What Are 02 Numbers? Does Your Business Need One?

When running any kind of business, it’s so important to make sure you have a memorable and accessible number for your customers to get in touch with. Even if you’re a sole trader just using a mobile phone to start off with, a professional prefix and memorable number really can make all the difference from a marketing standpoint.

More on that later – but, have you ever considered setting up an 02 number?

02 numbers are fairly common with businesses of all shapes and sizes – and, it just so happens that they hold a few unique benefits you won’t expect with other number prefixes.

So, in this guide, we’ll explore why it might be worth investing in an 02 number of your own for your business, and the benefits it could bring for years to come. Let’s dive in.

What are 02 Numbers?

02 numbers are prefixed, geographical numbers that are fixed to specific points in the UK. Specifically, they were reserved around the start of the millennium for some of the biggest cities and metropolitan areas, such as London, Portsmouth, Birmingham, and Cardiff. They’re also used in Northern Ireland.

That means, most of the time, households and businesses that have numbers with 02 prefixes will use landlines rooted in those areas. For example, an accountant in Birmingham or a London printing firm might use an 02 prefix because that’s where their offices are based.

However, thanks to the rise of hyperfast broadband and VoIP, we now live in an age of virtual numbers. These are numbers granted to businesses via the cloud, meaning you can make and take calls with data rather than having to use traditional telephony.

In fact, virtual numbers are becoming increasingly popular with small to medium businesses, mainly because of their flexibility – and, for more lucrative marketing reasons we’ll explore very shortly.

Calls to 02 numbers are charged at the standard rate from most call packages, for mobiles and landlines alike. That means they’re often included in tariffs without extra charges, though callers do still have to keep their eyes peeled for exceeding minutes or calling after hours (if they don’t have the appropriate package).

Why Do Businesses Use 02 Numbers?

The most obvious reason for businesses using 02 numbers is simply because they’re based in the areas where they are given out! For example, many London businesses will have 02 numbers, and it’s often a great call sign to suggest that a business is based in the capital.

That said, there are plenty of reasons why businesses based elsewhere might also want or need an 02 number. Remember the virtual numbers we mentioned earlier? Here’s where they pay off.

Virtual 02 numbers allow you to give the impression that your business is based in a large city area – again, like London or Birmingham – which can help to add professionalism and garner trust from customers and first-time callers.

Ultimately, mobile numbers – whether you’re a sole trader or a larger outfit – don’t come across as the most professional, especially when you’re aiming to grow your firm.

On top of that, if you’re a freelancer and don’t have a fixed office, but still operate largely in city and metropolitan areas, you can get a virtual 02 number in minutes – and don’t have to worry about renting office space or any of the confusing setup woes that come with it.

02 numbers also help you to access customers and prospects based in specific areas. So, again, let’s say you want to target people living and working in Southampton. You’d pick up a virtual number with a Southampton prefix, which is 023 (also covering Portsmouth).

That means people can see that your business covers that specific area. It’s a great option if you mainly trade on a local basis.

That said, unless you choose the 020 London prefix, which is usually seen as a standard across the country, 02 lines may restrict you slightly if you want to attract callers from all corners of the UK.

For instance, a Birmingham number might not attract people calling from, say, Sheffield, Nottingham, or Leeds. Instead, you might choose an 0345 number, or even an 0800 freephone number to appeal to people who want to avoid call charges (and who doesn’t?).

On top of all of this, 02 numbers are highly cost-effective for business owners. There’s no need for you to worry about paying per call, and at VoIPer, local and national landline prefixes are super affordable from just £9.95 a month.

Are 02 Numbers Right for You?

At VoIPer, we offer a range of virtual number services to help sole traders and business owners to replace existing mobile phone and landline numbers with something more professional and memorable.

And, you won’t lose access to your usual number. You’ll simply be able to route calls through to your normal phone through the virtual prefix – meaning there’s no need to switch numbers completely or to muddle things around with your network or landline provider.

VoIPer’s virtual geographic numbers provide you with unlimited incoming calls, and on top of that, an extra 500 minutes a month for outgoing calls from your 02 prefix. With a short 12-month contract, you’re completely covered for calls coming and going with your new line.

Of course, there are other choices to consider at VoIPer, too! If you decide that an 03 or 0800 prefix would be better for business, take a look around our product catalogue and see what suits you best.

Above all, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll have an appealing new number that’s professional and steadfast – which will encourage people to get in touch just from seeing your prefix alone.

Now is the time to make use of virtual numbers through VoIP – call our team or get in touch via chat today to learn more about how we can take your business communications to the next level.