Cloud Based Phone Systems

Choosing a cloud-based telephone system offers businesses greater flexibility, cost savings, and scalability compared to traditional on-premise setups. Because calls are managed over the internet, there’s no need for expensive hardware or complex installations—making it ideal for remote or hybrid working. Cloud systems also come with a wide range of advanced features such as call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, CRM integration, and real-time analytics, all accessible from anywhere. Whether you’re an SME or a growing enterprise, a cloud based business telephone system provides a future-ready, professional-grade solution that’s easy to manage and scale as your needs evolve.

The best phone systems for small business are those that combine affordability, scalability, and advanced features without the need for complex on-site infrastructure. Cloud-based VoIP systems are ideal, as they provide professional-grade features such as call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, auto-attendants, and remote access—all through a simple internet connection.

Non-geographic numbers (e.g. 0330 or 0800) can also give small businesses a more professional image and broaden their reach beyond local areas. Combined with cloud contact centre tools, small businesses can offer customer service on par with larger organisations, helping them grow without the burden of traditional system costs.

Switching from a traditional PBX to a VoIP phone system is a straightforward process, especially with the right telecoms provider. The first step is assessing your current setup—how many users, what features you use, and the quality of your internet connection. From there, your provider can recommend a VoIP solution that mirrors or enhances your current functionality.

SIP trunking can be used as a transitional step, allowing your existing PBX hardware to route calls over the internet. Alternatively, a full migration to a hosted VoIP system means your phone service will be cloud-managed, reducing hardware reliance and offering easier remote management. Most providers offer porting services so you can retain your business numbers with minimal disruption during the switchover.

Non-geographic numbers (NGNs) are telephone numbers that are not linked to a specific geographic location within the UK.

Unlike standard landline numbers that begin with area codes (such as 020 for London or 0161 for Manchester), non-geographic numbers typically start with prefixes like 03, 05, 08, or 09.

These numbers are often used by businesses to project a national presence, manage call routing more efficiently, or offer services such as customer support or information lines. They can be an effective tool for improving accessibility and presenting a professional image, regardless of where your business is physically located.

Preparing for the future with a cloud-based phone system means equipping your business with a flexible, scalable solution that can adapt to changing working practices and customer expectations. With the upcoming PSTN switch-off in the UK, moving to a cloud-based business phone system ensures your communications remain uninterrupted and future-proof. These systems support remote and hybrid working, integrate seamlessly with collaboration tools and CRMs, and can easily scale as your team grows—making them ideal phone systems for small business and larger organisations alike. By switching now, you’ll stay ahead of the curve and ensure your business remains agile, responsive, and competitive.

Unified communications (UC) refers to the integration of various communication tools and technologies – such as voice calling, video conferencing, instant messaging, email, voicemail, and collaboration platforms – into a single, cohesive system. This unified approach allows users to switch seamlessly between different communication methods and devices, improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing collaboration across teams and locations.

UC systems are often cloud-based and accessible from anywhere, making them ideal for modern workplaces that prioritise mobility, flexibility, and real-time communication.

Cloud telephony is a form of Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) that enables voice calls to be made over the internet via a third-party provider. Rather than housing the network and routing components of your business phone system on-site, cloud telephony moves everything off-premises. The system is hosted in the cloud, meaning your data is securely stored on remote servers and accessed online.

From a user perspective, the experience remains largely unchanged – calls are made and received just as before.

Behind the scenes, however, the technology is more advanced. Instead of routing calls through an on-site PBX, they’re seamlessly delivered to your phone using intelligent cloud-based switching, offering a more flexible and efficient communication setup.