Article Summary
As a Startup in the UK, choosing the right communication system is critical to maintaining smooth operations and staying connected with clients, team members, and partners. VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) telephone systems have become increasingly popular for startups due to their cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and advanced features. In this guide, we’ll help you identify the Best VOIP telephone system for UK Startups that will fit your needs and help your business grow.
What is VOIP and Why Do Startups Need It?
VOIP is a technology that allows voice communication over the internet, instead of through traditional phone lines. VOIP systems convert your voice into digital signals and transmit them via your broadband connection. For startups, this offers several advantages:
- Cost Savings: VOIP systems often have lower costs than traditional landlines, especially for long-distance or international calls.
- Scalability: As your startup grows, VOIP can easily scale with you, adding or removing users as needed.
- Remote Work Compatibility: VOIP systems support remote working, allowing team members to make and receive calls from anywhere.
- Advanced Features: Many VOIP providers offer additional features such as call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, video conferencing, and more.
Top VOIP Telephone Systems for UK Startups
RingCentral
Best for: Overall Features and Flexibility
Overview: RingCentral is one of the leading VOIP providers globally, offering a comprehensive package of communication tools tailored for startups. It combines VOIP telephony with video conferencing, team messaging, and integrations with popular software like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.
Key Features:
- Unlimited UK calls
- Customisable call handling
- Mobile and desktop apps for remote work
- Auto-attendant and call routing
Pricing: Starting at £7.99/user per month (for basic plans)
Why It’s Great for Startups: RingCentral’s flexibility and robust features make it ideal for fast-growing businesses.
Voipfone
Best for: Small UK Startups
Overview: Voipfone is a UK-based VOIP provider with a specific focus on small businesses and startups. They offer simple, flexible, and cost-effective VOIP solutions.
Key Features:
- Low-cost call rates
- UK-based customer support
- Virtual switchboard functionality
- Pay-as-you-go pricing structure
Pricing: Plans start from as low as £2 per user per month
Why It’s Great for Startups: Voipfone’s pricing model and UK-based support are perfect for small startups that need reliability on a budget.
8×8
Best for: Unified Communications
Overview: 8×8 offers a complete suite of unified communication services, including VOIP calling, video conferencing, and messaging. Their cloud-based service is perfect for startups that need seamless communication across multiple channels.
Key Features:
- Unlimited calls to 47 countries
- CRM integration
- Mobile app and web-based access
- AI-powered customer experience tools
Pricing: Starts at £12 per user per month
Why It’s Great for Startups: 8×8 provides a powerful, scalable solution that can integrate all forms of communication into one platform.
Vonage
Best for: Versatility and Customisation
Overview: Vonage offers highly customisable VOIP systems that allow startups to tailor features according to their specific needs. It’s known for its call quality and reliability, making it a popular choice for both small and medium-sized businesses.
Key Features:
- Free calls within the UK
- Customisable call flows
- Voicemail to email
- Advanced API integrations
Pricing: Starts at £10 per user per month
Why It’s Great for Startups: Vonage allows businesses to customise their plans, ensuring startups only pay for the features they need.
BT Cloud Voice
Best for: Traditional Startups Transitioning to VOIP
Overview: BT Cloud Voice offers a hybrid VOIP solution, integrating traditional phone services with modern internet-based communication. This is an ideal option for startups looking to switch from a traditional landline but still want the security and reliability associated with British Telecom.
Key Features:
- Call handling and forwarding
- Cloud-based access to calls and voicemail
- Reliable customer support
Pricing: Available on request
Why It’s Great for Startups: If you’re transitioning from traditional phone lines, BT’s service offers a familiar system with modern flexibility.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a VOIP System for Your Startup
Pricing and Contracts
Startups often operate on tight budgets, so it’s essential to choose a VOIP provider with affordable pricing plans and flexible contract terms. Many providers offer monthly pay-as-you-go pricing, so you’re not locked into long-term commitments.
Ease of Setup and Use
Look for a VOIP system that is easy to set up and manage without needing extensive technical knowledge. Cloud-based solutions are usually straightforward to implement, and many providers offer onboarding assistance.
Scalability
As your startup grows, your communication needs will evolve. Choose a VOIP provider that allows for easy scaling, so you can add or remove users without significant hassle or expense.
Call Quality and Reliability
The quality of your phone calls is critical to maintaining professional relationships. Research customer reviews to ensure the provider you choose offers clear, reliable call quality with minimal downtime.
Features
Different VOIP providers offer a range of additional features, such as voicemail-to-email, video conferencing, or CRM integration. Ensure you choose a provider with the right mix of features for your business needs.
Conclusion
Selecting the Best VOIP telephone system for UK Startup can have a significant impact on your business’s ability to communicate effectively and grow efficiently. Based on pricing, scalability, and advanced features, options like RingCentral, Voipfone, and 8×8 stand out as leading contenders. Evaluate your specific needs, such as budget, team size, and required features, to find the ideal system for your startup.
Investing in a reliable VOIP system now will not only save you money but also provide the communication tools necessary for your startup’s success in the competitive UK market.
FAQs
1. Can I switch to a VOIP system if I already have a traditional landline?
Yes, many VOIP providers offer porting services that allow you to keep your existing phone number.
2. How does VOIP improve remote working for startups?
VOIP systems often come with mobile and desktop apps, meaning your team can make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection.
Find out more about RingCentral
Find out more about Voipfone
Find out more about 8×8
Find out more about Vonage
Find out more about BT Cloud Voice
