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Get free accessIf your business needs a new phone system, it can be difficult to know where to start. There are a lot of options on the market—but which one is right for you? We’ve compiled all the information you need right here to ensure your business makes the right call.
It might be challenging to know where to begin when looking to replace or upgrade your business telephone system in Manchester. There are several types of solutions out there, but which is best for you? We’ve gathered all the information you need in one place to ensure you make the right call.
Why do I need a business phone system?
Saving time and money are the two main areas of focus for businesses in Manchester. The best part about the right business phone system? You can tick both boxes at once—you just need to know what you’re looking for.
Whether you're a member of a small team or the manager of a growing department, it's critical to find an effective solution. Instead of spending money on expensive software, or having to expand your staff outside of priority hiring areas, you should be looking for ways to achieve high productivity at low cost. That’s where a business phone system comes in.
Types of business phone systems
Let's look at some of the possible systems your business could adopt so you can decide which one best meets your needs. Don't be put off by the technical jargon; we’ll keep things as straightforward as possible as we run through the four most important options available.
And if you need more information, you can always check out our blog..
Analogue
A traditional phone system, transmitting voice signals over copper wires.
PBX
Also known as Private Branch Exchange. Multiple analogue phone cables combine to give each one the ability to support 23 individual lines.
IP PBX
Almost identical to the PBX, except the voice signals travel via the internet instead of physical cables.
VoIP
Short for Voice over Internet Protocol, run through the cloud. Share information between your phone system and other software tools, enable remote work and virtual call centre capabilities, and unlock new competitive advantages.
Why should I upgrade to a cloud-based system?
In the UK, every phone system will be digital by December 2025. That isn’t a forecast; the government has confirmed this course of action in an effort to modernise the nation's communications infrastructure.
Every phone line will use a digital network after the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) is shut down, meaning an upgrade will be happening for everyone sooner or later.
For businesses, this is good news: digital phone systems have been shown to be much more effective and cost-effective. So why not make the switch to a digital phone system now and get ahead of the competition?
Selecting the phone system that works for you
Offers and discounts. Trials. Demos. You’ll have your pick of any and all of the aforementioned options from a wide range of suppliers looking to win your business. But how can you tell which ones are worthwhile and which are smoke and mirrors?
Below, we’ve put together a summary of some of the important factors to think about while you’re mulling over your options.
Interested to learn more? Check out our step by steps guide on how to evaluate the right business phone system for your business.
Demos and trials
Utilise the chance to discover more about the product and see it in use first-hand. Both of these options are available through Aircall: a seven-day free trial or a demonstration from one of our experts.
Clear and fair pricing
Make sure service charges are transparent and that you understand exactly what you’re purchasing. Ask about minimum user requirements, billing frequency, cost per user per month, and customisable plans to ensure there are no surprises down the line.
Integrations
Instead of operating independently from your current software stack, your phone system should interact with it. Before making the leap, be sure you can combine your CRM, sales, and customer service platforms—and any potential platforms you may have an eye on for the future.
Meaningful support
To make sure everything runs well at all times, assistance—or an in-depth resource base—should be readily available to help answer any questions. Consider it a warning sign if a provider's website makes it difficult to find customer support.
Authentic client feedback
On their websites, most suppliers will feature customer reviews—but do they really present the whole picture? For a true understanding of the service you're about to invest in, be sure to visit independent websites like G2.
VoIP’s implications for your business
Now we’ve covered the services on offer, it's time to think about the benefits. This will make it easier for you to know exactly what to anticipate when installing a VoIP phone system in Manchester.
Every company has its own goals and issues to address, and yours is no different. Five of the most crucial elements to take into account as you start your market research are listed below—and if you need more information, you can find it on our blog.
Lower prices, lower call rates
Compared to wired options, system installation and maintenance are substantially less expensive. Numerous providers offer bundles that include reduced international minutes, in addition to unlimited local calling.
Convenient remote working
As long as you have access to a reliable internet connection, you can place and receive calls from various devices anywhere around the globe. A win-win for remote and hybrid teams.
A system that grows with you
If your needs change, so will the demands placed on your phone system. Upsize or downsize the scope of your chosen solution in a few clicks, whatever your new circumstances require.
Unlock more multitasking
Modern sales and support teams should still have access to whatever information they need, when they need it—even if you're on a call. View a customer or prospect's status in your CRM, helpdesk or other business tool, forward messages, and have your voicemails transcribed all from one location, all while the call continues.
Call quality, prioritised
Now for some more technical speak. Lossless algorithms are used by VoIP systems to compress audio and video while preserving quality. The outcome? Connection speed and reception are at optimum levels 99.9% of the time. Not bad.
What features does my business need?
You've examined the offers. The potential advantages have been explored. You've reached the last port of call, and the most important: the product.
Below, we define precisely what phone system vendors mean when they speak about the capabilities you need and utilise frequently. From here, you can start comparing the services provided by the suppliers you've identified. Then, it’s decision time.
International numbers
Claim local and international numbers for your business in 100+ countries—even if your team works a continent away.
Call routing
Direct calls to the correct teammates every time through customised distribution and ring rules.
Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
Set up a smart directory that automatically guides callers to the correct team on their first try.
Warm transfer
Give your team the ability to quickly speak to one another before transferring a live call.
Call queuing
Give inbound callers the option to remain in a queue until one of your agents is available to talk.
Call recording
Review call recordings to help confirm details, monitor quality, and guide training sessions.
PowerDialer
Sales reps can quickly compile a list of numbers and call them all in just one click—completely integrated with your CRM.
Analytics
Keep track of your call centre metrics—such as waiting time, missed call rate and call volume—all in one place.
Why choose Aircall for your business in Manchester?
Finding a provider that best suits your business needs isn’t easy, but hopefully all the information we’ve provided acts as a valuable resource while doing so.
With that in mind, it’s time to make your decision. But before you do, we’d like to give you one last helping hand. Here’s what Aircall can offer you:
Dedicated local support
With a team based in the UK, we’re always on hand to assist with anything you need—from implementation and setup, to scaling with your business, and beyond.
Set up in seconds
Whether for your sales team, support team, or both, Aircall can be set up in minutes. Ensure all your staff onboard successfully with step-by-step instructions and a whole host of resources to get up to speed in no time.
Connect your tools
Integrate with your CRM system, helpdesk solutions and hundreds more platforms businesses like yours use every day.
VoIP in Manchester and Nearby Cities: Aircall has you covered.
Aircall's VoIP phone system is available in Manchester, and other cities in the UK, including:
Try Aircall for 7 days for free to experience the platform for yourself, and discover exactly what the benefits of VoIP can bring to your team.
