloud-based phone systems are a type of virtual PBX system that are hosted and managed by a third-party provider. These systems allow businesses to make and receive calls using the internet, without the need for any hardware or maintenance. One of the main advantages of cloud-based phone systems is cost savings, as businesses only pay for the services they use. They are also easy to scale up or down to meet the needs of a growing or shrinking business. According to a study by Forbes, the adoption of cloud-based systems has increased by 19% in the past year, with the majority of small businesses now using some form of cloud-based technology. Some popular cloud-based phone systems in the UK include Vonage and Skype for Business.

On-premises phone systems are traditional phone systems that are installed and maintained on the premises of a business. These systems require hardware to be installed and are typically more expensive to set up and maintain than other types of phone systems. However, one of the main advantages of on-premises phone systems is that businesses have complete control over their system, including security and maintenance. Some popular on-premises phone systems in the UK include NEC and Mitel.

When choosing a phone system for your business, there are several factors to consider. Budget is an important factor, as different types of phone systems have varying costs for setup and maintenance. It’s important to choose a system that fits within your budget and meets the needs of your business. Size and needs of the business are also important, as different types of phone systems may be more suitable for small, medium, or large businesses. Ease of use and maintenance is another factor to consider, as a complex or difficult to use system can be frustrating for employees and clients. Integration with other systems is also important, as a phone system that can easily integrate with your business’s other systems can streamline communication and improve efficiency. Finally, scalability is an important factor, as a phone system that can easily be scaled up or down to meet the needs of a growing or shrinking business can save time and money in the long run.

In conclusion, there are various types of phone systems available in the UK, each with their own unique features and benefits. PBX systems, virtual PBX systems, cloud-based phone systems, and on-premises phone systems are all options to consider. When choosing a phone system, it’s important to consider factors such as budget, size and needs of the business, ease of use and maintenance, integration with other systems, and scalability. A reliable phone system is crucial for communication with clients and employees, and choosing the right one can improve efficiency and overall productivity for your business.