020 numbers 'perfect for creating a city presence'

Date: 26/05/2011

For the majority of businesses, London is likely to be a prime location, being as it is the capital of England and the largest city in the country.

When customers and clients see that a company is located in the heart of the financial district they are bound to think it means business and has managed to forge a successful enterprise.

Of course, when moving into new office premises firms will have to ensure they are easily contactable and memorable phone numbers are an essential part of this.

Although there are plenty to choose from, 020 numbers are likely to be the perfect purchase as they have several benefits to both the firm and its clients.

First of all, these collections of digits present a local image to customers, instantly informing them that the enterprise they are dealing with is located in London. This could encourage trade, thus generating further revenue.

Furthermore, all manner of businesses could take advantage of 0203 numbers, from financial firms or insurers, to retailers, travel providers or estate agents.

As well as benefiting the brand, 020 numbers also spell good news for their customers when they call to make an enquiry.

Because they are local numbers they are charged at normal rates, no matter whether they are contacted from a mobile phone or landline. This is bound to keep consumers happy and ensure they do not get disgruntled by having to pay a premium price to make an enquiry.

Furthermore, this may boost a company's profile by portraying it as a business that offers good customer service and considers the needs of its clients.

When purchased from Commsready, enterprises receive a one-month free trial to its online Call Management tool with their 020 numbers. This could set them up with a very effective telecommunications system as it offers statistics for the number of calls missed and received, as well as when the peak hours of the day for call traffic are.

Similarly, firms can use the free online Call Statistics tool to track their communications and enhance their marketing efforts - something that could be particularly useful for start-ups.

However, it is not just companies based in London that can benefit from 020 numbers. Those located in other areas of the country can also use the digits to create a better impression to clients and suggest they are situated in the capital.

When consumers dial the numbers, they are automatically redirected to an alternate telephone number of the company's choice. Although this is normally a local landline, it can also be a mobile number.

Customers are likely to be happy because they are still charged at local rates, while businesses benefit from giving the impression of being situated in a major city.

If companies choose to purchase their local numbers from Commsready, they have a range of different area codes to choose from, depending on their whereabouts.

North of the border, numbers with Aberdeen, Perth, Glasgow and Edinburgh codes are all provided, while there are also digits available for the major Midlands cities. One of these includes Birmingham, which is likely to be a target market for many enterprises not situated in London due to its status as England's second city.

Businesses located in Wales can get local Cardiff numbers, while there are plenty available to those based in Antrim and Belfast in Northern Ireland.

These numbers may be ideal for regional organisations that do not wish to pay the high rental prices often accompanying city centre office space, but are keen to promote themselves as a thriving and reputable company.