Will demand for London offices mean more 020 numbers?

Date: 06/05/2011

A growing number of businesses could be looking to purchase 0207 phone numbers.

This is because, according to the latest UK Commercial Market Survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics), uptake of office space in the capital is increasing.

During the first quarter of 2011, the organisation found demand for premises rose "dramatically".

A total of 43 per cent more surveyors reported growth in requirements, rather than declines.

It is thought this trend is being driven by the financial services industry and ancillary professional service sectors, which could mean firms operating in these markets are looking to buy new 020 numbers.

Rics chief economist Simon Rubinsohn said: "London still appears to be where most of the activity, whether in the investment or occupiers markets, is taking place."

These results support the findings of the annual Global Real Estate Markets report from Knight Frank, which found that last year, London office take-up increased by 57 per cent compared with 2009.