---
title: Understanding business telephone numbers
description: Business Telephone Number
---
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1. [After Company Formation](https://help.1stformations.co.uk/after-company-formation?hsLang=en-gb)
2. [Business Telephone Numbers](https://help.1stformations.co.uk/after-company-formation/business-telephone-numbers?hsLang=en-gb)
# Understanding business telephone numbers
## Use a business phone number to enhance your company’s credibility
Using a personal mobile number for business purposes can suggest a very small business and reduce trust. A dedicated business number offers several advantages:
- **Improved credibility:** A professional number reinforces your company’s legitimacy
- **Better accessibility:** Customers can reach you easily through a clear, consistent contact point
- **Privacy protection:** Keeps your personal number separate from business communications
### What we offer
- A dedicated UK business phone number, with no technical expertise required to set it up
- Call forwarding to your preferred device (e.g. mobile or landline)
### How it works
Once you’ve been assigned your business telephone number, you can start sharing it with clients.
When someone calls your business number, the call is automatically forwarded to your chosen device, keeping your personal number private at all times. When you answer, you’ll hear a brief call whisper notifying you that it’s a business call, so you can respond professionally.
### How to get set up
###### **If you formed your company with 1st Formations**
You may have received a business telephone number free of charge for the first three months as part of your package. If so, within 24 working hours of your company being formed, you’ll receive an email containing a link to your Business Telephone Number onboarding form.
Simply click the link and complete the form. Once submitted, we’ll review your details and send you your new business telephone number within 1 working day.
💡Remember to check your spam or junk folder if this email cannot be located.
###### **If you already have an existing company**
You can [get set up](https://www.1stformations.co.uk/business-telephone/) for just £9.99 +VAT per month. Once you have placed the order, you will receive your onboarding form via email. We’ll then send you your new business telephone number within 1 working day.
### Call forwarding charges
There are no call forwarding charges for calls redirected to UK phone numbers. International call forwarding is billed at BT Standard Rates. Call forwarding charges will be billed in arrears.
### Can I make outbound calls or send SMS messages using this number?
No. This service provides a call forwarding number only.
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