For many small businesses, traditional phone systems can be expensive, inflexible, and out of step with today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world. Modern Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solutions offer an affordable, flexible, and scalable alternative, making them an ideal choice for businesses looking to stay connected without breaking the bank.
The numbers speak volumes about the VoIP revolution. Recent UK business technology surveys reveal that:
- Approximately 65% of UK small businesses have already adopted VoIP solutions
- Businesses can save up to 50% on their communication costs by transitioning to VoIP
- Over 70% of UK companies now support some form of remote or hybrid working model
Whether your team works from home, in the office, or out on the road, VoIP provides a cost-effective way to maintain seamless communication. With features that go far beyond voice calls – such as integration with other business tools and the ability to connect from any device – it’s no surprise that 65% of UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have already switched to VoIP.
As a small business you may be constantly balancing cost and performance. VoIP systems are more than just a budget-friendly option – they empower businesses to operate more efficiently and adapt to changing needs. Businesses using VoIP report savings of up to 50% on communication costs, making it a smart investment for SMEs.
VoIP is particularly beneficial for businesses with remote or dispersed teams. Sales agents on the road, field staff, and remote workers can all make and receive business calls using their mobile phones or laptops, ensuring they stay connected wherever they are.
VoIP for In-Office Comms (and Multi-Office Teams)
VoIP is transformative for in-office and multi-office setups. For businesses operating across multiple locations, VoIP offers a unified communication system that bridges geographical gaps and creates a seamless experience for both employees and clients.
In an office environment, VoIP allows teams to work smarter with features like shared phone directories, call queues, and internal extensions that make transferring calls between colleagues or departments effortless. For example, a small business with offices in London and Manchester can operate as though they are under one roof, with VoIP routing calls between locations at no extra cost. This not only improves collaboration but also ensures that customers receive consistent, professional service, no matter which office they contact.
One particularly useful feature for multi-office setups is call analytics and reporting, which provides detailed insights into call volumes, durations, and response times. Managers can use this data to ensure no calls are missed and resources are allocated effectively. This level of oversight helps businesses maintain high service standards and adapt to changing customer needs.
By integrating VoIP across all locations, businesses can future-proof their communication infrastructure while reducing the cost and complexity of maintaining separate phone systems for each office.
VoIP in Action: Flexible, Affordable, and Effective
The flexibility of VoIP allows teams to work from virtually anywhere. With the ability to handle calls on multiple devices – be it a laptop, smartphone, or desk phone – VoIP ensures businesses can respond quickly and professionally, no matter where their teams are based.
A part-remote worker can begin their day in a home office, effortlessly handling business calls with crystal clear audio, joining team meetings via video conferencing, and accessing voicemails through their email – all made possible by the flexibility of VoIP.
Mark Williams, Senior Client Relations Manager at b2b IT Services (Personic is part of the b2b IT services group), says:
“VoIP has been a game-changer for so many of our clients. We’ve worked with a local finance consultancy whose team was split between home offices and the road; their traditional leased phone system just couldn’t keep up. When they switched to VoIP, their monthly phone bill dropped and suddenly, their remote staff had the same access to the system as those in the office. It’s not just about saving money – it’s about making communication seamless for everyone.”
What is Microsoft Teams Phone?
For businesses already invested in Microsoft Teams and who’s staff rely and use it daily, the Teams Phone with Calling Plan is an excellent option. It integrates voice calls, video conferencing, live chat, and file sharing into a single platform, making communication simple and efficient.
Key features include:
- High-quality business calls: Reliable, crystal-clear audio for internal and external communication.
- Global connectivity: Easy access to clients and colleagues, wherever they are.
- Microsoft integration: Syncs seamlessly with tools like Outlook, SharePoint, and OneDrive.
However, Microsoft Teams Phone is just one solution in the range of voice communication options offered by Personic. While Teams Phone is perfect for businesses that rely on Microsoft 365 tools, we also offer alternative VoIP systems tailored to different business needs and budgets.
Supporting a Remote and Dispersed Workforce
In a world where more employees are working from home or on the move, having a reliable communication system is critical. VoIP enables small businesses to support their teams wherever they are, ensuring consistent communication and collaboration.
Field agents and sales reps can take business calls on their mobiles while accessing the same features as their in-office colleagues. Remote workers can stay connected with clients and co-workers through call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, and team messaging features. By streamlining communication, VoIP gives businesses the tools they need to succeed in a hybrid work environment.
One standout feature of VoIP is its call forwarding functionality, which ensures that no call goes unanswered. For example, a sales representative on the road can have calls automatically routed from their office number to their mobile device, allowing them to respond to clients without delay. Similarly, a remote worker can set their system to forward calls to their home office during work hours and then redirect them to voicemail or another team member outside of these times. This level of control over call routing not only enhances productivity but also ensures a professional response every time.
The Future of Business Communication for SMEs
Unified Communications (UC) is the next evolution in business communication. For small teams, UC platforms bring together essential tools like messaging, video conferencing, and voice calls, all in one place. By simplifying communication, these platforms improve productivity and collaboration.
Luke Hodge, Director at b2b (Personic is part of the b2b IT Services Group) says:
“Why see telecoms and IT differently? One point of contact, seamlessly upholding your business ~ Relationship and not transaction, IT and not telecoms.”
At Personic, we specialise in helping small businesses embrace the future of communication. Whether you need a simple VoIP system or a fully integrated UC platform, we’ll work with you to find the perfect solution.
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Modern VoIP solutions are affordable, flexible, and perfectly suited to the needs of small businesses. From saving money to supporting remote teams, VoIP empowers businesses to work smarter, not harder. If you are interested in our VoIP option or improving your Microsoft Teams with a Phone add-on, Personic is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today to find out how we can transform your business comms.